Abstract: A hydrogen fuel transporting hose for a fuel cell powered vehicle having a laminar structure including at least one inner rubber layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and at least one outer rubber layer, which layers are laminated integrally with one another in the order of description in a radially outward direction of the hose, wherein the improvement comprises: each of the at least one inner rubber layer and the at least one outer rubber layer being provided by a vulcanized rubber obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition including: (A) a rubber material selected from the group consisting of (a1) a halogenated butyl rubber material, (a2) a blend of a halogenated butyl rubber material and a butyl rubber material, and (a3) an ethylene-propylene rubber material, and (B) a filler whose crystal structure is a layer structure, the rubber composition being vulcanized with one of a peroxide vulcanizing agent and a resin vulcanizing agent where the rubber composition includes, as the rubber material, one of (a1

Abstract: A hose comprising a laminate including a rubber layer comprising a rubber composition containing as essential components (A) a rubber made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer and an ethylene-propylene copolymer, (B) a vulcanizing agent containing a peroxide, (C) a resorcinol compound, and (D) a melamine resin; and a layer made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a polyamide resin, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and a metal. In such hose, the rubber layer and the non-rubber layer made of the polyamide resin, the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, or of the metal adhere well to each other, without applying an adhesive to an interface therebetween.

Abstract: A straight opposing member insertion section located at the end of a hose tube and has a ring-shaped groove for inserting a sealing ring. The opposing member insertion section has a ring-shaped tongue piece and/or a ring-shaped ring supporting section. Tongue-piece has a sloped surface and an overhang positioned over the ring-shaped groove. Ring supporting section is an indentation on the ring-shaped groove that protrudes away from the end of the hose tube. A sealing ring is tightly inserted into the ring-shaped groove. A ring-shaped engagement projection on the end of the tube-shaped opposing member is pushed into the opposing member insertion section until the engagement projection abuts the sealing ring. Sealing ring and the section of the tube wall with the ring-shaped groove can be constructed to handle seal deterioration. The resulting fuel hose connection structure has superior fuel sealing properties, fuel impermeability and can be contructed simplely and inexpensively.

Abstract: A replaceable fuel pump hose cover made from a tube of circularly knit yarn having a ground yarn surface and terry loops extending from the ground yarn surface. The yarn used in forming the cover is conventional multifilament crimped polyester or nylon yarn interspersed selectively with a carbon strand or strand segments, the strands effective for conducting electrostatic charges from the fuel pump and fuel pump hose to prevent electrostatic discharges that could occur from high electrostatic charge build-up particularly within the area of fuel and fume build-up.

Abstract: A multilayer automotive hose includes an innermost layer of elastomer material, and a separate outermost layer of elastomer material, each including between about 40% and about 80% vinylacetate by weight in a copolymer. The elastomer layers are formed by an extrusion process. The vinylacetate is copolymerized with polyethylene. Each of the elastomer layers has a fully saturated backbone. As a result, each of the innermost and outermost layers is a non-thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A brake hose comprises reinforcing layers in a rubber base. The brake hose comprising an inner tube rubber layer that is made of a rubber material and has a flow path for flowing fluid; a lower yarn layer formed by braiding lower yarn around the inner tube rubber layer; an intermediate rubber layer made of a rubber material and located around the lower yarn layer; an upper yarn layer formed by braiding upper yarn around the intermediate rubber layer; and a cover rubber layer formed around the upper yarn layer. The intermediate rubber layer is formed from a sheet material having a Mooney viscosity of 10-40 Mv (minimum Mooney value) at 145° C.

Abstract: A brake hose includes two reinforcing layers in a rubber base. The brake hose comprises an inner tube rubber layer having a flow path for flowing fluid, a lower yarn layer formed by braiding first yarns around the inner tube rubber layer and an upper yarn layer formed by braiding second yarns around the lower yarn layer and a cover rubber layer covering the upper yarn layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hose for introduction and distribution of inflator gas which is characterized in that the hose is placed in an air bag apparatus for side collision and distributes the inflator gas upon operation of the air bag, that outside surface and/or inside surface of the hose are/is coated with rubber or synthetic resin and that the hose has a distribution hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer hose, especially for conveying fuel, comprising an outer layer and a conductive, fluorine-containing, elastomeric inner layer, said inner layer comprising a fluorine-containing elastomer mixed with graphite.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing rubber hose having a laminar structure including an inner rubber layer, a reinforcing layer, and an outer rubber layer, which layers are laminated integrally with one another in the order of description in a radially outward direction of the rubber hose, wherein the inner rubber layer is formed of a butyl rubber material and/or a halogenated butyl rubber material while the outer rubber layer is formed of an EPM material consisting of ethylene-propylene copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method intended for heat insulation of a pipe (1), comprising the following successive stages of depositing, on the outer surface of the pipe moving longitudinally, a thickness (3) of an insulating material made of elastomer having an elastic type behaviour, substantially without irreversible plastic deformation, forming at least one circumferential slot (4) in the thickness of the material substantially orthogonally to the axis (2) of the pipe, and coating the insulating material thickness with a sealed sheath. In a variant, the slot is machined in the thickness of the insulant. The invention further relates to a heat-insulated pipe.

