Connector for attaching articles to geomembranes

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

CONNECTOR FOR ATTACHING ARTICLES TO GEOMEMBRANESTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to connectors and methods for attaching articles to geomembrane ground covers that overlie large area land surfaces.Background Of The Invention

[0002] Geomembrane ground cover sheets overlie large area land sites such as waste lay- down sites including both short-term or long-term closure covers for landfills. The geomembrane sheets are provided as elongated rolls of a plastic impermeable material, which are installed by unrolling on land sites for covering the ground surface. Side edges of adjacent installed sheets are welded together to seal a seam from water flow therebetween into the ground. Often the geomembranes include an upper layer of a tufted geosynthetic to provide a surface of simulated grass blades of tufts of plastic yarns.

[0003] The impermeable geomembrane sheets prevent infiltration of ambient environmental water, typically from rain fall or melting snow, into the ground below the geomembrane covering. Inflow of ambient environmental water below grade may lead to leaching of contaminates into water tables below grade or into streams and ponds. The geomembrane thus restricts water table water from becoming contaminated by flow into and through the waste material at the covered site. Rather, the water flows across the upper surface of the geomembrane to lower flow channels or culverts for directing the water into collection basins or water treatment ponds for treatment before discharge such as water supply systems or to streams,rivers, or lakes. For example, PCT7US21 / 53097 discloses a cover system for overlying ground sites that preferably restrict inflow of ambient environmental water such as from rain, snow, and other precipitation below the ground surface.

[0004] Environmentally restricted cover systems overlay large acreage land sites with elongated geomembrane sheets placed in side-by-side relation. Adjacent edge sides of the geomembrane sheets weldingly join as a water impermeable barrier. The geomembrane however is exposed to shear forces, primarily from wind but also from high velocity water flow. The shear forces cause uplift of the geomembrane and the geomembrane moves with rolling wavelike motion. The geomembrane also experiences movement due to expansion and contraction by heating from the sun during daylight and cooling from rain and overnight darkness. Such movements cause displacement and wear of the geomembrane that may lead to covering failure.

[0005] It is useful also at such landfill sites to install above-surface equipment. This equipment includes solar panels, solar panel operational equipment such as electrical invertors for converting generated direct current electricity to alternating current electricity for supply to conventional power grid distribution systems, and interconnection devices, as well as land site monitoring and operations equipment including weather condition sensors, network communications devices for reporting, and wildlife control devices. Installation of such abovesurface equipment heretofore involves foundational ground connectors to which the equipment attaches. For land sites covered by impermeable geomembranes, equipment is held by ballast devices such as concrete blocks that attach to a support structure for holding the above-ground equipment in place.

[0006] However, there are drawbacks to these installations of above-ground equipment. Landfill site operators are reticent to allow penetration of geomembranes even for necessary site monitoring equipment. Environmental regulations restrict pentation devices. Penetrations form potential leak paths for flow of ambient environmental water through the ground cover into the ground below the cover. Thermal-induced movement of the ground covering geomembrane can result in openings of tears or rips at cover penetrations. Any such necessary penetration requires monitoring and periodic inspection and maintenance to reseal the penetration and to close the tear or rip openings. Ballast devices, while holding equipment in place, may similarly lead to rips or open tears in geomembrane arising from geomembrane movement induced by temperature changes from heating by ambient lighting of the sun and cooling after sundown.

[0007] While various techniques have been developed to resist movement from shear forces, there are drawbacks to such including materials and installation costs, periodic maintenance, and unsatisfactory shear resistance performance. This includes overlying the impermeable geomembrane with webs of ropes held down by weights such as tires. Such however is unsightly and has been found ineffective as resisting geomembrane movements due to forces discussed above. Alternatively, the geomembrane is overlaid by a tufted geotextile having yams tufted as simulated blades of grass. Such overlay however experiences relative movement of the tufted geosynthetic textile and the overlaid geomembrane due to the different responses of the respective layers to the loading forces.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a connector that engagingly attaches articles to geomembranes overlying a ground surface. It is to such that the present invention is directed.Brief Summary Of The Invention

[0009] The present invention meets the need in the industry by providing an anchored attaching assembly for a geomembrane, comprising a polymeric material having a flowable state for being extruded and a rigid state upon curing for being deposited as an extrusion in a mound on a surface of a geomembrane. An elongated member for being insertingly received longitudinally within the mound prior to curing for a distal end portion to extend upwardly from the mound on the surface of the geomembrane, said threaded member defining in situ a bore in the mound. Upon curing, the polymeric material anchors the mound to the geomembrane and the threaded member being detachably removed therefrom for attaching an article thereto in cooperation with a fastener received in the bore.

