Abstract: A method for manufacturing a capacitor element includes singulating a mother block into a plurality of laminate blocks having a shape of an elongated, substantially rectangular parallelepiped, by dividing the mother block in rows; rolling each of the plurality of laminate blocks; and singulating each of the plurality of laminate blocks into a plurality of laminate chips having a shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, by dividing the plurality of laminate blocks after rolling in columns. The step of rolling each of the plurality of laminate blocks includes the step of moving the plurality of laminate blocks placed on a stage, along a direction in which the plurality of laminate blocks are arranged side by side, thereby sequentially pushing each of the plurality of laminate blocks to an end portion of the stage and causing each of the plurality of laminate blocks to rotationally fall from the end portion.

Abstract: A method of covering a roof deck includes laying a course of starter shingles in a side-by-side relationship at an eave edge of a roof deck. A starter shingle of the course of starter shingles is a laminated starter shingle comprising an underlay sheet laminated below an overlay sheet. A plurality of successive generally horizontal courses of covering shingles are laid above the course of starter shingles. The covering shingles in each of the courses of covering shingles are laid in a side-by-side relationship and horizontally offset from the covering shingles in adjacent courses. Each covering shingle of the courses of covering shingles includes a headlap portion and a butt portion. The butt portion includes a plurality of tabs separated by cutouts. The starter shingles include an exposed portion extending between the tabs of the covering shingles.

Abstract: A packaging cushion insert is useful for cushioning a packaged object. The insert comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet; and a plurality of interior sheets between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the plurality of interior sheets are in stacked and laminated arrangement. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and plurality of interior sheets each comprise one or more materials selected from an air-cellular cushioning material, cellular foam material, and crumpled paper material.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a reinforcing ply N by assembling lengths of strip cut at an angle, comprising: a feed means (300) for delivering a strip (B), an assembly belt (101), a transfer means (200) for conveying onto the assembly belt a given length of straight-grain strip in a direction (AA?) comprising a retaining wall (211), parallel to the planes of the assembly belt (101) and of the feed means, and a first face (211a) of which is intended to come into contact with the surface of the strip, in which device the feed means (300), the transfer means (200) and the assembly belt (101) are fitted with magnetic means.

Abstract: An improved geode breaking method, system, and apparatus are disclosed. A geode can be broken or cut into at least two pieces, or grooved with a circumferential groove. The geode pieces can be reassembled and connected to each other using a bonding material that supports the joint formed between the reassembled pieces. The bonding layer can denote a joint guideline to assist in aligning a geode breaking tool for re-breaking the geode. A support layer can be added for additional strength, support, and geode crumbling prevention. The reassembled geode can be safely and easily re-broken without crumbling the exterior and interior surface of the geode. The geode's interior crystals or concentric lines can be safely appreciated within a piece or section of a reassembled and re-broken geode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laminate of films for applications in which relatively high yield strength and ultimate tensile strength is required. In one embodiment this is accomplished by drawing tube (106) from a storage means onto a tube roller and cutting the tube length into two film, a first film and a second film, where the first and second film are in opposite angular direction with respect to the roller rotation, coating the first film with liquid adhesive composition by passing between at least two film guiders, where one of the guider is dipped in liquid adhesive tray (110), in which said composition includes resin and hardener and laminating the second film with the coated liquid adhesive first film by passing them together through at least two film guiders (112) under pressure to produce a spiral cut liquid adhesive laminated film.

Abstract: Personal sanitary items are manufactured by a machine comprising a first feed system (2) directing a first continuous web (3) of material along a given feed path (P), a device (9) serving to make a succession of absorbent pads and apply the single pads to the first web (3) of material, and a second feed system (19) supplying a second continuous web (20) of material that is bonded ultimately to the first web (3), with the pads sandwiched between, to produce a continuous succession of sanitary items. The pad-making device (9) comprises at least one cutter (12) by which a continuous band (11) of absorbent material is divided up to produce the succession of pads, and the feed path (P) follows a convoluted trajectory substantially of “S” configuration.