Abstract: In a hose assembly useful in the transport of hot fluids, a hose body is provided and includes a generally cylindrical flexible core defining a smooth bore through which the hot fluid will flow. A braided wire sleeve is coaxial with and engages a peripheral surface of the core, and is encapsulated by an outer insulating jacket. Fittings are attached at each end of the hose assembly to facilitate connection thereof to equipment, to or from which the hot fluid is to be transported.

Abstract: A refrigerant transporting hose has a five-layered wall formed of an inner rubber layer, a middle rubber layer, an outer rubber layer, a first reinforcing layer formed between the inner and middle rubber layers and a second reinforcing layer formed between the middle and outer rubber layers. Each rubber layer has a thickness of at least 0.3 mm. Each reinforcing layer is a single layer of spirally wound reinforcing yarn, and the two reinforcing layers have substantially opposite spiral yarn directions. The hose having no resin layer in its wall is of improved flexibility, as well as retaining satisfactory pressure resistance, fluid impermeability and kink resistance.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing hose excellent in vibration absorbing property, mounting stability and shape retaining property. The vibration absorbing hose comprises at least one rubber layer composed of a rubber composition having a storage elastic modulus (E′) of 20 to 100 MPa at 200 Hz with an elongation strain of 0.1% at an ordinary temperature (about 20° C.), and a damping factor (tan &dgr;) of not lower than 0.4.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), flexibility (and thus modulus strength allowances) to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, reduced crack propagation possibilities, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific textile reinforcement materials that permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations and also serve to prevent propagation of any cracks which may develop within the thermoplastic or thermoset materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel brake hose capable of sufficiently satisfying the fatigue resistance and the corrosion resistance, with the excellent expansion resistance. In a brake hose comprising a first reinforcing fiber layer (2), an intermediate rubber (3), a second reinforcing fiber layer (4), and an external layer rubber (5) provided successively on the outer circumference of an internal layer rubber (1) for filling a brake fluid, the first reinforcing fiber layer (2) is made of a polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate fiber. Accordingly, all of the fatigue resistance, the corrosion resistance and the expansion resistance can both be realized at a high level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hose construction containing a ternary blend. The hose comprises (a) an inner core comprising a ternary blend of (1) from 60 to 85 parts by weight of a low density polyethylene; (2) from 10 to 20 parts by weight of chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and mixtures thereof; and (3) from 2 to 25 parts by weight of EPDM; (b) a layer of tensioned reinforcement; and (c) an elastomeric cover.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a laminated layer composed of an inner winding layer formed by winding a laminated sheet spirally in a single layer, leaving a gap between every two adjoining turns, and an outer winding layer formed by winding a laminated sheet spirally in a single layer over the gap in the inner winding layer, leaving a gap between every two adjoining turns. The gap of the inner wind layer gives the hose flexibility and prevents the folding of the spirally wound sheet which might result in the failure of the hose to maintain its fluid impermeability.

Abstract: A multilayer pipe for conducting fuel, in particular from a vehicle pump to the engine, and which is capable of withstanding pressures of over 100 bar, is impermeable to hydrocarbon vapors, and includes at least one inner layer of elastomeric material, preferably acrylonitrile/butadiene and hydrogenated acrylonitrile/butadiene; a barrier layer having at least one polyamide, preferably nylon 6/6.6 or mixtures of nylon and polypropylene; a reinforcing layer defined by a spun fabric having aramidic fibers, preferably TWARON® or KEVLAR®; and a cover layer of elastomeric material, preferably chlorinated polyethylene.

Abstract: A flexible hose adapted construction for conveying fluids under pressure. The construction includes a core tube having a circumferential inner core tube surface and an opposing circumferential outer core tube surface. A first reinforcement layer surrounds the outer core tube surface, and is formed of one or more filaments of a first fiber. A second fiber reinforcement layer surrounds the first reinforcement layer, and is formed of one or more filaments of a second fiber. The first and second reinforcement layers are bonded together by means of a bonding agent such as an adhesive, resin, plasticizer, tackifier, or solvent, the application of which is controlled to wet only a portion of the filaments of the reinforcement layers.

