Abstract: The method for producing a strip of material with an integrated electronic component comprises the following steps according to the present invention: feeding a material web, cutting a first piece of material from the material web, lifting the first piece of material, applying an electronic component to the material web, once again feeding the material web with the electronic component located on it, cutting a piece of material from the material web to obtain a second piece of material on which the electronic component is located, and applying the first piece of material to the second piece of material so that the electronic component is accommodated between the first piece of material and the second piece of material.

Abstract: A cutting equipment for radio frequency identification (RFID) tire tags includes: a cling film peeling unit (1) for peeling off the cling film on a material strip; a transport unit (2) for transporting the material strip; a visual detection unit (3) for detecting the position of the material strip; and a cutting and grabbing unit (4) for cutting the material strip and conveying the cutting-formed radio frequency identification (RFID) tire tag to a placement position. The cutting equipment for radio frequency identification (RFID) tire tag can not only improve the processing efficiency and save costs, but also effectively improve the processing accuracy of the radio frequency identification (RFID) tire tags and avoid secondary pollution of the material strip.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas barrier film includes depositing an atomic layer deposition film on a surface of a plastic substrate to form a gas barrier laminate, using atomic layer deposition; depositing a curable resin layer on a support from which the layer is peelable, to form an overcoat laminate; laminating the overcoat laminate to the gas barrier laminate, with the atomic layer deposition film and the curable resin layer facing each other, and transferring the curable resin layer onto the atomic layer deposition film; curing the curable resin layer through application of heat or an active energy beam; and releasing the curable resin layer from the support.

Abstract: A nonadhesive phase-change material application apparatus for bonding the tail of a convolutely wound log to the body is provided. The nonadhesive phase-change material application apparatus has at least one nonadhesive phase-change material applicator that defines a cavity conveying a volume of nonadhesive phase-change material from a reservoir to an application site.

Abstract: To create a printed matter having favorable image quality that can prevent air bubbles from being trapped at the time when a protective film is attached to a medium. A method of creating printed matter includes: an ink arrangement step of ejecting a photocurable ink on a printing face of a medium by an inkjet method so that an average surface roughness of the printing face is smaller than 15 ?m and irradiating the photocurable ink with a light to be cured; and a laminating step of attaching the protective film to the medium by bonding an adhesive layer of the protective film to the printing face and a surface of the photocurable ink, and the protective film including the adhesive layer having a thickness equal to or larger than 18 ?m and a substrate supporting the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method for the production of sealing tape rolls of flexible, compressed foam with at least one barrier layer extending in a radial direction thereof, the barrier layer arranged axially between two layers of the foam, comprises the following steps: providing a foam web of flexible foam; introducing at least one cut into the foam web in a longitudinal direction thereof to form parallel foam strips; introducing film strips, adhesive tape strips, and/or an adhesive liquid medium into the intermediate spaces between each pair of adjacent foam strips produced by the cuts; bonding all of the foam strips together to produce a foam-barrier layer web; winding up the foam-barrier layer web into an intermediate roll; and cutting the intermediate roll at one or more points in an axial direction thereof to produce a plurality of sealing tape rolls, which are less wide than the intermediate roll.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrous panel member and a flooring structure is disclosed. The flooring structure has a subfloor, a surface layer, and an insulative pad disposed between the subfloor and the surface layer. The insulative pad has an MDI binder and reinforcement fibers distributed uniformly and randomly within a first plane. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber batt is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed batt to form a bound flexible batting material.

Abstract: A method for producing a backsheet for absorbent sanitary articles provided with hook-and-loop fasteners, comprising the steps of: advancing a continuous web of fibrous material without support at a first speed, cutting the continuous web of fibrous material in a transverse direction so as to form sections of fibrous material, accelerating the sections of fibrous material at a second speed greater than said first speed, welding said sections of fibrous material spaced apart at constant intervals onto a continuous non-woven support web advancing at said second speed, so as to convert said sections of fibrous material into frontal tapes of loop-material for hook-and-loop fasteners, and fixing a continuous impermeable film to said continuous non-woven support web with said frontal tapes of loop-material, so as to form a continuous backsheet web provided with frontal tapes of loop-material spaced apart at constant intervals.