Abstract: A machine for cutting off a redundant part of a workpiece and affixing film to a top surface of the workpiece includes a stand, a cutting device, and an affixing device. The stand has a work platform. The workpieces slide on the work platform. The cutting device includes a first blade. The film provider dispenses the film. The affixing device has a pressing portion facing the work platform. The workpiece slides to the cutting device and the affixing device. The film is unwound and passes over the pressing portion. The cutting device cuts off the redundant parts of the workpiece when the workpiece slides under the cutting device, and the pressing portion presses the film onto the top surface of the workpiece when the workpiece slides under the affixing device.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated shingle is provided. The method includes coating a shingle mat with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt-coated sheet, adhering a reinforcement member to a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet, covering the asphalt-coated sheet, and optionally covering the reinforcement member, with granules to make a granule-covered sheet, dividing the granule-covered sheet into an overlay sheet and an underlay sheet, wherein the overlay sheet has a tab portion normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion normally covered-up on a roof, the headlap portion having a lower zone adjacent the tab portion and an upper zone adjacent the lower zone, and wherein the reinforcement member is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion and laminating the overlay sheet and the underlay sheet to make the laminated shingle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation for manufacturing fiber stringers for aerospace structures formed by at least one swivel-mounted cylindrical carousel, peripherally incorporating a distribution of male configured tools and in relation to said carousel a bed capable of lateral movement, incorporating a distribution of female configured tools, a fiber strip applicator head for making fiber laminates on the male configured tools also being arranged in relation to the carousel, which allows making omega-shaped or T-shaped stringers by means of the interaction of each male configured tool of the carousel with a respective female configured tool of the bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting sheet metal parts (4) to form a laminated core (11), wherein sheet metal parts (4) are separated, in particular punched, from a sheet metal strip (2) that has, at least in some areas, a layer having curable polymer adhesive (12), and the sheet metal parts (4) are preliminarily connected to form a laminated core (11), the preliminary connection comprising plasticizing the adhesive (12) at least in some areas and joining the sheet metal parts (4) in order to connect the sheet metal parts by means of the plasticized adhesive (12) of at least one of the sheet metal parts (4), and in a subsequent step the laminated core (11) having preliminarily connected sheet metal parts (4) is subjected to a curing of the adhesive (12). In order to create an advantageous connection between the sheet metal parts, the plasticizing of the adhesive (12) comprises the introduction of a softener (16), in particular H2O.

Abstract: Punching structures each include a die, a punch that cooperates with the die to stamp a workpiece, a die supporting member that applies lateral pressure to core pieces stamped out from the workpiece, and a counter pressure applying mechanism that applies counter pressure toward the punch to the core pieces from the side opposite to the punch. The punching structures also include selecting mechanisms, respectively. The punching structures laminate core pieces while applying lateral pressure and counter pressure to the core pieces. The punching structures are arranged along the conveyance direction of the workpiece. The selecting mechanisms select one of the punching structures to be put in a pause state, so that one of the punching structures is put in a pause state during a stamping operation of the punching structures.

Abstract: In a pocket coil spring structure assembling apparatus, a row-of-pocket-coil-springs auxiliary feed stock mechanism and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs delivery mechanism are connected together in series so as to form a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit, a plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units are disposed on an upstream side with respect to a sealing/cutting mechanism, a control apparatus is allowed to alternatively select a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit to face the sealing/cutting mechanism from the plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units, and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit alternatively selected is moved to face the sealing/cutting mechanism.

Abstract: To provide a plurality of conveyor belts which are disposed, with a space kept mutually in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction thereof, and capable of running along the longitudinal direction thereof in such a state that the sheet pieces with cords are placed thereon, and a lift mechanism installed between the plurality of conveyor belts to support the sheet pieces with cords on the upstream side or those on the downstream side in the longitudinal direction among the sheet pieces with cords placed on the conveyor belts while in contact with these sheet pieces from the lower side, thereby allowing them to make a relative upward movement from the sheet placing surfaces of the conveyor belts.

Abstract: In tire manufacture, a belt structure is made by means of strip-like segments each including parallel cords incorporated into an elastomeric layer, which strip-like segments are sequentially laid down in mutual circumferential side by side relationship on a toroidal support.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a fabric material to a part broadly comprises a cutting element, a heating system, a vertical pressure unit, and a compaction roller assembly. The cutting element may cut scrap material from the sides of the fabric material. The heating system may heat the fabric material after the material exits the vacuum conveyor assembly. The vertical pressure unit may apply a downward force on the compaction roller assembly, which may receive the fabric material and press the fabric material against a surface of the part. The compaction roller assembly may include a roller operable to have a variable curvature along its longitudinal axis and an actuating device operable to apply a variable torque to opposing ends of the roller to vary the curvature of the roller.

Abstract: A SMC lamination line is disclosed that has an upper carrier film and a lower carrier film with oriented chopped fibers being deposited between the carrier films. Resin paste or adhesive is provided to retain oriented fibers on the lower carrier film. A guide roller guides the carrier film in close proximity to an in-feed conveyor that feeds oriented chopped fiber unto the lower carrier film. The guide roller is preferably less than the diameter of the end roller of the feed conveyor. The guide roller is also preferably within the arc of movement of the ends of the oriented chopped fibers to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of the oriented chopped fibers to the lower carrier film.

