MXPA02010638A

MXPA02010638A - Fastening with wide fastening membrane.

Info

Publication number: MXPA02010638A
Application number: MXPA02010638A
Authority: MX
Inventors: George A Provost
Original assignee: Velcro Ind
Priority date: 2000-04-26
Filing date: 2001-04-26
Publication date: 2003-05-14
Also published as: AU2001257391A1; EP1278964A2; WO2001081771A9; WO2001081771A2; JP2003531981A; WO2001081771A3; CN1209560C; CN1430708A; CA2407516A1

Abstract

A method of releasably fastening objects together includes providing a first object (101, 201, 701, 901, 1101, 1301) with a continuous hook fastener membrane (100, 200, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1500 ) having a base of thermoplastic resin and an array of hook fastener elements (102, 202, 702, 902, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1502) formed contiguously with resin of one side of base; and releasably engaging complementary loop fastener elements (104, 204, 704, 904, 1104, 1204, 1304, 1504) of a second object (103, 203, 703, 903, 1103, 1203, 1303, 1503) to the fastener selements of the first object. The method is improved wherein the base of the fastener membrane is a permanently stretched sheet of resin having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than about 0.38 mm (0.015 inch). Advantageous variations of fastening membranes, and methods of making and using them in building storing/protecting, and decorating applications are also disclosed.

Description

FASTENING WITH WIDE BRAID MEMBRANE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, membranes and other cardboard and sheet materials are incorporated into many different facilities to protect against a wide range of environmental conditions. Examples include geotextiles to protect against erosion or water penetration, roofing membranes and building wrapping materials to protect against rain and wind, and membranes as well as sheet materials, block fibrous material and cardboard that serve as barriers to Steam and sound barriers. Other environmental products include thermal insulation for buildings and materials used for exterior protectors, tarpaulins, platform wrappers and packaging materials, machinery and boat covers, plant covers and other covers for agricultural use, and temporary covers on landfills. Generally, such products are cost sensitive considering the manufacturing and labor required to apply them or secure them in place. Prior work in the area of broad fasteners includes U.S. Patent No. 6,035,498 and U.S. Patent No. 5,945,131, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference as fully set forth herein. . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention characterizes an environmental membrane that can advantageously be of substantial dimensions both in length and width, comprised of a base layer of thermoplastic resin and, on at least one broad surface of the membrane, a dispersion of elements fasteners, for example, hook and ring fastener elements, which are available for clutch with complementary material to secure them to the membrane. An important preferred feature of many aspects of the invention is that the base layer of the membrane is in a condition permanently stretched across (the direction of the machine being the direction of its continuous production), in some cases the base layer being in a stretched condition both in the width direction and in the direction along, and in some cases important cases oriented biaxially. Preferred techniques for forming and stretching such a base layer are described in the US patent applications 08 / 789,637 filed January 27, 1997, now abandoned in favor of USSN 09 / 070,865 filed on April 30, 1,998, now US Patent 6,035,498 and USSN 09 / 518,853 filed March 3, 2000, all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In most cases the base layer has a thickness between about .001 inches and .015 inches, preferably less than about .008 inches, while in some important cases the thickness is less than .005 inches, in some cases even less. than .003 inches. Depending on the particular type of membrane and fastening needs, the fastener elements are typically present in density of between about 50 to 2000 fastener elements per square inch, the fastener elements generally being distributed over the wide, full clamping surface of the membrane, or over a margin or other region in which the union is desired. In important cases, the density of the fastener elements is at least 300 fastener elements per square inch. In certain broad aspects of the invention, the fastener elements can be in any way provided in any way, including post-forming or post-molding after the manufacture of the base sheet, but in preferred cases the fastener elements are constructed for fastening hook and ring, and are formed integrally with the base sheet before stretching the base sheet. In certain preferred embodiments, the fastener elements are hook-shaped, while in other cases the fasteners are ring-shaped., or are insulated fibers that function as rings. Widely, the ring engagable hook elements can be mushroom, palm tree or single or multi-directed hook, and can be integrally formed with the blade, or can be post-formed partially or completely after the blade is manufactured base. In certain preferred embodiments, the hooks are discretely molded elements, formed simultaneously with the base sheet. In particularly preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the hooks are of conical profile, originating from a broad base on the base sheet to a relatively narrow ring engagable hook. Important embodiments of the above aspects of the invention include one or more of the following characteristics. The hook elements or fasteners are discretely molded elements, each preferably having a profile, in the primary loading direction or in certain cases, in the machine direction, which is like the base of a pyramid (pyramidal), originating from taper from a relatively broad profile base that is integral with the common base layer of the membrane to a narrower portion formed in a hook. The membrane has dimensions of at least two feet in both length and width and in important cases, the dimensions of at least three feet or five feet or more in length, width or both. The thermoplastic resin from which the fastener elements and the membrane is formed is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and nylon, copolymers thereof, compatible blends thereof and blends compatible with other compatible materials such as materials such as rubber or rubber selected. In important cases, the plastic resin includes a biocide or fungicide capable of preventing the growth of biological material such as mulch or fungus, or it includes a U.V. or another additive to protect the membrane from deterioration or includes a repellent of vermin or insects. Also, in important cases the formed membrane is in a post-treated condition, for example, after being formed, becoming permeable or semi-impermeable to air or moisture vapor in the case of construction or agricultural cover wrappings, or to infiltration of water, in the case of geotextiles of the type built to retain dirt while they are able to pass water. In other products, according to the invention, the base layer of the membrane is impermeable to water, or impermeable to air, or retains solids, or impenetrable or repellent to vermin or so-called "vectoi", referring for example to rodents, birds and insects that can disturb the object that is protected. In case where the fasteners are defined by ring material, it is preferable that they comprise a stretched and perforated nonwoven material formed, for example, by the techniques described in the US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 922,292, filed on September 3. of 1997 or 09/262, 159, filed on September 3, 1999 or 09 / 322,663, filed on May 28, 1999, each of which is incorporated for reference. In some cases the non-woven material is pre-stretched and laminated to a pre-stretched plastic basecoat; in other cases the materials are laminated before the final stretch, the stretching of the base plastic layer serving to help form clutch-engaging formations in the fibers of the non-woven material. In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, in a method for detachably securing objects includes (a) providing a first object with a continuous hook fastener membrane having a thermoplastic resin base and a set of hook fastener elements formed contiguously with resin on one side of the base; and (b) releasably engaging hook fastener elements complementary to a second object to the fastener elements of the first object; there is an improvement (c) in which the base of the fastener membrane is a permanently stretched resin sheet having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than about 0.38. mm (0.01 5 inches). Variations of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics. The first object is a wall of a construction, the second object is a wall cover, the method includes securing the hook fastener membrane to the wall, and then releasably engaging the complementary ring fastener elements of the wall cover with the fastening elements of the hook fastening membrane. The first object is a subfloor of a construction, the second object is a floor covering, the method includes securing the hook fastening membrane to the subfloor, and then releasably engaging the complementary ring fastening elements of the floor covering with the fastener elements of the hook fastening membrane. The first object is a roof of a construction, the second object is a roof cover, the method includes securing the hook fastener membrane to the roof, and then releasably engaging the complementary ring fastener elements of the roof cover with the fastener elements of the hook fastening membrane. The roof cover is a shingle table. The second object is a band, the method includes covering a piece with the hook-holding membrane and then releasably securing the hook-holding membrane in place by releasably engaging the ring-engaging elements complementary to the band with the elements fasteners of the hook fastening membrane. The first object is a sheet of insulating material, the second object is a construction structure, the method includes securing the hook-holding membrane of the insulating material to clutch rings placed in the building structure. The hook fastening membrane of the first object is a vapor barrier, the second object is a construction structure, the method includes securing the vapor barrier to the construction structure by releasably engaging the hook fastener elements complementary to the structure of construction with fastener elements of the hook fastening membrane. Any of the variations of this aspect of the invention may also include one or more of the following characteristics. The hook fastener membrane is permanently stretched only in a direction corresponding to its width. The thermoplastic resin of the hook fastening membrane is oriented biaxially. The base layer has a thickness less than about 0.13 mm (0.005 inches). The hook fastener elements are discreetly molded hook shaped projections. The hook fastener membrane has a width of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet). The fastener elements are present in a density of at least about 300 elements per square inch generally on one side of the base of the hook fastening membrane. The thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and nylon, copolymers thereof, and compatible mixtures thereof with each other or with other compatible materials. The plastic resin includes a biocide or fungicide capable of preventing the growth of biological material such as mulch or fungus, or includes an absorbent additive U.V. or a fire repellent and another repellent or agent to protect the membrane or objects with which it is associated with deterioration or damage. The hook fastener membrane is permeable to a selected environmental fluid such as water, steam or air. In another broad aspect of the invention, a method for securing a protective cover for an exterior of