Abstract: A feeder provided with multiple types of tape peeling units, which are based on the type of carrier tape to be fed by the feeder, that are detachably attached to a tip section of the feeder; a cutter member, which is provided on the multiple types of tape peeling units, that peels one edge of cover tape of the carrier tape to reveal a component stored in a storage section; an identification mark provided on the multiple types of tape peeling units; an identification sensor, which is provided on main body of the feeder, that identifies the identification mark; and a comparing device that compares information recognized by the identification sensor and information of the component stored in the carrier tape.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrous panel member and a flooring structure is disclosed. The flooring structure has a subfloor, a surface layer, and an insulative pad disposed between the subfloor and the surface layer. The insulative pad has an MDI binder and reinforcement fibers distributed uniformly and randomly within a first plane. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber batt is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed batt to form a bound flexible batting material.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrous panel member and a flooring structure is disclosed. The flooring structure has a subfloor, a surface layer, and an insulative pad disposed between the subfloor and the surface layer. The insulative pad has an MDI binder and reinforcement fibers distributed uniformly and randomly within a first plane. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber batt is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed batt to form a bound flexible batting material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article including a fastening system having a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include providing an absorbent assembly, providing a web of primary second fastening component material, and providing a carrier web including a secondary first fastening component material. The method can further include coupling the carrier web to the web of primary second fastening component material to form a composite web, cutting the composite web to form a discrete composite web component, and coupling the discrete composite web component to the outer cover of the absorbent assembly, with the discrete composite web component forming the primary second fastening component of the primary fastening system and the at least one secondary first fastening component of the secondary fastening system.

Abstract: A tape feeder for a chip mounter, the tape feeder including: a tape support unit extending along a moving direction of a carrier tape to which a cover tape is separably attached, and contacting a top surface of the carrier tape; a separation unit separating a first side portion of the cover tape in a lengthwise direction; a bending guide unit guiding the first side portion of the cover tape separated from the carrier tape such that the first side portion of the cover tape separated from the carrier tape is bent and away from the separated portion of the carrier tape; and a folding guide unit folding the first side portion over a second side portion of the cover tape to drop the first side portion downward.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrous panel member and a flooring structure is disclosed. The flooring structure has a subfloor, a surface layer, and an insulative pad disposed between the subfloor and the surface layer. The insulative pad has an MDI binder and reinforcement fibers distributed uniformly and randomly within a first plane. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber batt is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed batt to form a bound flexible batting material.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a multi-axial laminate of webs produced from cables stretch broken into strips includes a conveyor table, a transfer device, at the entry thereof, arranging a first layer of pre-wound pre-cut strips along the longitudinal axis of the table, the strips being partially superimposed; at least two cross lappers arranged along the table transferring and depositing in an oblique and/or divergent position at predetermined angles a stretch broken strip, and arranging the strips in successive superimpositions on the first layer of pre-cut strips in different planes, to form a multi-axial web of stretch broken strips. The web then being treated by a fixing device. Movement of the support belt of the table taking place in steps to ensure the superimposition of the different layers of pre-broken strips deposited by the cross lappers. Implementation taking place without any prior cohesion treatment of each strip.

Abstract: A process for making a door structure and particularly a fibrous panel member for a subdoor structure. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber construct is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed construct to form a bound flexible constructing material. The material is then placed within a door structure to form a fire resistant door.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disposable worn article, including: severing a continuous web W along a cut-off line L1 having a predetermined wave shape, dividing the continuous web W into a first and second divided webs W1, W2; allowing the first and second divided webs W1, W2 to cross each other in a width direction X so as to reverse positions of the first and second divided webs W1, W2 in the width direction X; reversing the second divided web W2 by twisting the second divided web W2 by 180°; rotating a second side panel which is cut off from the second divided web W2 by 180°, thereby producing a second side panel PR in line symmetry with a first side panel PL which is cut off from the first divided web W1; and placing and fastening the side panels PL, PR to the side portions of the body 20.

Abstract: A fiber application head for a fiber application machine for the production of parts made of composite materials, comprising a compacting roller, said compacting roller comprising several independent roller segments mounted side by side on an axial rod. Each roller segment comprises a tubular central portion through which said segment is mounted on the axial rod, a tubular peripheral portion having a cylindrical outer surface and one or more curved spring plate arranged between the outer surface (31a) of the central portion and the inner surface of the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A method of continuously imparting different visually detectable features to a plurality of items using a printing and/or embossing roll is provided. The circumference of the roll differs from the whole number of the item lengths. In a production series, the number of items each having a different visually detectable feature provided before said visually detectable features repeat themselves is greater than the number of items imparted after one full turn of the roll. Also disclosed is a package including a plurality of items each having a visually detectable feature that is different from the visually detectable features of all other items within the package, such that a first item includes a first visually detectable feature, and a second item includes a second visually detectable feature including at least a portion of the first visually detectable pattern element, wherein the first and second visually detectable features are different.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a chassis, a pair of opposed elastic side panels attached to the chassis, and at least one fastening tab adhesively attached to each elastic side panel. The at least one fastening tab has a length in the transverse direction of the article and a width in the longitudinal direction of the article and each elastic side panel is embossed on at least a portion thereof, which is adhesively attached to the respective fastening tab, to form at least one embossed groove extending along at least 30%, preferably at least 40% and more preferably at least 60% of the width of the at least one fastening tab.