Abstract: A method of prefabricating and installing a synthetic turf field includes providing a controlled manufacturing facility with an open area that allows a plurality of turf strips to be laid out on a floor thereof. Visual markings are placed on the floor to allow the individual strips to be properly aligned on the floor. Once aligned, inlays can be placed into the proper strip and then secured. After the inlays have been secured, the strips can be rolled up and appropriately labeled for subsequent installation. After all the strips that will make up the field have been processed and rolled up, the rolls can be taken to the job site so the field can be installed.

Abstract: To provide a lay-up apparatus capable of precision positioning and laying of thin strips of copper foil or insulation tape on a flat plane even when there are variations in the cut lengths of the strips. A lay-up apparatus lays first and second strips of tape 101, 102 on top of two electrodes 5, 6 deposited on a photovoltaic devices panel 1. The strips of tape are unwound by first and second grippers 112, 122 and cut to predetermined lengths by first and second cutters 113, 123. The cut strips of tape are laid one on top of the other and transported by rotatable moving means 130. The moving means 130 rotates in opposite directions when laying the strips of tape it holds from the electrode 5 toward the electrode 6 and when laying the strips of tape from the electrode 6 toward the electrode 5, while using one end of the strips of tape as a reference and keeping constant the relative positions of the reference end of the strips of tape and that electrode which is nearest the reference end.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) package for high temperature operation which includes a printed wire board and a heat sink. The LED package may include a formed heat sink layer, which may be thermally coupled to an external heat sink. The printed wire board may include apertures that correspond to the heat sink such that the heat sink is integrated with the printed wire board layer. The LED package may include castellations for mounting the package on a secondary component such as a printed wire board. The LED package may further comprise an isolator disposed between a base metal layer and one or more LED die. Optionally, the LED die may be mounted directly on a base metal layer. The LED package may include a PWB assembly having a stepped cavity, in which one or more LED die are disposed. The LED package is advantageously laminated together using a pre-punched pre-preg material or a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A tap and label applicator includes a base. The base is provided with an operation rod, a tape cutting unit and a label stripping unit. At least one roll of tape and one roll of labels are mounted on the tape and label applicator. The tape cutting unit is used to cut the tape of the roll of tape. The label stripping unit can automatically peel off the labels on the roll of labels. The present invention can save the space and avoid loss of the roll of tape and the roll of labels to facilitate the process of packing.

Abstract: A rubber sheet joining apparatus includes a cutting unit for cutting a ribbon of rubber sheet reinforced with cords to generate rubber sheet strips having different lengths; a sheet overlapping unit for overlapping and joining the rubber sheet strips having different lengths to make an overlapped and joined strip. First holding members hold a front end portion of a following overlapped and joined strip. Second holding members hold a rear end portion of a preceding overlapped and joined strip. Support guides movably support the first holding members relative to the second holding members. An operating unit moves the first holding members relative to the second holding members to butt-join the side surfaces of two successive overlapped and joins strips held respectively by the first holding members and the second holding members to generate a ply sheet.

Abstract: There is provided a laminated piezoelectric ceramic element manufacturing method, wherein, even when the number of internal electrode laminations is increased, the lamination and cutting steps can be simplified, to enhance cutting precision and make cutting cost low. A first laminated body having stripe-like internal electrodes is cut into a plurality of second laminated bodies so as to have a width-direction dimension W corresponding to a width dimension of a laminated piezoelectric ceramic element chip to be ultimately obtained. Two or more second laminated bodies are laminated in the laminating direction to obtain a third laminated body, and the third laminated body is cut in the laminating direction and parallel to the width direction W to obtain a laminated piezoelectric body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple layer composite structures and structures containing components made of multiple layer composite structures, comprising dispensing layers of composite material, trimming each layer to its final shape as it is being dispensed, and positioning it properly with respect to prior layers in the part lay-up.

Abstract: A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

Abstract: A method of welding a window frame provides a welding system (10) having movable head fixtures (16). Certain of the head fixtures include cutting structure (37) and each head fixture includes heat supplying structure (40). A one-piece lineal (20) has first and second ends and notches therein. The lineal is loaded with respect to the head fixtures, with portions of the lineal being folded about the notches to define folded corners. Head fixtures are moved to clamp on the lineal. The cutting structure cuts the lineal generally at each notch to separate each of the folded corners from the lineal, with each corner of the lineal being defined by a pair of ends. The head fixtures are repositioned so as to provide a space between each pair of ends. A heat supplying structure is inserted into the space to heat each pair of ends and then removed. The head fixtures are moved so that each pair of ends contact and join in a thermally welded manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making expandable honeycomb structures suitable for use as window coverings is provided. Material is fed to a folder and past a cutter. Adhesive is applied to the material downstream of the cutter and the material is cut to desired lengths. The cut strips of material are stacked with similarly formed strips to form the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying adhesive sheets includes a sheet applying base which is placed on a placement base so as to be withdrawable from the placement base and which has a sheet applying region to which adhesive sheets positioned closely before and after a junction portion are to be applied. In the sheet applying base, an upstream-side end portion of the sheet applying region in the adhesive sheet feed direction is placed so as to confront an end portion of the sheet applying head, and moreover a sheet escaping space opened downward is set in place.