[0010] Further, the foregoing anchored attaching assembly wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded fastener; and wherein said bore is threaded by the threaded fastener received in the mound.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides an anchorable attaching assembly for a geomembrane, comprising a geomembrane for overlying a surface and a mound of a polymeric material having a bonding affinity for the geomembrane and being provided for extruding in a flowable state and upon curing to a rigid state for anchoring the mound on the surface of the geomembrane. An elongated member for being insertingly received longitudinally within the mound prior to curing to extend upwardly from the surface of the geomembrane, said threaded member defining in situ a bore in the mound. Upon curing of the polymeric material in the mound, the threaded member for removing therefrom for attaching an article thereto with a fastener being received in the bore.

[0012] Further, the anchorable attaching member wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded member that defines a thread in the bore, for receiving the fastener.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an anchored attaching assembly for a geomembrane, comprising a securing assembly having an elongated threaded fastener and a threaded seat for removably engaging the elongated threaded fastener at a first end, said threaded seat for positioning on a geomembrane. A mound of a polymeric material for extruding to encase the seat and a longitudinal portion of the threaded fastener proximate thereto on the geomembrane and with an opposing portion of the threaded fastener extending outwardly of the mound, said polymeric material having a flowable state and a rigid state upon curing with a bonding affinity for the geomembrane, whereby being extruded in the flowable state to encase the seat and the threaded fastener and upon curing to the rigid state for anchoring the mound on the surface of the geomembrane. The threaded fastener defines a threaded bore in situ in the mound upon curing of the polymeric material whereby the threaded fastener being removably engaged to the mound for attaching an article to the geomembrane.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of anchoring an ataching assembly to a geomembrane, comprising the steps of:(a) depositing a polymeric material onto a surface of a geomembrane to define a mound extending therefrom, said polymeric material having a flowable state for extruding onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon curing and having a bonding affinity for the geomembrane; and(b) providing an elongated member encased longitudinally within the mound prior to curing with a distal portion extending upwardly from an upper end of the mound, said threaded member defining in situ a bore in the mound.whereupon curing of the polymeric material in the mound, the elongated member being removable detached therefrom for attaching an article thereto with a fastener being received in the bore.

[0015] Further, the foregoing method wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded member; and further comprising the steps of: providing a threaded seat threadingly received on a first end of the threaded member; positioning the threaded seat on the geomembrane with the threaded member extending upwardly therefrom; and encasing the threaded seat and a longitudinal portion of the threaded member proximate thereto within the polymeric material.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an anchored attaching assembly for a geomembrane, comprising a mound of a polymeric material deposited on a surface of a geomembrane and extending upwardly therefrom, said polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon curing and having a bonding affinity for anchoring to the geomembrane. An elongated member encased longitudinally within the mound prior to curing with a distal portion extending upwardly from an upper end of the mound, said elongated member defining m situ a bore in the mound. Upon curing of the polymeric material in the mound, the threaded member being removably detached therefrom for attaching an article thereto with a threaded fastener being received in the bore.

[0017] In another aspect, the foregoing anchored attaching assembly wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded fastener, and said threaded fastener defining the bore as a threaded bore.

[0018] In another aspect, the foregoing anchored attaching assembly further comprising an annular member having an opening therethrough, said annular member placed on the geomembrane prior to extruding the deposit of the polymeric material as the mound and said opening receiving an end portion of the elongated member.

[0019] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0020] Fig. 1A illustrates in perspective view an assembling of a first embodiment of a connector in accordance with the present invention for securely attaching an article to a geomembrane.

[0021] Fig. IB illustrates in perspective view the assembling of the first embodiment of the connector illustrated in Fig. 1 A for securely attaching an article to a geomembrane

[0022] Fig. 1C illustrates in perspective view an second embodiment of a connector in accordance with the present invention for securely attaching an article to a geomembrane.

[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates in perspective view the connector illustrated in Fig. 1 securely attaching an article to the geomembrane.

[0024] Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment of a connector in accordance with the present invention for securely attaching an article to a geomembrane.