the construction includes (a) securing a hook fastening membrane to the exterior of the construction, the hook fastening membrane including a base layer of thermoplastic resin and a set of hook fastener elements contiguously formed of the thermoplastic resin of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a broad surface of the base; and (b) engaging complementary ring fastener elements of the protective cover to the fastener elements of the hook fastener membrane to releasably secure the protective cover to the exterior of the construction; (c) characterized in that the base layer of the hook fastener membrane is a permanently stretched sheet having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than about 0.38 mm ( 0.015 inches). In another broad aspect of the invention a method for attaching a decorative cover to an interior of the construction includes (a) securing a hook fastening membrane to the interior of the construction, the hook fastening membrane including a base layer of thermoplastic resin and a set of hook fastener elements contiguously formed of the thermoplastic resin of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a broad surface of the base; and (b) engaging complementary ring fastener elements of the decorative cover to the fastener elements of the hook fastener membrane to releasably secure the decorative cover to the interior of the construction; (c) characterized in that the base layer of the fastener membrane is a sheet permanently stretched widthwise having a continuous length, a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet) and a gap of between approximately 0.025 mm (0.001 inches) and 0.38 mm (0.01 5 inches). In another broad aspect of the invention, a method for closing a space includes (a) providing a hook fastener membrane that includes a base layer of thermoplastic resin and a set of hook fastener elements contiguously formed of the thermoplastic resin of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a wide surface of the base; (b) providing a support structure that includes complementary ring fastener elements; and (c) securing the hook fastener membrane to the support structure by engaging the hook fastener elements with the ring fasteners to thereby close the space defined by the support structure; (d) characterized in that the base layer of the fastener membrane is a permanently stretched sheet having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than about 0.38 mm (0.01 5 inches) ). In another broad aspect of the invention, a method for securing a protective cover around an object includes (a) placing the protective cover around the object, the protective cover including a hook-holding membrane that includes a base layer of thermoplastic resin and a set of hook fastener elements contiguously formed of the thermoplastic resin of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a broad surface of the base; and (b) securing the protective cover around the object with bands having complementary ring fastener elements for clipping with the hook fastening elements; (c) characterized in that the base layer of the fastening membrane is a permanently stretched sheet having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than about 0.38 mm (0.015 inches) . In another broad aspect of the invention, a method for removably securing a floor material to a subfloor includes (a) permanently joining an intermediate floor layer to the subfloor, the intermediate floor layer having a base with a first broad surface and a second floor layer. wide, opposite surface, the first wide surface having a dispersion of fastener elements available for its clutch, the second broad surface being placed for its attachment to the subfloor; (b) providing floor material having a joining surface and an opposing floor surface, the joining surface carrying a complementary ring fastening material engagable by the fastening elements of the intermediate floor layer; and (c) releasably engaging the complementary fastening material of the floor material with the fastening elements to removably secure the floor material to the subfloor; (d) is characterized in that the first broad surface of the base and the fastener elements are formed integrally from the same thermoplastic resin, the first broad surface being a permanently stretched sheet having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness less than approximately 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). Variations of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics. The intermediate floor layer further comprises a backing material laminated to the second surface of the membrane for attachment to the subfloor. The step of permanently joining the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor comprises at least one of stapling, clamping or screwing. The backing material comprises a dimensionally stable material such as pressed cardboard or foamed or non-foamed plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride. The step of permanently joining the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor further comprises unscrewing the intermediate layer of a storage roll and placing the intermediate layer for its attachment to the subfloor. The floor material comprises slabs. The slabs have marginal portions formed to be secured with similar slabs adjacent to assist alignment of the slab during installation and to avoid spacing between adjacent slabs during use. The composite floor bra is in the form of a roll. The dimensionally stable material has a plurality of parallel grooves across its width to provide flexibility and to allow the composite floor fastener to be wound.

The fastener elements have conical profile bodies, conically outwardly from a relatively wide base in the base layer to a smaller dimension and being of thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer, the hook fasteners being exposed for clutch with engagable material by complementary hook to secure it to the membrane and being present in density of between about 50 to 5000 fastener elements per square inch generally on the first broad surface of the membrane. According to another broad aspect of the invention, a waterproof roof membrane is provided which is constructed and installed to serve as an important structural element, directly or through an intervening layer, to a rough roof. In important cases, a large surface of the membrane carrying hook or other fastener elements is adapted to face upwards, for its clutch with compatible fastening material associated with exterior roof elements such as shingle boards, floor slabs or platforms. exteriors that cover the floor membrane. In important cases, the roof membrane is associated with waterproof material on its bottom surface, for example, the floor membrane being formed, or being provided with a layer of adhesive, or waterproof material. In important cases a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating is provided on the lower surface of the base layer of the membrane (with or without an intermediate layer), the membrane is wound by itself in a supply roll and the upper surface of the elements Membrane fasteners are of substance and configuration that allow the releasable clutch with pressure sensitive adhesive, or a release layer is interposed. In another aspect, the invention is characterized by a roof membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface from which a preferably wide dispersion of discrete hook elements is placed, the hook elements being of resin integral thermoplastic with the base layer and available for clutch with hooked clutch material to secure it with the membrane, the membrane having a lower surface that has suitable properties to be applied to a roof, and the wide surface of the roof membrane adapting to address upwards, featuring hooks directed upward to secure its clutch with ring material associated with exterior roof elements such as shingle boards, roof slabs or outer decks. Preferably, this base layer comprises a plastic sheet oriented or biaxially stretched or permanently stretched across. In particular embodiments the resin includes a biocide or fungicide, and the membrane has a layer of waterproof material or pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to its bottom surface. According to the invention, there is provided an installed roof comprising a roof membrane of one of the described forms, installed in a roof structure, and exterior roof elements such as roof slabs, shingle boards or exterior platforms that have at least under the surface portions comprised of compatible fastener material, are clutched with fasteners from the outer surface of the roof membrane to secure the roof elements in place. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a roof comprising a roof structure having a supporting surface carrying roof elements such as roof slabs, shingle boards or outer platforms, a membrane carrying a fastener is attached to either (1) the support surface of the roof or (2) at least portions below the surface of the roof elements, while a compatible fastener material having fastener elements clutched by the fasteners of the membrane joins the other of the support surface or the portions below the surface of the roof elements. According to another broad aspect of the invention, an outer wrapping material of the construction is provided which comprises a membrane carrying a fastener which is permeable to moisture vapor but windproof, the membrane being sized to wrap around portions of a construction and having fastener elements positioned to engage by Complementary fastener material to secure the wrapping material to other construction components. In certain embodiments, the outer construction wrapping material has integral fastener elements that are adapted to face inwardly of the construction to engage and be supported by complementary fastening material previously attached to the construction structure. In these and other important embodiments, the outer construction wrapping material has fastener elements adapted to face the construction for clipping by complementary fastening tapes to secure the wrapping material to the construction or to complementary fastening material on the inward facing surface. of other elements of the construction such as material for external wall cladding, pressed fiber or insulation, the construction wrapping material supporting, at least in part, the other elements of the construction. In another aspect, the invention is characterized by an outer wrapping membrane of construction comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface of which a preferably wide dispersion of discrete hook elements is placed, the hook elements being of integral thermoplastic resin with the base layer and available for its clutch with clutch material by hook to secure it to the membrane, the membrane being windproof, the hook elements being placed to clutch by ring material for fastening. Preferably, the base layer of this construction wrapping membrane comprises a plastic sheet permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially oriented or stretched plastic sheet. According to the invention, there is provided a construction at least partially enveloped by an outer building envelope material, in which the elements of the building wrapper material dispersed on its lower surface lie against the construction lining and define with it the spaces of air, cavities or relatively insulated cells, a construction is provided in which the fastener elements dispersed on the outer surface of the construction wrapping material project outward from the construction and are engaged by complementary fasteners in fastening tapes to secure the wrapping material in the construction, or by compatible fastening material associated with the undersurface of another construction material such as wall sheathing or insulation or pressed fiber that is at least partly supported by membrane fasteners. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a construction having its outer surface at least partially covered by a construction wrapping material, a membrane as described above either serving the securing paper to the exterior surface of the construction with fasteners which face outwards, or inwards, or both, and a complementary fastening material having fastener elements embraced by the fasteners of the membrane serves the complementary fastening paper not served by the membrane. According to another broad aspect of the invention, an insulation product is provided in which a membrane carrying a fastener forms at least part of an outer surface or cover of a block of fibrous material, or of a portion of a roll, or a sheet or construction insulation board, which can be thermal insulation or sound insulation, or both. The insulation is disposed within a cover formed by the membrane or laminated to the membrane, and the fasteners of the membrane are exposed on the outside of the fibrous material block or portion of the insulation roll or sheet in regions engageable with material of complementary fastening arranged in projection, laminated joists or beam cavities or against construction surfaces to secure the block of fibrous material or portion of the roll or insulation sheet or board in place. In another aspect, the invention comprises a block of fibrous material, sheet or construction insulation board adapted for sound or heat insulation purposes, comprising the insulation disposed in or against an outer cover, the outer cover comprising, at least in part, a base layer of thermoplastic resin and, placed on at least one wide surface of the membrane, a wide dispersion of discrete hook elements. The hook elements are made of thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer and are available for clipping with hooked clutch material to secure it to the membrane. The hook elements of the membrane are exposed on the outside of the block of fibrous material, roll, sheet or insulation board in closable regions with ring material arranged in projection, laminated beam or beam cavities or against surfaces to secure the block fibrous material, portions of the roll, sheet or insulation board in place. Preferably, the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an insulated structure comprising a block of fibrous material, portion of a roll, sheet or construction insulation board as described placed between wall studs, laminated beams or beams or against surfaces of a structure of construction and clutch in areas of complementary fastening material secured to the shoulders, laminated beams, beams or surfaces of other construction materials. In another aspect, an insulated structure is provided, comprising cavities or building surfaces defined by ridges, laminated beams or building material, with blocks of fibrous material or portions of rolls, sheets or construction insulation boards placed against the surface or within the cavities, a membrane as described either serving the role of a cover for building insulation, or the paper providing cavity or surface clamping surfaces, to which construction insulation is secured, and a material complementary fastener having clutch fastener elements by the fastener elements of the membrane serves in the other fastening paper not served by the membrane. According to another broad aspect of the invention, a pressed fiber board or panel is provided, which may be, for example, gypsum board, pressed fiber, blue cardboard or insulation board, or a preformed synthetic or wood panel which comprises a flat member to at least one side of which a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across the width is attached, in some cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet having the characteristics as described, preferably the broad surface of the membrane that carries the fastener elements facing outwards. In another aspect, the invention comprises such a pressed fiber board or panel comprising a flat member to at least one side of which a membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, and placed on at least one wide surface of the membrane is joined. there is a dispersion of discrete hook elements, the hook elements having a conical profileconically from a relatively wide base in the base layer to portions of relatively narrow hook, and being of thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer and available for its clutch with hook engagable material to secure them to the membrane, the wide surface of the membrane that carries the hook elements facing outwards. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a plastic sheet permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. Another embodiment is a pressed fiber board or construction panel having a flat surface to at least one side of which a membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin is bonded onto at least one broad surface of the membrane being a dispersion of clutch rings per ring, the rings facing out, available for your clutch with hook to secure them to the membrane. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a biaxially secured or biaxially oriented plastic sheet permanently stretched across. In preferred embodiments, the ring material is provided by a non-woven assembly, punctured with staple fibers which, subsequent to piercing, has been stretched and substantially joined from the back in that state. According to another broad aspect of the invention, a roof or wall covering is provided in the form of a tapestry, fabric, paneling or insulation having a decorative side and an oppositely directed side, and a plastic sheet is attached to the last side. permanently stretched widthwise, in certain cases the sheet being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet, the sheet fasteners facing inwards for attachment to a complementary fastening surface placed on a roof structure or support wall . In another aspect, the invention comprises a wall covering comprising a carpet, fabric, paneling or insulation having a decorative side and an opposite side directed to the latter of which is joined a membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin. Arranged on at least one large surface of this membrane is a dispersion of discrete hook elements, the hook elements having a conical profile from a relatively wide base to the base layer and being of thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer and available for its clutch with engagable hook material to secure it to the membrane, the hook elements of the membrane facing inwardly for attachment to a ring surface positioned on a support wall. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a biaxially oriented plastic sheet. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall that is defined by an extended support surface carrying a wall covering, and a membrane of permanently stretched plastic or biaxially oriented joins either (1) the surface of wall support or (2) the wall cover, while a compatible fastener material clutched by the fasteners of the membrane joins the other of the support surface or wall cover. In particular embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the support surface comprises pressed fiberboard or a building panel, and the complementary membranes having characteristics according to the invention are on both sides thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is a wall defined by an extended support surface carrying a wall cover. There is a membrane having a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface of which there is a dispersion of discrete profile hook elements which is tapered out from a relatively wide base in the base layer, being of integral thermoplastic resin with the base layer, these hook elements are available for clutching with clutchable material by hook to secure it to the membrane. The membrane is attached to either (1) the supporting surface of the wall or (2) the wall covering, while a ring material capable of being engaged by the hook elements of the membrane joins the other of the surface of the membrane. support or wall cover. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. Another embodiment of the invention comprises an installed ceiling defined by an extended support surface carrying a roof covering comprising a carpet, fabric, roof slab or thermal or sound insulation of the roof, and a membrane permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic membrane, it is attached to either (1) the roof support surface or (2) the roof cover, while a compatible fastener material capable of being clutched by the fasteners of the membrane joins the other of the supporting surface or roof covering. The complementary membranes having characteristics according to the invention can respectively be found on both of these surfaces. Another embodiment is an installed ceiling defined by an extended support surface that bears a roof covering comprising a carpet, roof slab fabric or thermal insulation or roof sound. There is a membrane having a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface of which there is a dispersion of discrete profile hook elements which is tapered out from a relatively wide base in the base layer and being integral thermoplastic resin with the base layer and available for clutch with hooked clutch material to secure it to the membrane. The membrane is attached to either (1) the roof support surface or (2) the roof cover, while a ring material capable of being engaged by the hook elements of the membrane joins the other of said support surface or roof cover. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a floor membrane comprising a plastic membrane permanently stretched across, in some cases a biaxially oriented or biaxially oriented plastic membrane, the floor membrane having a lower surface that it has adequate physical properties to join a subfloor (either directly or through an intervening layer), the broad surface of the floor membrane adapting to face up, presenting fasteners directed upwardly for its clutch with complementary fastener elements associated with a finished floor material such as ceramic slab, vinyl or cork, hardwood floor (in particular, hardwood flooring) or carpeting. In preferred embodiments a waterproof material or layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is attached to or forms part of the membrane. Another embodiment of the invention is a floor membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface of which is a dispersion discrete hook elements having a profile that is tapered out from a relatively wide base In the base layer and being of thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer, the hook elements are available for clutching with clutchable material by hook to secure it to the membrane. The membrane has a lower surface that has adequate physical properties to join a subfloor, and the wide surface of the membrane is directed upwards, presenting hooked elements directed upwards for its clutch with rings associated with a finished floor material such as ceramic slab, vinyl or cork, wooden floor (in particular, bands hardwood floor) or carpeting. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. In another embodiment, a floor comprises a subfloor, at least one layer of waterproof material or adhesive substance is adhered to the subfloor, and a membrane is secured or laminated to at least one layer of waterproof material or adhesive substance, the membrane comprising a permanently stretched plastic sheet widthwise, in certain cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet having its wide surface carrying fastener elements directed upwards, and the floor material having compatible fastener material under its clutch surface with fastener elements of the wide surface. In certain preferred embodiments, the floor material comprises respectively ceramic slab, a slab of composition such as rubber or vinyl slab, a wooden floor such as oak floor strips, or carpeting. In certain cases the floor is that of a tent, a sales outlet, a commercial display, a movie or TV studio, a theatrical setting, or another low-cost or temporary structure.