Abstract: A convoluted hose is disclosed, being particularly suitable for use in a motor vehicle engine. The hose has a series of annular corrugations, which improve the flexibility of the hose. Each corrugation varies gradually in height around the hose, from a minimum height to a maximum height. In one embodiment, the minimum height is separated from the maximum height by at least 120°, preferably 180°, and the minimum height may be zero. In another embodiment, the corrugations are of elliptical cross section, each corrugation having two maximum height parts and two minimum height parts, the minimum height being 10% or more of the maximum height. The arrangement of minimum height parts of the corrugations allows limitation of axial expansion of the hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method intended for heat insulation of a pipe (1), comprising the following successive stages:

Abstract: A hard pipe has an annular stop projection formed about its portion press fitted in a flexible hose to make a hose connecting structure. The projection has a cross sectional contour including a gentle outward slope extending from the front end of the projection to a first corner, which makes the angle of the subsequent second corner gentle, and a rear face at the second corner extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the pipe at right angles thereto. The hose connecting structure has high levels of pull-out strength and sealing properties without having the hose damaged by the projection on the pipe.

Abstract: A hose comprising a laminate including a rubber layer comprising a rubber composition containing as essential components (A) a rubber made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer and an ethylene-propylene copolymer, (B) a vulcanizing agent containing a peroxide, (C) a resorcinol compound, and (D) a melamine resin; and a layer made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a polyamide resin, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and a metal. In such hose, the rubber layer and the non-rubber layer made of the polyamide resin, the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, or of the metal adhere well to each other, without applying an adhesive to an interface therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible hose construction adapted for conveying fluids under relatively high internal pressures and capable of withstanding relatively high external pressures without collapsing. The construction includes a tubular first elastomeric layer having a first inner radial surface and a first outer radial surface, and a tubular second elastomeric layer having a second inner radial surface and a second outer radial surface. A helical reinforcement element is spiral wound over the first elastomeric layer as interposed between that layer and the second elastomeric layer. The element is wound at a predetermined pitch angle to define a series of turns each being spaced-apart from an adjacent turn to define an interstitial area therebetween.

Abstract: A low permeable hose having at least a refrigerant barrier layer and a rubber layer is provided. The barrier layer is a laminate film having a structure such that resin layers sandwich a metal layer therebetween and having an elongation at breakage of 10 % or more. The outermost layer of the resin layer may be an adhesive layer composed of a phenol resin based composition. The hose can be produced by heating the refrigerant barrier layer and the rubber layer to a temperature no lower than the melting point of a resin that constitutes the resin layers to melt the resin and vulcanizing said rubber layer, or, laminating an adhesive layer composed of a phenol resin based composition and the rubber layer, thereby splicing the refrigerant barrier layer and the rubber layer.

Abstract: A three-layer transmission hose for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission hose includes a reinforcement layer sandwiched between an inner layer and an outer layer where the inner layer is made up of a blend of a poylethylene vinylacetate (EVM) and a chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). The outer layer may be made of the same or different material as the inner layer. A method of making a transmission hose from a blend of EVM and CPE is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a well pipe with longitudinal rods arranged in intervals in the pipe wall over the whole circumference. It is characterized by the fact that the well pipe is made of polymer concrete, and of an additional layer of packed gravel functioning as a filter if designed as a well filter pipe, and that the rods are glass fiber rods which transfer axial tensile load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel brake hose capable of sufficiently satisfying the fatigue resistance and the corrosion resistance, with the excellent expansion resistance. In a brake hose comprising a first reinforcing fiber layer (2), an intermediate rubber (3), a second reinforcing fiber layer (4), and an external layer rubber (5) provided successively on the outer circumference of an internal layer rubber (1) for filling a brake fluid, the first reinforcing fiber layer (2) is made of a polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate fiber. Accordingly, all of the fatigue resistance, the corrosion resistance and the expansion resistance can both be realized at a high level.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a laminated layer having a high impermeability to a refrigerant, etc. and held between two resin layers having a thickness which is small enough to enable the hose to remain flexible. The resin layers secure and protect the laminated layer and protect a metallic foil in the laminated layer from any bending, deforming or stretching force acting upon the hose.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake hose assembly for bicycles. A tube for carrying fluid is covered by a fiber mesh layer. The covered tube has a first fitting at a first end of the covered tube, a second fitting at a second end of the covered tube and a coating over the covered tube from the first end to the second end, covering a first point where the first fitting meets the covered tube and covering a second point where the second fitting meets the covered tube. The fluid carrying tube may be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber material, such as TEFLON®, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, rubber or any other suitable material. The fiber mesh layer may be formed of a metallic material, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or any other suitable non-metallic material, such as carbon fiber, polyamide fiber, such as KEVLAR®, glass fiber, and graphite fiber. The coating may be formed of shrink-fit polyolefin, or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A flexible hose which has a hose body made of soft synthetic resin, a reinforcement made of hard synthetic resin wound spirally and joined to the hose body by fusion, and a conductor arranged inside the reinforcement in its longitudinal direction. The conductor does not adhere to the reinforcement and is movable. The hose body is formed by: extruding a tube made of soft resin from a head of an extruder; pressing and flattening the tube to form a strip; and winding the strip spirally with the adjacent side edges joined together.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a light weight, thin walled hose which is rigid enough to resist kinking at low pressures. The hose includes a generally circular woven inner jacket reinforcement layer; an extruded inner tubing bonded to the inner surface of the inner jacket; a circular woven outer jacket reinforcement layer; and an intermediate tubing bonded to the inner surface of the outer jacket and located between the inner and outer jackets. The intermediate tubing adds thickness to the overall wall of the hose, and stiffens the outer jacket sufficiently so that it resists kinking.