[0025] Fig. 4 illustrates in cross-sectional view the alternate embodiment of the connector attaching an article to the geomembrane.

[0026] Fig. 5 illustrates in cross-sectional view an alternate embodiment of a connector attaching an article to a geomembrane.Detailed Description

[0027] With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have like identifiers, Fig. 1A illustrates in perspective view a first embodiment of a connector 10 as an anchorable attaching assembly for securely attaching an article to a geomembrane 12 covering a surface, for example, a land site 14. The connector 10 comprises a polymeric material 16 having a flowable state for being extruded and a rigid state upon curing. The polymeric material 16 extrudes from a supply as a deposit of a mound 18 on a surface of the geomembrane 12. A portion 20 of the polymeric material attaches to the geomembrane 12. The polymeric material 16 has a bonding affinity for the geomembrane 12. During the cure of the deposited polymeric material of the mound 18 from the flowable state to the rigid state, the mound receives an elongated member 22 inserted longitudinally to position a portion 23 in the mound. A distal end portion 24 extends upwardly from the mound 18 outwardly of the surface of the geomembrane 12. The elongated member 22 defines in situ a bore 26 in the mound 18. Upon curing, the polymeric material 16 anchors the mound 18 to the geomembrane 12. The elongated member 22 removably detaches from the bore 26, such as by extractive longitudinal pulling or by rotational movement and longitudinal pulling. The bore 26 thereafter receives a fastener for attaching an article to the geomembrane 12. The fastener may be a rivet extending through the bore and the geomembrane, a tapping screw for forming a thread in a bore, a stud anchor providing radially directed bearing surface against an inner wall of a bore , or an adhesive received in the bore adhering to the article, or other fastener device cooperating with the bore 26 in the mound 18. In the illustrative non-limiting embodiment, the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic having a bonding affinity with the geomembrane.

[0028] Fig. IB illustrates in perspective view an assembling of the first embodiment of the connector 10 illustrated in Fig. 1A for securely attaching an article to a geomembrane 12. The elongated member 22 has been removed from the bore 26. A threaded fastener 27, such as a tapping screw, threads into the bore 26. In an alternate embodiment, the fastener comprises a rivet, a stud anchor, or an adhesive, or other fastener device cooperating with the bore 26 in the mound 18, whereby an article may be secured to the geomembrane as discussed below.

[0029] Fig. 1C illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment 50 of the connector 10 as an anchorable attaching assembly for securely attaching an article to the geomembrane 12 covering the surface 14. Tire connector 50 comprises the polymeric material 16 having the flowable state for being extruded and the rigid state upon curing. The polymeric material 16 extrudes from a supply as the deposit of the mound 18 on the surface of the geomembrane 12. A portion 20 of the polymeric material attaches to the geomembrane 12. The polymeric material 16 has a bonding affinity for the geomembrane 12. During the cure of the deposited polymeric material of the mound 18 from the flowable state to the rigid state, the mound receives an elongated threaded member 52 inserted longitudinally to position a portion 53 in the mound. The distal end portion 54 extends upwardly from the mound 18 outwardly of the surface of the geomembrane 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member 52 is a threaded fastener, which defines in situ a threaded bore 26 in the mound 18. Upon curing, the polymeric material 16 anchors the mound 18 to the geomembrane 12. The threaded member 52 removably detaches from the bore 26, such as by rotational movement. The bore 26 thereafter receives a fastener for attaching an article to the geomembrane 12. The fastener may be a rivet extendingthrough the bore and the geomembrane, a tapping screw, a stud anchor, an adhesive, or the threaded member 52 threadingly re-installed in the bore 26.

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates in exploded perspective view the connector 10 with a housing 30 as a article for securely attaching to the geomembrane 12 with a fastener 32. The housing 30 may enclose a monitoring device for status monitoring of the geomembrane 12 or alternatively the housing 30 may be a support for a device to be positioned on the geomembrane 12. The housing 30 in the illustrative embodiment has a laterally extending flange 33 that defines a through opening 34 for receiving the fastener 32. The fastener 32 is a bolt with a head 35 and threaded shaft 36 for threadingly engaging the bore 26 of the connector 10. As noted above, the fastener 32 may readily be the threaded fastener 52 illustrated in Fig. 1C. Further, as to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1A, the fastener32 may be a rivet, a tapping screw, a stud anchor, an adhesive, or other device cooperatively with the bore securing an article to the geomembrane.