Another embodiment of the invention is an installed floor comprising a subfloor, preferably at least one layer of waterproof material or adhesive substance adhered to the subfloor, a membrane secured to or laminated to at least one layer of waterproof material or substance. adhesive, or directly to the subfloor, the membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface of which is a dispersion of discrete hook elements having a profile that becomes tapered from a relatively wide base in the base layer and being of thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer, the hook elements are available for clutching with clutchable material by hook to secure it to the membrane. The membrane has its wide surface which carries the hook elements directed upwards, and the floor material has hookable clutch ring material under its surface engaged with the hook elements of the wide surface. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a sheet permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. According to another broad aspect of the invention, a protective membrane carrying a dispersion of fasteners, preferably a component of a hook and ring fastener, is constructed and installed to form a flexible outer waterproof cover, such as rain or water underground In certain embodiments, a flexible outer waterproof cover comprises a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface of which is a dispersion of discrete hook elements of thermoplastic resin which are integral with the base layer and available for your clutch with clutch material by hook to secure it to the membrane. Preferably, the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. In certain embodiments, the outer cover is in the form of an underground cover, typically black or dark green, adapted to resist deterioration when exposed to sunlight. In certain cases, the outer cover is constructed in the form of a greenhouse cover or roofing material, the cover or roofing material being at least translucent, capable of transmitting a substantial fraction of incident light. In certain cases a greenhouse or other roof comprises one or more roof supports having fastener material in the supports and two membrane portions as described. One of the portions of the membrane comprises an outer layer, which has its fastener elements directed inward, and engaged in an outer portion of the fastening material in one or more of the ceiling supports, while the other of the portions or membrane comprises a layer interior, which has its fastener elements directed outwardly and engaged in an interior portion of fastener material in one or more ceiling supports. Another embodiment of the invention is a greenhouse or other roof comprising one or more roof supports having a ring material on its outside and two membrane portions each comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin on at least one broad surface of the roof. which is a dispersion of discrete thermoplastic resin hook elements integral with the base layer for clipping with hook engagable material to secure them to the membrane. One of the membrane portions comprises an outer layer, which has its hook elements directed inwardly, and engaged in an outer portion of ring material in one or more of the roof supports. The other of the membrane portions comprises an inner layer, which has its hook elements directed outwardly and engaged in an inner portion of ring material in one or more of the roof supports. In preferred modalities, the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across or a biaxially oriented. Another embodiment of a protective membrane carrying a fastener is a flexible outer waterproof cover that is dimensioned, constructed or installed as a canvas, and which is associated with bands comprised of compatible fastener material, the tarpaulin or the bands at least being stretchable . Other embodiments of flexible outer covers having fastener characteristics as described include: a protective cover for shrubs, trees, plant material, tray loads or packages such as gifts to protect the covered object during shipping or storage, the sized protective cover and formed to wrap around the object and secure by compatible fastener material engaged in the fastener elements of the cover; a vehicle or boat cover comprising the outer cover sized or formed to wrap around the boat or vehicle and secured by clutch ring material on the fastener elements of the cover; the exterior deck sized and constructed as an agricultural cover to cover agricultural objects such as land around developing plants, protective cover for tobacco plants, hay balers, straw stacks, silage, farm machinery, or land; a geotextile comprising an outer shell of the type described, sized and constructed to be used in containment or diversion water or to prevent erosion or to run the drainage pipe as in a so-called French drainage system; or a pool cover sized and constructed to cover a pool. Another embodiment of the invention comprises an object with an overlay of furniture or the like, an inner cover comprising a membrane having fastening characteristics as described, secured on the object with the fastening elements directed outward, and an outer material (such as finished overlapping fabric) having compatible fasteners (such as fabric waves) directed inward and engaged with membrane fasteners generally above the exterior of the object. Another embodiment of the invention is a movable sheet or bearing comprising a wide padding or padding layer and a cover in the padding or padding, the cover comprising a membrane having fasteners as described, the fastening elements being exposed to clutch by elements compatible fasteners to secure them in place. In preferred embodiments, the movable sheet or bearing includes strips of compatible fastener material capable of engaging the fastener elements of the moveable sheet or bearing, with at least the membrane or bands being stretchable. Another embodiment is a movable sheet or bearing comprising a broad padding or filling layer and, in padding or filling, a cover membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one broad surface of the membrane being a dispersion of discrete thermoplastic resin hook elements integral with the base layer and available for clutching with clutchable material by hook to secure it to the membrane, the hook elements of the membrane generally being distributed on the outside of the object. Preferably the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across the width and preferably the sheet or movable bearing is associated with bands of ring material capable of engaging the hook elements of the movable sheet or bearing, preferably at least the membrane or the webs. rings being stretchable. In another embodiment, an insulation sheet comprises a sheet of insulating material covered on at least one side with the protective membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one wide surface of which there is a dispersion of discrete hook elements. of thermoplastic resin that are integral with the base layer and available for clutch with clutch material by hook to secure it to the membrane. Preferably, the base layer comprises a sheet of plastic permanently stretched across, in certain cases being a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic sheet. Another aspect of the invention is the method for making a barrier membrane or protective product of selected properties comprising continuously forming a selected resin plastic layer with integral projections by the use of a rotating mold roll having cavities of mold of preselected dimensions, then heat and stretch the layer at least in width, substantially increase the width of the membrane, and therefore, dimensioning, cutting and installing the membrane in the form of the selected product, the stages of forming and stretching interacting cooperatively to provide the selected properties. Preferred embodiments have one or more of the following characteristics. The method includes the step of treating the layer formed of plastic to render it permeable to a selected degree. The method includes drilling the formed sheet, preferably the perforation, which is produced by electric discharge perforation, laser drilling, punch roll drilling, drilling or sheet treatment with a beam of energetic electrons. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims and drawings, and from the descriptions of our U.S. patent applications and patents that have been incorporated for reference above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 and 2 illustrate a method for manufacturing a membrane of products of the invention. Figure 3 illustrates a membrane of roofing material. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A of Figure 3. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of roof shingle boards secured to the roof membrane of Figure 3 which it is fixed to a roof, while Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 4. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a roof shingle table. Figure 6 illustrates a membrane used to secure roofing materials. Figures 7, 7A and 7B illustrate diagrammatically methods for manufacturing composite floor fasteners incorporating floor fastener membranes similar to that of Figure 6. Figure 8 illustrates an alternate floor fastener member used to secure flooring materials. Figure 9 illustrates the floor fastener member of Figure 8 being used to secure floor material to a subfloor. Figure 10 illustrates a floor fastener composite in a roll form, not installed. Figure 1 1 illustrates the floor fastener composite of Figure 10 in a rolled state capable of receiving a mating floor material. Figure 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the floor fastener composite of Figure 1. Figure 13 illustrates an apparatus and method for forming the floor fastener composites of Figures 1 and 12. Figure 14 illustrates a membrane used as a membrane. wrapping exterior structure, protector. Figures 15 and 15A are cross-sectional views of steps of securing structural members to a membrane having a fixed hook to a structure. Figure 16 illustrates a membrane used to install insulation in a structure. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a membrane used for boards of pressed fiber and insulation while Figure 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 17. Figure 1 8 illustrates a membrane carrying a hook used. to secure roof members. Figure 19 illustrates a membrane used to secure wall members. Figure 20 illustrates a membrane used as a protective tarpaulin. Figure 21 illustrates a membrane used to build a protector. Figure 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a support member for a shield having the membrane of Figure 21. The similar reference symbolism of the various drawings indicates similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES As previously indicated, the protective membranes of substantial dimensions in both length and width carrying a field of fasteners, are formed by stretching a thermoplastic sheet, preferably after the hooks are integrally molded with the sheet or other fastener elements are attached to the sheet. A protective membrane with integral hooks and having substantial dimensions in length and width, typically at least about two feet to about five feet, and often much more is generally formed in accordance with the method described in pending applications USSN 08 / 789,637 filed on January 27, 1997, USSN 09 / 070,865 filed April 30, 1998, now US Patent 6,035,498 and USSN 09 / 518,853 filed March 3, 2000, which are incorporated herein in their entirety. To briefly summarize, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the membrane is preferably manufactured by pulling the fused resin in sheet form from the flanges of the nozzle of an extruder, in a fold formed by two satin counter-rotating rolls. At least one of them is a roll of mold, which defines on its surface a field of small mold cavities, for example, of hook form suitable for fastening hook and ring. In the fold an extended field of hook fastener elements is molded on at least one surface of the thin membrane that is formed by the satin rolls. As shown in figure 2, the sheet is then stretched widthwise to 4 to 5 times its original width to produce a membrane having biaxially oriented polymeric molecules, which provides resistance to the stretched membrane. With suitable choice of resin and thickness for the particular application, the substantial width of the stretched membrane that is achievable by the process is allowed to be constructed to serve as a protective barrier in the numerous new uses and structures described herein. The membrane includes a base layer typically comprising a biaxially oriented plastic sheet of thermoplastic resin. Depending on the application, the resin used may be homo-polypropylene, polyethylene homo-terephthalate, homo-nylon, and homo-polyethylene, and copolymers and / or mechanical blends of these polymers. The resin is specially selected to achieve appropriate properties for the new product. For example, the roof members (as described below), a polyethylene terephthalate resin can be prepared because of its hardness and the strong hooks it forms, capable of supporting vertical weight. For extremely wide membranes as used where seams are undesirable, a polypropylene resin is preferred because of its ease of stretching to a greater extent. By choosing suitable resin and thickness, the thermoplastic resin base layer of the stretched membrane can act as a protective barrier that is impermeable to air and impermeable to water, or with properties especially adapted to the application. Disposed on at least one wide surface of the membrane is a dispersion of fastener elements, in many cases, preferably discrete hooks for hook and wave fastening. As used herein, "hooks" broadly include any hooking element, for example, hooks with hooks, hooks of palm tree shape or fungus, etc. , which can be engaged with a compatible ring material, for example, a perforated, non-woven ring material or a woven or sewn ring material. The hooks are typically present in a density of between about 25 to 2,000 hooks per square inch on at least one surface of the protective membrane, depending on the application for the membrane. The hooks, made of thermoplastic resin, preferably formed integral with the base layer, are available for engaging with clutchable material by hook, for example, a layer of hooks, to secure the material to the membrane. In this way, not only the membrane of the invention can serve as a fastener, but due to its substantial dimensions, the membrane can also serve as a protective membrane, for example, against water, air, pests, etc. , with the additional advantage of being able to secure the clutch materials by hook in it. Other examples of techniques for forming ring-engaging elements are those described in European Patent Application EP 0 852 91 8 A2 and corresponding patent publications, and in WO / 00/00053, text and drawings of which are incorporated herein. for reference.