Abstract: Material handling hose having an abrasion-resistant cover element is disclosed. The hose comprises an inner tube, a reinforcement member, an intermediate layer and the abrasion-resistant cover element. The cover element does not cover the entire surface of the intermediate layer, but includes apertures or gaps through which a portion of the underlying intermediate layer is exposed to the outside environment. The apertures allow for venting of high volatility materials through the hose body, and provide regions of relatively high coefficient of friction, to facilitate handling of the hose.

Abstract: A refrigerant transporting rubber hose which is capable of reducing the refrigerant permeation amount to a higher extent than earlier while maintaining the practicability of its extruded skin surface and without increasing the volume of the hose nor sacrificing mandrel removability. The hose is of a layered structure at least comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein an inner layer material forming the inner layer contains 60-200 parts by weight of a scale-shape filler and 10-100 parts by weight of carbon black per 100 parts by weight of a rubber material having as small a permeation coefficient against a refrigerant to be transported as possible.

Abstract: The hose of the present invention comprises a soft hose wall (A) and a spiral reinforcement (B) for retaining the configuration of the hose. The hose wall (A) is formed with a composition comprised of: a resin component (A1) containing a diene-series or hydrogenated diene-series rubber component, and an olefinic resin; and a lubricant (A2). The rubber component may be a random or block copolymer of styrene and butadiene. The olefinic resin may be a polypropylene-series resin. The lubricant (A2) may be a higher fatty acid or its derivative (e.g., a higher fatty acid amide), a higher alcohol or its derivative, a hydrocarbon-series wax, an organopolysiloxane, or fluorine-containing resin. The present invention provides a hose which is lighter, free from PVC, and capable of maintaining excellent flexibility even used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a laminated layer composed of an inner winding layer formed by winding a laminated sheet spirally in a single layer, leaving a gap between every two adjoining turns, and an outer winding layer formed by winding a laminated sheet spirally in a single layer over the gap in the inner winding layer, leaving a gap between every two adjoining turns. The gap of the inner wind layer gives the hose flexibility and prevents the folding of the spirally wound sheet which might result in the failure of the hose to maintain its fluid impermeability.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a laminated layer having a high impermeability to a refrigerant, etc. and held between two resin layers having a thickness which is small enough to enable the hose to remain flexible. The resin layers secure and protect the laminated layer and protect a metallic foil in the laminated layer from any bending, deforming or stretching force acting upon the hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll-back tube construction, preferably for use with a flexible endoscope shaft, with a silicone roll-back tube consisting of an inner tube section which at least at one turn-back area is turned back to form an outer tube section and is provided with a reinforcement. The reinforcement preferably consists of a nylon filament winding with a pitch of 0.2 to 2 mm about a silicone tube, which reinforcement is in turn surrounded by a silicone covering. The roll-back tube construction is designed in accordance with the type of tube which can be rolled back at both ends, where front and rear outer tube sections are connected at one end by a tube-guiding sleeve arranged between them, through which an inner tube section extends. The tube-guiding sleeve is used for mounting a roll-back tube drive.

Abstract: A method of making a hose assembly (10) includes the steps of disposing a reinforcing layer (14) having interstitial spaces extending therethrough about a tubular inner liner (12) and heating an outer surface (16) of the inner liner (12) to cause it to melt and disperse into the interstitial spaces of the reinforcing layer (14) and the fibers themselves to bond the first layer to the inner liner (12). A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids is also disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a melt extrudable polymeric fluorocarbon material having an external surface (16). A layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner liner (12). The inner liner (12) is dispersed into the layer (14) and bonds the layer (14) to the external surface (16) of the inner liner (12).