[0031] Fig. 3 illustrates in partially cut-away perspective view an alternate embodiment of a connector 40 in accordance with the present invention for securely attaching an article to the geomembrane 12. The connector 40 provides a strong anchored attaching assembly for the geomembrane 12. The connector 40 comprises a securing assembly having an elongated threaded fastener 42 and a threaded seat 44 for removably engaging the elongated threaded fastener 42 at a first end. The threaded seat 44 in the illustrated embodiment is a nut. More particularly, the seat 44 includes a radially extending flange 45. The threaded seat 44 attached to the threaded fastener 42 positions on the surface of the geomembrane 12. The mound 18 of the polymeric material 16 extrudes around to encase the seat 44 and a longitudinal portion 47 of the threaded fastener 42 on the geomembrane 12. An opposing portion of the threaded fastener 42 extends outwardly of the mound 18. As noted above, the polymeric material 16 has a flowablestate and a rigid state, and a bonding affinity for the geomembrane 12. The polymeric material 16, being extruded in the flowable state, encases the seat 44 and the threaded shaft 47 of the fastener 42. The threaded fastener 42 defines the threaded bore 26 in situ in the mound 18 upon curing of the polymeric material 16. Upon curing to the rigid state, the mound 18 anchors to the geomembrane 12.

[0032] The threaded fastener 42 is removably engaged to the mound 18 for securing an article, such as the housing 30, to the geomembrane 12. This is accomplished by unthreading the fastener 42 from the threaded bore 26. An article may then be secured to the geomembrane 12, as shown in side cross-sectional elevational view in Fig. 4. The housing 30 positions on the mound 18 with the through opening 34 aligned with the threaded bore 26. The fastener 42 extends through tire opening 34 and threadably engages the threaded bore 26. It is to be appreciated the housing 30 may have an opposing flange (not illustrated) and the flange 32 may have an opposing through opening at an opposing end, whereby multiple connections are made to secure the housing to the geomembrane 12.

[0033] Fig. 5 illustrates in cross-sectional view an alternate embodiment of a connector 60 attaching the article 30 to the geomembrane 12 using the mound 18 of the curable polymeric material. The connector 60 further includes a plate member 62 such as an annual member or washer having a through opening 64. The bore 26 and the through opening 64 receive a rivet generally 64 that with opposing heads 68 secures the article 30 to the geomembrane 12.

[0034] With reference to Figs. 1A, IB and 2, the connector 10 assembles as an attaching assembly for anchoring the housing 30 to the geomembrane 12. The geomembrane 12 overlies the surface 14. The position for the housing 30 on the geomembrane 12 is selected. Thepolymeric material 16 extrudes from a supply for depositing onto the surface of the geomembrane 12 to define the mound 18 extending therefrom. The polymeric material 16 has the flowable state for extruding and a rigid state upon curing. The elongated member 22 inserts longitudinally into the mound 18 prior to curing with the distal portion 24 extending upwardly from an upper end of the mound. The threaded member 22 defines in situ the bore 26 in the mound 18. Upon curing of the polymeric material 16 in the mound 18, the threaded member 22 is removed such as by longitudinal pulling or by rotation and longitudinal pulling from the bore 26. Tire housing 30 positions on the mound 18 with the opening 34 aligned with the threaded bore 26. The fastener 32 inserts through the opening 34 and engages tire bore 26, for securing the housing 30 to the geomembrane 12.

[0035] With reference to Figs. 1C and 2, the connector 50 assembles as an attaching assembly for anchoring the housing 30 to the geomembrane 12. The geomembrane 12 overlies the surface 14. The position for the housing 30 on the geomembrane 12 is selected. The polymeric material 16 extrudes from the supply for depositing onto the surface of the geomembrane 12 to define the mound 18 extending therefrom. The polymeric material 16 has the flowable state for extruding and a rigid state upon curing. The elongated threaded member 52 inserts longitudinally into the mound 18 prior to curing with the distal portion 54 extending upwardly from an upper end of the mound. The threaded member 52 defines in situ the threaded bore 26 in the mound 18. Upon curing of the polymeric material 16 in the mound 18, the threaded member 52 is removed by untreading from the threaded bore 26. The housing 30 positions on the mound 18 with the opening 34 aligned with the threaded bore 26. The fastener 22 or 32 inserts through the opening 34 and threadable engages the threaded bore 26, and being tightened, secures the housing 30 to the geomembrane 12.