When the protective membrane carries ring fasteners, it is advantageous for the thermoplastic resin film to be formed by the well-known blown film method, to produce a biaxially oriented film, which is then laminated to a non-woven, perforated that has been stretched extensively, preferably biaxially, for example, as described in USSN 08/922, 292, filed September 3, 1 997, USSN 09/262, 1 59, filed March 3, 1999 and USSN 09 / 322,663, filed on May 28, 1994, all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In other cases, a preformed ring material can be introduced with fused resin into the fold of a pair of satin rolls in which a plastic membrane is formed on the back of the ring fabric or ring embodiment, the composite then stretching to how wide Generally, applications of the membrane of the invention are directed to wide area covers. The membrane is typically placed on an object with hooks or other fasteners giving out, away from the object. In some applications, additional material, such as shingle boards, having a coupling layer, e.g., ring layer, secured to the membrane by seizing the ring layer to the membrane hooks. Depending on the application, the membrane is easily treated with an adhesive to secure the membrane to the object and to provide an added waterproof layer. Additionally, the membrane or coupling layer may include a biocide or fungicide, to prevent the growth of biological material such as mulch and fungus, or an ultraviolet absorbing agent to protect the membrane from deterioration. New specific products include, but are not limited to, roofing material, flooring material, construction wrapping, insulation wraps, roofing material, wallpaper, canvas, geotextiles, roofs for greenhouses, objects with overlay, movable bearings, sheets and insulation sheets. Although only certain methods for manufacturing the protective membrane have been described above, it should be recognized that, within the broader aspects of the invention, the protective membrane described can be manufactured by other methods. For example, these methods can extrude a sheet of molten plastic into a roller fold or a narrow space formed by a nozzle formed around a roll and subsequently stretch the sheet both in length and width after being formed (with or without molecular orientation) . Also, the well-known "cut and stretch" method can be employed, in which the parallel projections of hook profile, formed integrally with a base plastic layer, are repeatedly cut transversely without cutting the base layer and the layer The base is then stretched in the axial direction of the projections to separate the hook segments, as well as across the width to provide the necessary width and length for the membrane or sheet.In addition, although the methods of application for the membrane described below suggest placing the membrane in the object to be protected, it should be noted that, for appropriate applications, the placement of the membrane and the ring layer can generally be reversed, with the layer having rings placed on the object to be protected.Meanwhile an aspect of the invention is , in general, the concept of providing a new protective membrane that carries a field of fasteners, produced by described techniques, other asp The invention relates to specific protective membranes and also to systems for using them and specific combinations of the membrane with other elements that form new end products and uses. Generally, a protective membrane and the object to be secured to the hooks of the membrane can undergo three types of forces: tension, separation and cutting. According to the invention, these properties are selected for a given membrane product, to perform the new function for which the product is designed only. For example, roof decks have fasteners that are built to be especially strong under tensile forces to support the attached roof slabs or other roofs. The roof membrane hooks are built to be particularly resistant to separation forces, to securely join roof shingle boards. A membrane mounted to the wall to support slabs in vertical walls has fasteners specially constructed to be strong in cutting, to support the slabs vertically. Generally, the size of the cooperating rings depends on how much force the object will experience; and the size of the hooks is related to the size of the rings. For example, roof slabs can be secured with hooks # 24 available from Velero USA, Inc., Manchester, New Hampshire, although wall slabs can be secured with hooks # 3905 available from Velero USA, Inc.

Other special properties for specific membranes according to the invention depend on their new application, including thickness, inflexibility across width and strength, color, and other properties revealed to the new application. For example, if the membrane is used as a roofing material, the membrane may be black to better accommodate the effects of sunlight while a membrane specially constructed for a greenhouse roof is typically translucent to pass the sun's rays. New Ceiling Membrane Referring to Figure 3, the membrane 100 comprises a protective roofing material for a structure 10, such as a house or building. The membrane base sheet 100 is constructed to be a protective barrier impermeable to water and impermeable to air. It carries a uniform field of molded hooks on its upper surface, and, in the particular embodiment shown, an edge band of ring material along at least one edge of the side facing downward. This reinforcement that carries a hook fastener is adapted to join roof shingle tables. The roof membrane 100 is typically provided in a supply roll 105 and is wound onto the roof 101, for example, as altered paper, to cover the entire roof with hooks leading up and away from the roof 1 01. The membrane 100 can be fixed to the ceiling 101 by a number of advantageous methods, or combinations thereof. In one example, the membrane 1 00 is pre-coated on its lower surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive such as a rubber-based adhesive 1 13 which is compatible with the roofing material 101, for bonding to the roof. Such adhesives can be chosen so that the membrane can be easily released when it is wound on itself, or a release sheet can be interposed between successive layers of membrane in the roll. Additionally, the adhesive can be selected to serve as an added waterproof barrier, further protecting the structure from the effects of rain and wind. A ceiling installation can be provided by applying material having a ring layer on one surface and a layer of hooks on another surface, such as provided by the ribbons 107 of Figure 3A. The membrane can also be fixed mechanically to the ceiling, for example, by means of staples and nails, 1 1, Figure 3B. The seams between adjacent layers of membrane 100 can further be sealed with overlapping sealing tapes 1 07 which protect against spillage at the locations of puncture points of the staples or nails. Preferably, the overlapping sealing tapes 107 have a lower surface of ring-engagable rings, and an upper surface of hooks, for example, of density corresponding to that of the membrane 100. The lower surface may include a membrane adhesive sealant material. 100 and the tape base layer 107, to complete the watertight seal. A self-bonding tape 107 can be made, for example, by laminating a layer of rings to the back of a preformed hook membrane. In another embodiment, the material is introduced to form the rings, for example, loose fibers, with the molten resin fed entering a forming fold, either by the use of free fibers or a fabric defining a stretchable ring. Using either of these methods, after forming the base layer with hooks on the opposite side in the forming fold, the composite can be stretched to a very thin base thickness since the layer of fibers forming a ring can be stretched along with the base layer. In a low-cost method of producing a roof membrane, only the outer edge margin of the back of a membrane is provided with rings, as shown in Figure 3. The middle region of the back of the sheet can carrying, for example, a sealant or an altered paper layer, optionally impregnated with the flame retardant or sealing substance to provide thickness at low cost and strength. The ring margin 109 of the sheet is placed in the coating region of successive courses of the membrane, with the rings facing down to engage the hooks in the course of the lower membrane. The resulting membrane has hooks that extend upwards throughout its entire extension to receive roof elements, such as shingle boards, slabs, and platforms, as described below. The membrane 100 of Figure 3 can be advantageously covered with roof elements such as shingle boards 103, as shown in Figure 4. Each shingle board 1 03 has a specially provided lower surface comprising a ring layer 1 04 Each shingle board 1 03 is joined to the roof 101 by engaging the rings 104 of the shingle board to the hooks of the membrane 100 (and / or the belt 107) in the roof 1 01.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the shingle board 103 further includes a band of hooks 140 positioned in the lower margin of the upper surface of the shingle board to be engaged by the ring layer in the lower margin of the lower surface of the covering roof element, see figure 4A. The band of hooks 140, typically 1 or 2 inches wide, in this way better secures the exposed edge of the shingle board 103. In this manner, the shingle boards 1 03 placed on the roof 1 01, are secured in their lower surface to the membrane 1 00 and to the shingle tables that cover, and in turn help to assure the additional shingle tables that cover them. In certain preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, fungicide or biocide is incorporated in the substance of the membrane or ring material to protect the organic growth ceiling 101. New Floor A floor reinforcement, in the form of a protective membrane, is specially manufactured to secure finished floor materials. The membrane has hooks on its upper surface that are built to be strong in the separation and cutting, and the stretching of the membrane during its manufacture solves the problem of achieving a wide field of molded hooks in an economically practical way with respect to the cost of materials and placement work. Floor materials that can be secured to this new reinforcement include, but are not limited to, ceramic, vinyl and cork slabs; parquet blocks; hardwood floor; and carpeting. In Figure 6, a floor 21 is shown to be completely covered with membrane 200, which has a uniform field of hooks 202 that face upwards, away from the subfloor which is for example concrete 206 or support beams 208. (Figure 6 is suggestive of the hooks but does not show its uniform dispersion on the complete floor which is the currently preferred mode). The membrane 200 covering the floor offers the advantages of sound insulation by providing a layer of air space defined by the hooks and rings and a uniform cushioning effect provided by the dispersion of straight hooks, for example, avoiding hard feel and Sounds running through the concrete sub-floors 206 are typically provided, see left side of Figure 6. The membrane 200 can be coated with a strong, permanent adhesive that prevents fungus, mulch or other organic growth. In one example, the membrane 200 (or a laminated backing described below) includes a fire retardant additive to resist diffusion of flame through or through