Abstract: Absorbent pads for personal sanitary items are made by a device that comprises a set of pick-up heads (2) moving along a feed path (P), a first application unit (5) and a second application unit (6) by which a respective first portion (4a) and second portion (4b) of an absorbent pad are placed on the pick-up head (2), and a motion-inducing mechanism, coupled to the pick-up head (2), which is designed to bring about a relative displacement between the first portion (4a) and the second portion (4b), so that when the second portion (4b) is placed over the first portion (4a), the one will be covered by the other only in part. A method of making absorbent pads using the device in question includes the steps of preparing a first portion (4a) and a second portion (4b) of an absorbent pad, then placing the second portion (4b) over the first portion (4a) in such a way that the first portion (4a) is covered only in part by the second portion (4b).

Abstract: A method produces adhesive tapes which are adhesive at least on one side, wherein an adhesive tape web, in which the at least one adhesive side is covered by a first liner, is guided into a cutting device in which a total of N individual adhesive tape strips located next to one another are produced in the machine direction from the adhesive tape web. Every other adhesive tape strip is removed from the first liner and is applied to a second liner in each case having a spacing a between the individual adhesive tape strips. The liners are cut between the adhesive tape strips located on the first liner and on the second liner, and the individual adhesive tapes, together with the liner strips, are wound up in a total of X rolls in a form of an Archimedean spiral.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a leg and flap elastics composite for use in an absorbent article includes joining a leg elastic member to a web moving in a machine direction. A flap elastic member is joined to the web and spaced from the leg elastic member. The web is fed to a chopper assembly wherein portions of the leg and flap elastic members are rendered less elastic at spaced-apart intervals to define deadened portions of the leg and flap elastic members.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article including a fastening system having a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include providing an absorbent assembly, providing a web of primary second fastening component material, and providing a carrier web including a secondary first fastening component material. The method can further include coupling the carrier web to the web of primary second fastening component material to form a composite web, cutting the composite web to form a discrete composite web component, and coupling the discrete composite web component to the outer cover of the absorbent assembly, with the discrete composite web component forming the primary second fastening component of the primary fastening system and the at least one secondary first fastening component of the secondary fastening system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for simultaneously producing wide and narrow slit tape from the same master roll.

Abstract: In a case where components such as side flaps and crotch portions are arranged on multiple webs which are being conveyed while being arranged side by side in the width direction of the webs, articles in various sizes can be handled easily by a web conveying step of conveying a front waistline web 11A and a back waistline web 11B the webs being arranged side by side in a width direction of the webs, a flap attaching step of attaching side flaps 30 onto the web 11 of the front waistline web 11A or the back waistline web, a web gap changing step of changing a gap between the front waistline web 11A and the back waistline web 11B by a web gap changing mechanism 500 and a crotch member attaching step of attaching a crotch member 20 between the front waistline web 11A and the back waistline web 11B, wherein the web gap changing step is performed between the flap attaching step and the crotch member attaching step.

Abstract: A composite security device is provided that is made up of a first polymer film that constitutes or embodies a security feature in the form of at least one high value material, and a second polymer film that constitutes, embodies, or is coated with one or more additional security features. The first polymer film is positioned on and adhered to a surface of the second polymer film, which has a width or diameter greater than the width or diameter of the first polymer film By way of the present invention, the high value material is applied to only a part of the security device, leaving remaining parts of the device available for one or more additional materials that do not impact upon the effect of the high value material.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle. In certain example embodiments, holes are provided in a PV module sandwiched between two substrates, the holes being shaped and arranged within the PV module so as to allow light transmission into the vehicle at desired level while still being substantially filled by the laminate or adhesive material used to secure the PV module to the two surrounding substrates.

Abstract: A panel filter is provided such as for HVAC applications in which one of the cut edges is frayed and attached with adhesive to the inner peripheral surface of a paper board frame. The frayed edges may facilitate better gluing of pleated filter medium to the frame especially for self-supported filter media applications and may increase structural rigidity and sealibility as a whole. Frayed edges also provide flexibility to assist in installation of a card of pleated filter medium into a paper board frame.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrous panel member. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber batt is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed batt to form a bound flexible batting material.