[0036] It is to be appreciated that the housing 30 may require a plurality of connectors 10 for securely attaching the housing to the geomembrane. The other of the connectors 10 are similarly positioned respectively by extruding the polymeric material 16 onto the geomembrane and inserting the threaded fastener 18. Once the plurality of mounds 18 are cured, the fasteners 22 are threadingly removed. The housing 30 is positioned on the mounds 18 and the openings 34 aligned with the threaded bores 26. The fasteners 22 (or 32 as shown in Fig. 2) threadingly engage the respective threaded bore 26 and being tightened secure the housing 30 to the geomembrane 12.

[0037] With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the connector 40 assembles as an attaching assembly for anchoring the housing 30 to the geomembrane 12. The geomembrane 12 overlies the ground surface 14. The position for the housing 30 on the geomembrane 12 is selected. The threaded seat 44 threads on the distal end of the fastener 42 as an assembly. The assembly is positioned on the geomembrane 12 with the seat 44 on the surface of the geomembrane. The polymeric material 16 extrudes from the supply for depositing onto the surface of the geomembrane 12 to define the mound 18 extending therefrom. The polymeric material 16 encases the seat 44 and the threaded portion 47 of the fastener 42. The polymeric material 16 has the flowable state for extruding and the rigid state upon curing. The threaded portion 47 defines in situ the threaded bore 26 in the mound 18. Upon curing of tire polymeric material 16 in the mound 18, the threaded member 42 is removed by untreading from the threaded bore 26. The housing 30 positions on the mound 18 with the opening 34 aligned with the threaded bore 26. The fastener 42 inserts through the opening 34 and threadably engages the threaded bore 26, and being tightened, secures the housing 30 to the geomembrane 12.

[0038] It is to be appreciated that the housing 30 may require a plurality of connectors 40 for securely attaching the housing to the geomembrane 12. The other of the connectors 40 are similarly positioned respectively by placing the assembly of the threaded fastener 42 and seat 44 with the seat on the geomernbrane 12. The polymeric material 16, being extruded from the supply, encases the assembly within the mound 18. Once the polymeric material of the plurality of mounds 18 is cured, the fasteners 42 are threadingly removed. The housing 30 is positioned on the mounds 18 and the openings 34 aligned with the threaded bores 26. The fasteners 42 threadingly engage the respective threaded bore 26 and being tightened secure the housing 30 to the geomernbrane 12.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 5, an alternate embodiment provides the connector 60 for attaching the article 30 to the geomernbrane 12. The plate member 62 seats on the geomernbrane 12 and receives the elongated member 22 in the through opening 64. The plate member 62 encased within the mound 18 of the curable polymeric material. Upon curing of the polymeric material, the elongated member 22 is removed. The article 30 is positioned with the opening 34 aligned with the bore 26. A shaft of the rivet 64 extends through the opening 34, the bore 26 and the through opening 64 of the plate member 62. The rivet shaft 64 is stuck for defining the opposing heads 68, for securing the article 30 to the geomernbrane 12.

[0040] The foregoing discloses illustrative embodiments of connectors and methods for attaching an article to geomembrane ground covers. Changes and modifications will be readily apparent by persons of ordinary’' skill in the art in view of the various embodiment presented in the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An anchored attaching assembly for a geomembrane, comprising: a polymeric material having a flowable state for being extruded and a rigid state upon curing for being deposited as an extrusion in a mound on a surface of a geomembrane; and an elongated member for being insertingly received longitudinally within the mound prior to curing for a distal end portion to extend upwardly from the mound on the surface of the geomembrane, said member defining in situ a bore in the mound, whereupon curing, tire polymeric material anchors the mound to the geomembrane and the member being detachably removed therefrom for attaching an article thereto in cooperation with a fastener received in the bore.

2. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material has a bonding affinity for the geomembrane.

3. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic having a bonding affinity with the geomembrane.

4. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein the geomembrane is formed with a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic material.

5. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded fastener; and wherein said bore is threaded by the threaded fastener received in the mound,6. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a tapping screw.

7. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a rivet.

8. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 1. wherein the fastener comprises an adhesive.