the floor using such a floor membrane 200. When a temporary installation is desired, the membrane 200 may be coated with a temporary adhesive or temporarily stapled or nailed. This feature is useful for, for example, a carpet floor of a tent, a store, a commercial display, a movie or TV studio or a theatrical setting. The finished floor materials 203, for example, slabs or hardwood floor are provided with a layer of clutch rings by hook 204 on its bottom surface to engage the hooks 202 of the membrane 200. When the floor material is for example a slab, the joints between the slabs can be filled directly into the membrane 200. In an alternative embodiment, the extended or stretched membrane reinforcement widthwise provides a ring surface directed upwards, and the hooks are provided on the lower surfaces of the membrane. the finished floor elements. Also, as described in the previously incorporated U.S. Patent 6,035,498, an aggregate material can be laminated to the stretched membrane on the opposite side of the fastener members. After forming and stretching the member, for example, as described above with reference to Figure 1, the aggregate material is laminated to the membrane. As illustrated in figures 77A and 7B, the stretched membrane is heated by heating the unit 216 in such a manner that the fastening members do not deform appreciably. With the backing surface 21 9 of the web of the membrane in a heat-softened condition, the aggregate material 220 of a source spool 22, or rigid aggregate material 220 'in a flat spare shape (FIG. 7A) is brought into Contact with the backing surface of the net 200 as the net is passed over a rolling roller 224 before being bent in the take-up roll 226 or accumulating as a stack 226 'of flat sheets in the case of rigid aggregate material 220' (figure 7B) for later use. In the embodiment of figure 7, the net 200, under a degree of tension, is oriented around an arc of the roll of rolling, by means of which pressure is exerted between the backing surface of the net 219 and the aggregate material. As it cools and solidifies, the backing surface of the net 21 9 permanently adheres to aggregate material 220 supplied from the laminating roll, to form a two-sided product 228 that can be many feet wide, with fastener members on one side and the material added on the other side. For new floor reinforcements, the aggregate material may be, for example, a foam material that advantageously provides sound absorption qualities to the installed floor and also provides increased friction between the subfloor and the floor membrane. In another example, the rigid aggregate material 220 '(Figures 7A and 7B) is pressed board to provide support to the membrane and provide a stable surface for improved adhesion of the membrane to the subfloor. In yet another example, the rigid backing material 220 'is a foamed, rigid plastic sheet, such as a foamed polyvinyl chloride sheet sold commercially under the trademark "Sintra" ™. In one embodiment, illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, a composite floor reinforcement 300 is provided having a stretched membrane 302 with exposed fastener elements 304 and a laminated pressed cardboard backing 306. The composite floor 300 is cut to a shape and size desired and secured to the subfloor 308, for example, of wood, for example, staples 310. The slabs 312, for example, made of vinyl material, having ring-engagable material by the fastener element 314 on a wide surface opposite to the 315 appearance surface, are provided for securing to composite floor reinforcement 300. Each slab 312 has a male key device 316 present along two marginal edges (one such edge shown) and a female device 318 present throughout of two other marginal edges (one such edge shown). With the ring material 314 that gives the fastened fastener elements 304 secured 300, the slab 312 is pressed against the composite floor 3700. The fastener elements 304 engage the ring material 314 to secure the slab 312 in the desired position. A similar slab 312 'having similar devices 316 and 318 is then pressed down (in the direction of the arrow of Figure 9), interconnects with the secured slab 312, and secured to composite reinforcement 300. Interconnection devices 316 and 31 8 provide stability to hold tight joints and secure adjacent slabs to prevent the formation of spaces. The slab installation process is repeated until the floor installation is complete. Each slab is thus releasably secured to the floor reinforcement and the floor system provides easy installation, easy flooring material, for example, slab removal and replacement, easy repair, for example, removal and replacement of individual damaged slabs. The composite floor reinforcement also provides a floor moisture barrier. As described above, floor fastener membranes of substantial dimensions in both length and width carrying a field of fasteners, they are formed by stretching a thermoplastic sheet, preferably after the hooks are molded integrally with the sheet or other fastening elements are attached to the sheet. In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the composite floor fastener 400 having flexible backing layer 409 positioned between rigid backing 406 and stretched fastener membrane 402 is placed in roll form for ease of storage, Shipping and use. the rigid backing layer 406 is of a rigid, dimensionally stable material, for example, wood fiber board, glass-filled plastic, wood, thermosetting sheet or foamed or non-foamy thermoplastic, filled or unfilled, wood composite and use or recycled plastic or other materials with similar properties. The rigid backing layer 406 is cut laterally across its width, the cut extending through the rigid backing layer 406, but not extending through a flexible backing layer 909, which remains intact. The cutting of the backing layer 406 allows the composite floor fastener 400 to be wound up superimposed, as shown, despite the relative stiffness of the backing layer 406, ie, a composite floor fastener material 400. As rolled up, the individual slats 407 are separated along the outer circumference of each rolled layer, while remaining joined in their positions relative to the flexible support layer 409 along the inner circumference of each rolled layer. The separation of individual slats along an outer roll layer circumference allows the rigid layer 406 to be wound up flexibly. When the composite fastener material 400 is unwound, for example, during installation to attach to a subfloor, the space between adjacent individual slats 407 is eliminated. In the unrolled condition, ie installed, the individual rigid slats 407 adjoin one another thus supporting each other against any lateral load that may be experienced by floor compound 400. Together, the individual slats 407 in their adjoining, unrolled installation provide support for the stretched fastener membrane 402, any decorative or other floor material, attached to the membrane 402, and any load experienced by the floor material to prevent deformation or wrinkling of the installed floor material. Additionally, if the composite fastener material 400 is attached, for example, by staples, adhesives, nails, or otherwise, to an associated subfloor, or if the composite material constitutes a wall-to-wall floor reinforcement whereby the walls adjacent to the system offer lateral support to the system, the rigid back layer 406 together with the clutch of the fastening members 403 with coupling fastening material on a lower side of the exposed floor acts to prevent any movement of the exposed floor relative to the subfloor. Alternatively, the fastener membrane 402 is an unstretched fastener product having fastener elements extending from a base. In this embodiment the dimensions of the width, length and thickness, and the space between the adjacent fastener elements remain significantly unchanged after the initial formation of the shape of the fastener product. In any case, the intermediate flexible support layer 409 is, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, foamed polypropylene, polypropylene compound, thermoplastic elastomers, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, or other materials, in a foamy condition or not frothy. Layer 409 is provided to support stretched fastener membrane 402 (or a non-stretched fastener membrane) on a broad surface to adhere cut rigid backing material 406 on its wide surface. The flexible support layer 409 may also provide additional desirable properties such as sound barrier, antibacterial / fungal treatment, moisture barrier, or fire retardant characteristics, depending on the material used and additives introduced or coatings applied. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the composite floor fastener 400 'has cut rigid backing material 406 attached directly to the stretched fastener membrane 402, i.e., the intermediate flexible backing layer 409 is removed. In this embodiment, the fastener membrane 402 is of appropriate thickness after stretching to provide the necessary support to the cut rigid backing material 406 in its rolled, folded condition (Figure 10) and in its installed condition, without coiling (Figure 6) to support the floor the floor material attached. As described above with reference to the flexible support layer 409, the properties of the fastener membrane 402 can be modified as desired by appropriate choice of material, additives, coatings or any combination of these constituents. The three layer laminate 400 can be produced by a modification of the clamping membrane of the backing and forming layer lamination processes described above with reference to Figures 1, 2, 7 and 7A. As illustrated in Figure 13, the necessary modifications to the composite fastener forming process 400 include intermediate flexible backing layer 409 lamination to a surface bearing a non-clamping member 430 of fastener membrane 402. The attachment of the backing layer rigid 406 to the exposed surface 432 of the support layer 409 is achieved, for example, by an applied adhesive (eg, by providing adhesive to be applied by the roller 433) or by applied heat lamination (e.g. roller 433) to the lower surface of the support layer 409 before bringing the surface 432 into contact with the rigid backing layer 406. The rigid backing layer 406 is subsequently cut at the cutting station 434, the cut being made without severe support layer 409, to form individual flexing slats 407. In another embodiment, the intermediate support layer 409 and rigid backing layer are joined, example, by an adhesive or by lamination, prior to attachment to fastener membrane 402. The pre-bonded rigid backing layer can cutters before or after membrane bonding 402 to intermediate layer 409. In either of these embodiments, the three layer product 400 with cut rigid backing 406 is then rolled into roll form as illustrated at 436. Alternatively, the composite floor fastener 4000, described above with reference to figure 12, is produced by removing the flexible backing layer intermediate 409 and attaching the rigid backing layer 406 directly to the surface bearing the non-fastening membrane 430 of the membrane 402. The composite floor fastener 400 (or 400 ') can be wound into roll form for subsequent storage, shipping and installation . The installation of the floor bra 400 is achieved by cutting portions of adequate size and shape to fit a particular subfloor to be covered.