Abstract: A method of forming a building material with a pre-applied adhesive, the method comprising the steps of manipulating a first membrane and a second membrane to be spaced from one another along parallel adjacent edges to form a gap; securing a single strip of adhesive tape to a top surface of both said first and second membranes adjacent to said adjacent edges so that said adhesive tape extends over said gap; and cutting along the length of said adhesive tape to form a first adhesive tape and a second adhesive tape, said first adhesive tape being secured to the top surface of said first membrane and extending over a portion of said gap, and said second adhesive tape being secured to the top surface of said second membrane and extending over a portion of said gap.

Abstract: Absorbent sanitary articles (2), such as nappies or incontinence pads with an elongated central body (2a) and at least one pair of closure tabs (5), are manufactured on a machine (1) by which the tabs (5) are directed in pairs from a feed unit (13) onto a transport line (6) carrying the articles (2) toward a sealing station. The feed unit (13) operates by making skew cross-cuts (16) in a continuous strip (15) of material, so as to generate a succession of tab elements (5) appearing trapezoidal in outline; the tab elements (5) are then distanced one from another in alternation along a direction (D3) transverse to their feed direction (D2) through the machine, so as to obtain two single columns (23) which are taken up by a roller (27) and aligned one with another so that the single tab elements (5) are ordered into a succession of transversely aligned pairs. The alignment roller (27) rotates tangentially to the transport line (6) and is timed to place one pair of tab elements (5) on each advancing article (2).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements can include fabricating a web ply in a flat curve over a removable substrate and laying up the ply on a curved web surface of a manufacturing tool. The method also can include laying up a diagonal ply with fibers oriented at +/?45° from the centerline of the web surface. The method further can include cutting a unidirectional composite tape into segments and laying up the tape segments to form a cross ply with a fiber orientation normal to the centerline of the web surface. One or both edges of the diagonal and cross plies may be folded over one or two sides of the manufacturing tool to form one or two flange surfaces. Additionally, a cap ply can be laid up on one or both flange surfaces using composite tape. The structural element layup can then be inspected and any excess composite material can be trimmed away.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods utilizing multiple processing stations for processing absorbent articles and being configurable to move along various predetermined travel paths defined by radii that may be constant or variable. Particular embodiments of apparatuses and methods of manufacture include a processing wheel having a plurality of processing stations which orbit around a rotation axis. The processing stations may be configured to perform various types of operations associated with the manufacture of absorbent articles while the processing stations orbit around the rotation axis. The processing wheel can be configured to adjust the path along which the processing stations orbit as the processing wheel rotates around the rotation axis. As such, the orbit path can be adjusted to accommodate the manufacture of different sized blanks without the need to physically move or relocate and realign other process apparatuses, such as for example, sealing stations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing coated profile members (10), wherein a foil (16, 36) is cut to a predetermined width and wrapped around the profile member so as to form a butt seam extending in a longitudinal direction of the profile member, and the foil (16, 36) is cut by a cutting beam (24) in a condition in which an edge strip of the foil projects beyond the profile member (10), while a face of the profile member is used as reference for the position of the cutting beam.

Abstract: The present invention is a laminating process which is directed toward economical production methods for scalable amounts of production which develop properties suitable for a broad based product line. In particular, the product is capable of important key components of commercial properties such as adhesion, scratch resistance, chemical inertness, and bending without failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a first porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The unidirectional lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape. A first plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a first layer from the unidirectional composite tape. A second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a second layer from the unidirectional composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer. At least one of the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape are slit while laying down the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape. A composite fabric is formed from the first and second layer.

Abstract: Important features and improvements of a commercial coil batch laminating production line are disclosed for a successful, commercial, and economical operation. This invention addresses important processing sequences, operating parameters, control systems, designs, operating methods, and other novel features. This invention provides for a competitive cost structure meeting the needs of commercialization.

Abstract: A cover tape for use with a carrier tape, where the cover tape includes at least one tear-initiation feature that defines a predetermined direction of tear to initiate a tear along portions of the cover tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new worn article, which gives a close fit and with which it is possible to reduce the production cost. A worn article of the present invention includes a main body portion 20 including an absorbent core 25 and covering a front torso area, a crotch area and a rear torso area of a wearer, and a pair of side panels PL and PR attached to the main body portion 20 and located between the front and rear torso areas when the worn article is worn. Each of the side panels PL and PR is stretchable in an around-the-torso direction X. At least a portion of the side panel PL and PR includes an elastic thread G sandwiched between at least two sheet-like materials S1 and S2 and is in a contracted state where the elastic thread is contracted, thus forming gathers.