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a wall including a laminated layer formed by longitudinally lapping a laminated sheet which contains a metallic foil, or a metallic layer formed by vapor deposition. The laminated layer is bound with thread wound about it at a density not exceeding 20%, and bound to an extent forming constrictions therein if required. The thread prevents the deformation in cross section of the hose and the separation of the overlapping edge portions of the laminated sheet which might otherwise be caused by the bending resistance of the laminated sheet. The constrictions improve the flexibility of the hose.

Abstract: A hose for transporting a refrigerant for an electrically driven compressor has an inner layer of rubber having high resistance to an ester oil, and a laminated layer including a metallic foil, or a metallic layer formed by vapor deposition. It exhibits high degrees of electric insulation, refrigerant resistance, waterproofness and vibration resistance, and is suitable for use with an electrically driven compressor in an automobile air conditioner.

Abstract: A compostion having improved fuel vapor barrier properties comprising a blend of about 20 to 80 weight percent of a first fluorointerpolymer with about 80 to 20 weight percent of a second fluorointerpolymer, the first fluorointerpolymer comprising a copolymer, terpolymer or mixture thereof formed by the copolymerization of two or more monomers selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene, and the second fluorointerpolymer comprising a copolymer, terpolymer or mixture thereof formed by the copolymerization of two or more monomers selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluorotheylene, wherein the first fluorointerpolymer exhibits elastomer characteristics and the second fluorointerpolymer exhibits thermoplstic characteristics.

Abstract: A brake hose has an inner tube layer made from a rubber material, a lower thread layer made of braided lower threads, an intermediate rubber layer, an upper thread layer made of braided upper threads, and a skin rubber layer. The lower thread layer is constituted by lower threads each having a first adhesive thin film adhesively bonded to the inner tube layer and to the intermediate rubber layer. The upper thread layer is constituted by upper threads each having a second adhesive thin film adhesively bonded to the intermediate rubber layer and to the skin rubber layer.

Abstract: A hose for conveying a refrigerant to an electrically driven compressor in an automobile air conditioner has a wall formed by at least an innermost thin resin layer and a laminated layer including a metallic foil or a metallic layer formed by vapor deposition. It is excellent in electric insulation, refrigerant resistance, waterproofness and vibration resistance.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose having a metallic foil in its wall includes as one of a plurality of layers forming its wall a laminated layer formed by laminating the metallic foil, a reinforcing material having a high stretch resistance and a resin film. The laminated layer protects the foil from being broken when the hose is deformed or stretched.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose includes at least one inner tubular layer (2) of plastic or rubber, a knitted reinforcement (3), which has substantially , parallel rows (4) and lines (5) of substantially parallel stitches, with respective stitch counts per unit length of the hose (Nm, Nr); and an outer layer (6) which is superimposed on the reinforcement layer (3) to protect it. The knitted reinforcement layer (3) is provided in the form of a single tubular layer and is wrapped around the outer surface of the inner tubular layer (2); the rows (4) and lines (5) of stitches are substantially helical, with respective longitudinal pitches (Pm, Pr) and inclinations which are mutually opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis (Y).

Abstract: A hose comprises a hose wall comprising a soft synthetic resin and a hard spiral reinforcement fused with or bonded to the hose wall for retaining the hose configuration. The hose wall comprises at least one layer of a chlorine-free thermoplastic elastomer such as a polystyrenic thermoplastic elastomer, a polyolefinic thermoplastic elastomer and a polyurethane-series thermoplastic elastomer. The reinforcement comprises a hard wire and a covering resin layer formed on the hard wire. The hose wall and the covering resin layer are formed with the same series elastomer. This hose is lighter and free from PVC resins, and has the same flexibility as that of the conventional PVC hoses.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition which, when used for the inner tube and/or outer cover of a hose, can improve the hose flexibility at an ordinary temperature and low temperature, oil resistance, and cold resistance and can reduce the production costs since it does not require a vulcanization step and a hose having said properties using this elastomer composition for its inner tube and/or outer cover and a process and apparatus for the production thereof.

Abstract: A flexible hose 10 having a built-in handle 20. The hose 10 has at least three layers including a first elastomeric layer 12, a second elastomeric layer 16, and at least one reinforcing layer 14. At least one handle 20 is affixed to at least one of the respective reinforcing layers 14. The handle 20 at least partially extends radially outwardly of the external surface 18 of the hose 10. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 20 is made from flexible material.