Each portion is then joined by, for example, staples, glue or other means of attachment, to the subfloor. In this manner, multiple floor fastener pieces 400 can be cut to be formed, placed and adhered in an adjacent manner to completely cover a subfloor. A temporary cover, for example, a sheet or plastic film, may be placed over the exposed fastener elements of floor fastener 400 during installation to prevent unwanted clutch of the fastener elements with, for example, a worker's clothing. the installation or other work materials that may come into contact with the fasteners. When the floor fastener 400 is adhered to its desired location, the protective cover is removed and a floor material having a bonding surface with the backing material engageable by the fastener element is removably attached to the surface bearing the fastener element. exposed of secured floor bra 400. New Construction Wrap Material A protective outer wrap is shown in Figure 14, 1 5 and 1 5A. Similar to conventional construction wrapping material, such as DuPont's Tyvek®, the membrane is used to wrap a structure like a protective barrier impervious to water, wind and vapor permeable. In this case, the base layer of the membrane, after forming, is subjected, for example, to electric discharge perforation or other pore-forming techniques that return the vapor-permeable base layer, such as drilling or laser drilling. , perforation by punch roll, hole punched or sheet treatment with a beam of energetic electrons or ions. A membrane placed in a structure can have hooks that only give away from the structure, with the membrane being mechanically secured to the structure, for example, by stapling, or by a waterproof adhesive. However, in the case shown in Figure 14, the membrane 700 has ring-engaging hooks 702 formed on both sides of the base layer. To secure the membrane to the construction 701, the hooks facing inward are clutched with strategically located ring bands 705 that have been secured prior to construction. The members defining the outer (or inner) wall 703, such as boarding of stave walls, cladding, or pressed fiber board are attached to the outwardly facing hooks 702 of the membrane by hook-engageable rings 704 placed on the members. defining the wall 703. As with the roof elements, in covering joints of the wall defining members, a marginal band of hooks may be provided to engage with the ring layer in the structural member that covers it. In other embodiments, the hook fields can be placed on the members defining the wall, and the building wrapper membrane can provide a field of rings with which the hooks of the members defining the wall are engaged. A further feature of the invention is that the clutched rings and hooks define isolated air space cells between the base layer of the membrane and the wall or structural members, to provide sound or thermal insulation.

New Additional Insulation Applications Referring now to Figures 16, 17 and 17A, a membrane 900 is used to install insulation in a structure while providing an added moisture or air barrier, as generally described previously. In one embodiment, a block of fibrous material or an insulating portion 901 is wrapped with a membrane 900 having hooks extending outwardly from the insulation. The insulation can be a block of fibrous glass material, cellulose insulation, particulate foam or a foam board. The membrane is secured, for example, laminated or bonded, on the outside of the insulation portion 91 or formed as a sealed envelope containing the insulation. The insulation portion 901 is placed in a cavity defined by the structural support members 908 such as shoulders, laminated joists, beams, etc. , which carry ring material 91 0. The insulation is ensured by engaging the hooks 902 of the membrane wrapper with ring material 91 0 placed on the support members. Alternatively, a membrane carrying a ring material may be provided in the outer wrapper of the insulation, and portions of a hook-carrying membrane may be placed in the support members. The effect is to removably install the insulation in a tight fitting manner in a cavity, in this way to prevent cold air spills on the boundaries, etc. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, an additional diaphragm 900 'has on its inner side which engage with the hooks carried by the insulation or by structural members. The membrane 900 'also has hooks 902 on its outer side. A pressed fiber board 903 or other wall cover having ring material 904 on its inner surface is placed against the membrane with the rings and coupling hooks engaged to hold the pressed fiber board or other cover in position. New Ceiling Installation As shown in Figure 18 a membrane 1 1 10 is manufactured to secure ceiling members 1 103 such as slabs, sub-assemblies that isolate sound, cellular material, fixed parts, or paneling. As shown, the roof 101 is covered with the membrane 1 10 which has uniform dispersion of closable hooks by ring 1 1 02 that face downwards, away from the ceiling. The membrane can be secured to the ceiling, for example, by using staples or adhesives, or by hook-and-ring clutch between the complementary hooks and rings provided on the upper surface of the membrane and ceiling support members, respectively, or vice versa with respect to to the location of the hooks and rings. In Figure 18, the finished roof members 1 103, which have a layer of ring material 1 104 disposed on their upper surfaces, are joined to the membrane 1 10 by engaging the hooks 1 102 of the membrane with the rings of the same. Finished ceiling members. Since the weight of the roof members is fully supported by the hooks and rings, the hook and ring material preferably has a high resistance to deflection in the tensile direction to secure the roof-to-roof members. In preferred cases the base layer of the membrane is in a permanently stretched condition, as described. New Wall Covers As shown in Figure 19, a stretched and preferably biaxially oriented membrane 1200 is used to secure the wall treatments 1203 such as the carpet (shown in the figure), fabric or paneling. The wall treatment materials are secured to a wall 1201 carrying membrane 1200 with the hooks 1202 of the membrane that faces out from the wall. The plastic membrane offers a barrier of air movement, moisture proof, and thermal insulation and added sound. The material of the wall treatment shown has a layer of ring material 1204 placed on its inner surface. The ring material by themselves can be chosen to provide additional properties such as thermal insulation, sound insulation, soft feel, etc. , while the dead air cells defined by the rings and clutched hooks are added to the insulation as well as a softening and texturizing effect. The membrane can be fixed to the wall with staples or an adhesive, for example. The adhesive may be temporary or permanent, depending on the application, and the adhesive may be selected to provide organic growth control, additional water proof, protection against insects and vermin, etc. Although the wall treatment members are shown secured to the wall by engaging the rings on the hooks, in an alternative embodiment, the ring material can be carried on a stretched membrane disposed on the wall, and the membrane carrying a hook can be provided on the inner surface of the wall cover. In other embodiments, a membrane may carry hook or ring fastener elements on both surfaces, one side serving to secure the membrane to the wall and the other side serving to secure the wall cover. The described systems can also be advantageously used to mount temporary wall treatments, for example, for theatrical or local venues and deployments, and can be used to assemble fabrics carrying advertisement or decoration that can be easily changed. For additional useful features for this product see the Application of E.U. U.S.S. N. 09 / 322,663 which is incorporated for reference in its entirety. New Outer Covers As shown in Figure 20, a 1300 membrane is constructed to be used as a protective tarpaulin, which is waterproof and waterproof, and which provides the added benefit of easy insuring. The membrane can also be treated with or incorporate a biocide or fungicide to resist organic growth. By virtue of the stretching techniques described, the membrane can be made sufficiently large to cover large objects 1 301 to be protected. Such objects include, for example, shrubs, trees, plant materials, boats, vehicles, agricultural objects such as hay balers, straw stacks, silage, farm machinery, land or plants and swimming pools. These objects are typically covered with the membrane 1 300 having the hooks 1302 facing outwards, and bands 1 303 of the ring material 1 304 are properly engaged with the hooks and supporting structure to secure the tarpaulin to itself and / or around a tray or protected object, as shown in the figure. In an alternative mode, the location of the hooks and rings is reversed. New Protectors, Greenhouses and Camping Homes Referring to Figures 21 and 22, membranes 1500, 1500 'are constructed to be used as a protector such as a greenhouse or a tent. The membrane is provided with sufficient thickness and strength to extend substantial distances between supports and to withstand the forces of rain and storm force winds. It is constructed as a protective barrier that is impermeable to air and impermeable to water, although it can be provided with pores, as described above, to allow the transmission of water vapor. As shown in Figure 22, in one embodiment, the protector is formed of a structure 1503 made of a rigid material such as a metal pipe, PVC pipe, etc. Placed on the outside of the structure elements is the ring material 1 504. For example, the ring material is wrapped around rigid tubes. The inner and outer membrane layers 1 500 and 1500 'are provided, typically transparent membrane, which are supported by the structure. The outer membrane 1 500 has inwardly facing hooks for engaging with the ring material of the tube supports to define the shield, for example, a greenhouse. Additionally, the protector may include the additional layer 1500 'of membrane to provide better thermal insulation. In this case the hooks of the membrane 1 500 'directed upwards engage the rings of the support pipe. New Geotextiles In another form, a membrane is constructed as a geotextile or geomembrane. Typically, these are large leaves that are used to retain dirt against erosion, to confine water flows, etc. In the prior art, typically adjacent sheets are joined together by gluing, welding or sewing. When constructing a geotextile or geomembrane according to the invention, the ribbons of ring material engage areas of hooks of adjacent membrane sheets to hold them in place., or coating margins of adjacent membrane sheets are provided with appropriately placed sections or hook and ring bands that engage to join the cover sheets. Additionally, the adhesive tapes covering the joints can be used to hold the waterproof joints, or the hook and ring tapes 507 including sealant, as described in Figures 4A and 4b can be used to seal the joints. Other preferred features and configurations of fastener material described in our U.S. patent applications, incorporated by reference above, are useful in the construction of the various products that have been described, and provide additional novel features. Those claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS 1. In a method for releasably holding objects, the method includes: providing a first object (101, 201, 701, 901, 101, 1201, 1 301) with a continuous hook-and-hold membrane (100, 200, 700, 900) , 1 1 00, 1200, 1 300, 1500, 1500 ') having a thermoplastic resin base and a set of hook fastener elements (1 02, 202, 702, 902, 1 102, 1202, 1 302, 1502) formed contiguously with the resin on one side of the base; and releasably clutching complementary ring fastener elements (104, 204, 704, 904, 1 1 04, 1204, 1 304, 1 504) of a second object (103, 203, 703, 903, 1 1 03, 1203, 1303, 1503) to the fastening elements of the first object; the improvement in which it has a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness less than approximately 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first object is a wall (701, 1201) of one construction, the second object is a wall covering (703, 1 203), the method including securing the hook-holding membrane (700, 1200) to the wall, and then releasably engaging the complementary ring fastener elements (704, 1204) of the wall cover with the fastener elements of the hook fastener membrane. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the wall of the construction is an outer wall (701) and the wall cover is a material for wall sheathing (703). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first object is a subfloor (201) of one construction, the second object is a floor covering (203), the method includes securing the hook fastening membrane (200) to the subfloor , and then releasably engaging the complementary ring fastener elements (204) of the floor cover with the fastener elements of the hook fastener membrane. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first object is a roof (101) of one construction, the second object is a roof cover (103), the method includes securing the hook fastener membrane (1 00) to the ceiling, and then releasably clutch the complementary ring fastener elements (104) of the roof cover with the fastener elements of the hooked membrane. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the roof cover is a shingle table (1 03). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second object is a band (1 303), the method includes covering a piece (1301) with the hook-holding membrane (1 300) and then releasably securing the holding membrane Hook in place by releasably engaging the complementary ring fastener elements (1 304) of the band with the fastener elements of the hook fastener membrane. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first object is a sheet of insulating material (901), the second object is a construction structure (908), the method includes securing the hook-holding membrane (900) of the material insulator to clutch rings (910) placed in the construction structure. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hook fastening membrane of the first object is a vapor barrier (700, 1 500, 1500 '), the second object is a construction structure (701, 1501), the method includes securing the vapor barrier to the construction structure by releasably engaging the complementary ring fastener elements (705, 1504) of the construction structure with the fastener elements (702, 1502) of the hook fastener membrane. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hook fastening membrane is permanently stretched only in a direction corresponding to its width. eleven . The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoplastic resin of the hook-holding membrane is oriented biaxially. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base layer has a thickness of less than about 0.1 3 mm (0.005 inches). The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hook fastener elements are discreetly molded hook-shaped projections. 14. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hook fastening membrane has a width of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet). The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening elements are present in density of at least about 300 elements per square inch generally on one side of the base of the hook fastening membrane. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and nylon, copolymers thereof, and compatible mixtures thereof with each other or with one another compatible materials. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic resin includes a biocide or fungicide capable of preventing the growth of biological material such as mulch or fungus, or an absorbent additive U.V. or a fire repellent or other repellent or agent to protect the membrane or objects with which it is associated with deterioration or damage. The method according to any of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the hook fastening membrane is permeable to a selected environmental fluid such as water, steam or air. 1 9. A method for attaching a protective cover (103, 703) to an exterior of the construction (101, 701), the method comprising: securing a hook fastening membrane (100, 700) to the exterior of the construction, the membrane hook fastener includes a thermoplastic resin base layer and a set of hook fastener elements (102, 702) contiguously formed of the thermoplastic resin of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a broad surface of the base; and engaging complementary ring fastener elements (1 04, 704) of the protective cover to the fastening elements of the hook fastening membrane to releasably secure the protective cover to the exterior of the construction; characterized in that the base layer of the hook fastening membrane is a permanently stretched sheet having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than about 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). 20. A method for attaching a decorative cover (203, 903, 1 103, 1203) to an interior of the construction (201, 908, 101, 1201), the method comprising: securing a hook fastening membrane (200, 900 , 900 ', 1 100, 1200) into the interior of the construction, the hook fastener membrane includes a base layer of thermoplastic resin and a set of hook fastener elements (202, 902, 1 102, 1202) contiguously formed of the resin thermoplastic of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a wide surface of the base; and engaging complementary ring fastener elements (204, 904, 1 1 04, 1204) of the protective cover to the fastening elements of the hook fastening membrane to releasably secure the protective cover to the interior of the construction; characterized in that the base layer of the fastener membrane is a sheet permanently stretched widthwise having a continuous length, a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet) and a thickness of less than about 0.025 mm (0.001 inches) and 0.38 mm ( 0.01 5 inches). twenty-one . A method for closing a space, the method comprises: providing a hook fastener membrane (1500, 1 500 ') including a thermoplastic resin base layer and a set of hook fastener elements (1502) contiguously formed of the thermoplastic resin of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a broad surface of the base provide a structure of support (1 503) including complementary ring fastener elements (1504); securing the hook fastening membrane to the support structure by engaging the hook fastening elements with the ring fastening elements to thereby close the space defined by the support structure characterized in that the base layer of the fastening membrane is a permanently stretched sheet which it has a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than approximately 0.38 mm (0.01 5 inches). 22. A method for securing a protective cover (1300) around an object (1301), the method comprising: placing the protective cover around the object, the protective cover including a hook-retaining membrane (1 300) including a base layer of resin thermoplastic and a set of hook fastener elements (1302) contiguously formed of the thermoplastic resin of the base, the hook fastener elements extending from a broad surface of the base; securing the protective cover around the object with bands (1 303) having complementary ring fastener elements (1304) for clipping with the hook fastening elements characterized in that the base layer of the fastener membrane is a permanently stretched sheet having a width at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width, and a thickness less than approximately 0.38 mm (0.01 5 inches). 23. A method for removably securing a floor material (203,) to a subfloor (201, 308) comprising permanently joining an intermediate floor layer (200, 228, 300, 400) to the subfloor, the intermediate floor layer having a base with a first broad surface and a second, broad, opposite surface, the first broad surface having a dispersion of fastener elements (202, 304) available for its clutch, the second broad surface being positioned for attachment to the subfloor; providing floor material having a joining surface and an opposing floor surface, the joining surface carrying a complementary ring fastening material (204, 314) engageable by said fastening elements of said intermediate floor layer; and releasably engaging said fastening material complementary to said floor material with said fastening elements to removably secure the floor material to the subfloor; characterized in that the first broad surface of the base and the fastener elements are formed integrally from the same thermoplastic resin, the first broad surface being a permanently stretched sheet having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and thickness less than approximately 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). The method according to claim 23, characterized in that said intermediate floor layer further comprises a backing material (220, 220 ', 306, 406) laminated to said second surface of said membrane for its attachment to the subfloor. 25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the step of permanently joining the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor comprises at least one of stapling, nailing or screwing. 26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that said backing material comprises a dimensionally stable material (220 ', 306, 406), such as a pressed board or foamed or non-foaming plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the step of permanently joining the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor further comprises unscrewing the intermediate layer of a storage roll and placing the intermediate layer for its attachment to the subfloor. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that said floor material comprises slabs (312, 312 '). The method according to claim 28, characterized in that said slabs have marginal portions (316, 31 8) formed to be secured with adjacent similar slabs to assist alignment of the slab during installation and to avoid spacing between adjacent slabs during its installation. use. 30. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the intermediate floor layer, with the backing layer laminated thereto, is in the form of a roll. 31 The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the dimensionally stable material (406) has a plurality of parallel grooves across its width to provide flexibility and to allow the composite floor fastener to be wound. 32. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that said fastener elements have conical profile bodies, conically outwardly from a relatively wide base in the base layer to a smaller dimension and being of thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer, the hook fasteners being exposed for clutch with clutch material by complementary hook for securing it to the membrane and being present in density of between about 50 to 5000 fastener elements per square inch generally on the first broad surface of the membrane. 33. The method accog to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening elements are first contiguously molded from the resin of the base and the base is then permanently stretched.