Abstract: A base material processing device includes a first base material conveying section which receives from a first line and conveys a to-be-processed flexible base material, a base material dividing section which divides the flexible base material conveyed by the first base material conveying section, a route changing section which receives the flexible base material from its start edge formed by division by the base material dividing section and changes its conveyance route to a second line, and a second base material conveying section which is provided before the second line and holds and conveys to the second line a to-be-processed flexible base material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing laminated bamboo sliver lumber comprises steps of: preparing bamboo slivers; performing moth-proofing, mildew-proofing, and antiseptic treatments to the bamboo slivers and then drying the bamboo slivers to a moisture content of about 6-15%; machining each dried bamboo sliver to a thickness of about 0.5-3.5 mm (0.02-0.14 in) and a width of about 5-22 mm (0.20-0.87 in) and then dehumidifying the machined bamboo slivers to a moisture content of about 3-10%; applying a glue to the bamboo slivers by glue-coating or “immerging” process, in which a ratio of the glue to an absolute dry weight of the bamboo slivers is about 3-16%; and arranging the glued bamboo slivers with their “width” direction consistent with the “vertical” direction and then pressing the arranged bamboo slivers and curing the glue under a “side” pressure of about 3-15 MPa (0.44-2.18 ksi) and a “top” pressure of about 1-6 MPa (0.15-0.87 ksi) so as to form the laminated bamboo sliver lumber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a contoured composite article. A separation distance of dividing elements of a dividing unit configured to divide a tape comprising fiber is adjusted. The tape is fed through the dividing unit to divide the tape into a plurality of inter-connected or separate, substantially longitudinal strips. The tape is laid onto a surface with an automatic tape laying apparatus.

Abstract: Method of producing an incontinence pad having a main part and front and rear side parts attached thereto, characterized in that the rear side parts can be expanded to a greater extent than the front side parts.

Abstract: We disclose a method for the production of a diaper, with an absorbent body, a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion arranged in-between, and with lateral back portions bilaterally attached to the back portion and lateral front portions bilaterally attached to the front portion, which extend in transverse direction of the diaper beyond the main body, and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, where the lateral back and front portions may be detachably connected to one another to apply the diaper, where a separation process including the lateral back portion, the main part and the lateral front portion is implemented to contour the bilateral leg opening areas of the diaper, so that a connected offcut is formed, characterized in that the offcut is gripped and conveyed away by a transfer roller having pin-, needle-, knob-, hook- or barb-shaped mechanical elements protruding from its surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process wherein a rotary knife or die, with one or more cutting edges, turns against and in coordination with a corresponding cylinder to create preferably trapezoidal ears. Ear material is slit into two lanes, one for a left side of a diaper and the other for a right side of a diaper. Fastening tapes are applied to both the right and the left ear webs. The ear material is then die cut with a nested pattern on a synchronized vacuum anvil. The resulting discrete ear pieces however, due to the trapezoidal pattern of the ears, alternate between a correct orientation and an incorrect (reversed) orientation. The reversed ear is required to be rotated 180° into the correct orientation such that the ears and associated tape present a left ear and a right ear on the diaper.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing a material roll for use in a process including unwinding a long sheet material from a roll of the long sheet material, wherein the long sheet material includes an optical film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release film laminated in this order, and the optical film includes a polarizing plate, cutting at least the optical film to form an optical film having a specific length, and then bonding the optical film to a surface of a rectangular optical display unit, while feeding the optical film, the method comprising the steps of: lengthwise slitting a long material having a longitudinal direction parallel to an absorption axis of the polarizing plate, so that a long sheet material having a width corresponding to a short or long side of the optical display unit is obtained; and winding the long sheet material into a roll.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article for animals is provided, wherein U-shaped fixing parts(3,30) are mounted to each side edge of a base material(20) of a diaper main body, and then separated into fixing protrusions(31) along a cutout line(41) to serve as movable parts(21,22), thereby allowing firm tightening to the crural area of hind legs and the trunk.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing an optical display device comprising an optical film including a polarizing plate and a rectangular optical display unit having a surface to which the optical film is bonded, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a material roll which is a roll of a long sheet material obtained by lengthwise slitting a long material comprising an optical film into a width corresponding to a short or long side of the optical display unit, wherein the optical film includes a polarizing plate having a longitudinal direction parallel to its absorption axis; and unwinding the long sheet material from the material roll, cutting at least the optical film of the long sheet material to form an optical film having a length corresponding to a long or short side of the optical display unit, and then bonding the optical film to a surface of the optical display unit.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.