9. An anchorable attaching assembly attached to a geomembrane overlying a surface, comprising: a geomembrane for overlying a surface; a mound of a polymeric material having a bonding affinity for the geomembrane and being extruded in a flowable state onto a portion of the surface of the geomembrane, said mound upon curing to a rigid state anchoring the mound onto the surface of the geomembrane; and an elongated member insertingly received longitudinally within the mound prior to curing with a portion extending upwardly therefrom, the elongated member defining in situ a bore in the mound.whereupon curing of the polymeric material in the mound, the elongated member being removed therefrom for attaching an article to the mound with a fastener being received in the bore.

10. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic.

11. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the geomembrane is formed with a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic material.

12. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded member that defines a thread in the bore, for receiving the fastener.

13. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises one of a tapping screw, a rivet, or an adhesive.

14. An anchored attaching assembly for a geomembrane, comprising: a securing assembly having an elongated threaded fastener and a threaded seat for removably engaging the elongated threaded fastener at a first end, said threaded seat for positioning on a geomembrane; a mound of a polymeric material for extruding onto the geomembrane to encase the threaded seat and a longitudinal portion of the threaded fastener proximate thereto and with anopposing portion of the threaded fastener extending outwardly of the mound, said polymeric material having a flowable state for extruding and a rigid state upon curing with a bonding affinity for the geomembrane, whereby being extruded in the flowable state to encase the threaded seat and the portion of the threaded fastener and upon curing to the rigid state for anchoring the mound on the surface of the geomembrane, whereupon the threaded fastener defines a threaded bore in situ in the mound upon curing of the polymeric material and the threaded fastener being removably engaged to the mound for attaching an article to the geomembrane.

15. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic.

16. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the geomembrane is formed with a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic material.

17. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the threaded seat further comprises a flange plate extending radially laterally therefrom.

18. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the threaded seat comprises a flanged nut.

19. A method of anchoring an attaching assembly to a geomembrane, comprising the steps of:(a) depositing a polymeric material onto a surface of a geomembrane to define a mound extending therefrom, said polymeric material having a flowable state for extruding onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon curing and having a bonding affinity for the geomembrane; and(b) providing an elongated member encased longitudinally within the mound prior to curing with a distal portion extending upwardly from an upper end of the mound, said threaded member defining in situ a bore in the mound, whereupon curing of the polymeric material in the mound, the elongatated member being removable detached therefrom for attaching an article thereto with a fastener being received in the bore.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, further comprising the step of inserting the elongated member longitudinally into the deposited mound prior to curing.

21. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded member; and further comprising the steps of: providing a threaded seat threadingly received on a first end of the threaded member; positioning the threaded seat on the geomembrane with the threaded member extending upwardly therefrom; and encasing the threaded seat and a longitudinal portion of the threaded member proximate thereto within the polymeric material.

22. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein the geomembrane is formed with a high- density polyethylene thermoplastic material.

24. An anchored attaching assembly for a geomembrane, comprising: a mound of a polymeric material deposited on a surface of a geomembrane and extending upw'ardly therefrom, said polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon curing and having a bonding affinity for anchoring to the geomembrane; and an elongated member encased longitudinally within the mound prior to curing with a distal portion extending upwardly from an upper end of the mound, said elongated member defining in situ a bore in the mound, whereupon curing of the polymeric material in the mound, the elongated member being removably detached therefrom for attaching an article thereto with a fastener being received in the bore.

25. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein the elongated member comprises a threaded fastener, said threaded fastener defining the bore as a threaded bore.

26. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 24, farther comprising an annular member having an opening therethrough, said annular member placed on the geomembrane prior to extruding the deposit of the polymeric material as the mound and said opening receiving an end portion of the elongated member.

27. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 26, wherein the elongated member is a threaded member, said threaded member defines a thread in the inner surface of the bore, and the annular member defines a threaded opening for threadingly engaging the threaded member.

28. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein the fastener comprises one of a tapping member for defining a thread in a surface of the bore upon initial threading thereof into the bore, a rivet, or an adhesive received in the bore for bonding with the article.

29. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 24, farther comprising a threaded seat threadingly received on a first end of the elongated threaded member; said threaded seat positioned on the geomembrane with the threaded member extending upwardly therefrom; and the threaded seat and a longitudinal portion of the threaded fastener proximate thereto encased in situ by the depositing of the polymeric material.

30. The anchored attaching assembly as recited in claim 29, wherein the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic.

31. The anchored ataching assembly as recited in claim 30, wherein the geomembrane is formed with a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic material.