Abstract: A process for the production of a slab that consists of cross-grained wood tie-beams includes the following stages: preparing cross-grained wood tie-beams (16); preparing a high-density substrate (12) to limit the compressibility; preparing an adhesive interface with a layer of a removable adhesive; and placing the tie-beams (16) on this interface. The device is also described.

Abstract: A method for sterile connection of tubing includes welding the tubing sections together using an efficient laser. The ends of the tubing sections are brought together prior to the initiation of welding, facilitating isolation of interior passage of the tubing sections. The method can be carried out by an apparatus which is relatively inexpensive and compact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic film (3) including a pre-existing oriented tear zone (11, 7), characterised in that the zone (11, 7) comprises a butt weld (7) which assembles one end of the plastic film (9) with another end of the plastic film (10), said weld zone being disposed in the thickness of one or more of the welding layers of the plastic film (3). The invention also relates to a method and a device for producing said plastic film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple layer composite structures and structures containing components made of multiple layer composite structures, comprising dispensing layers of composite material, trimming each layer to its final shape as it is being dispensed, and positioning it properly with respect to prior layers in the part lay-up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing sheets from the pseudostems of banana plants in the family Musaceae, each pseudostem having a longitudinal axis. The method includes the steps of feeding a pseudostem (14) into a workstation, supporting (62, 34) the pseudostem for rotation thereof about its longitudinal axis within the workstation, and contacting the rotating pseudostem along substantially its entire length with a fibre-separating device (38), whereby a continuous sheet of fibre (60) is removed from the pseudostem by the fibre-separating device during rotation. Raw paper may also be made by laminating two or more of these sheets together such that the direction of the generally parallel fibres in at least two adjacent sheets is not aligned and then curing the sheets to form raw paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for producing corrugated honeycomb cardboard, the machine comprising a block supplying device for supplying blocks of corrugated cardboard along a direction of conveyance, a cutting device for cutting strips from a block of corrugated cardboard, a gluing device for applying glue to at least one side of the strips, a corrugated-cardboard-strip turning device for changing the spatial orientation of the strips, and a joining device for adhesively joining the strips together to form corrugated honeycomb cardboard.

Abstract: A tire belt machine comprises an extruder, a cooling drum, and a cutting station, such that the cooling drum draws a strip from the extruder. The cutting station is adapted to cut the strip into a plurality of plies that are laid adjacent one another to form a splice therebetween. A strip width sensor, a strip tracking system, and a strip temperature sensor are coupled to a central control unit to monitor the characteristics of the strip as it is processed. Based upon the monitored characteristics, the central control unit adjusts the operation of one or more of the components of the tire belt machine to maintain uniform splices between the strips.

Abstract: To apply a plurality of courses on a layup form to fabricate a composite item, a first course of the plurality of courses is applied on the layup form along a first path. A second path is determined that overlaps an edge of the first course by a predetermined minimum overlap distance. The edge is sensed. A profile is cut along a second course of the plurality of courses to correspond to the sensed edge. The second course is applied on the layup form along the second path.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reinforcing structure for tires of vehicles includes the steps of preparing a plurality of strip segments having substantially parallel, longitudinal filiform elements at least partially coated by at least one layer of elastomeric material, and applying the plurality of strip segments along a circumference of a toroidal support, to form at least one continuous reinforcing layer about a geometric axis of rotation of the toroidal support. During the applying step, a relative angular rotation, between at least one of the plurality of strip segments and the toroidal support, occurs about an axis of correction substantially radial to the geometric axis of rotation. A related apparatus for manufacturing a reinforcing structure for tyres of vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for forming a fabric for an architectural opening covering. The apparatus comprises a joining section, an accumulator, a cutting station, and a stacker. The joining section is configured to join together first, second, third and fourth material strips into a fabric strip. The accumulator is configured to accumulate the fabric strip upon leaving the joining section. The cutting station is configured to sever the fabric strip into an upstream fabric strip and a first downstream fabric strip. The stacker is configured to join the first downstream fabric strip with a second downstream fabric strip to form the fabric.

Abstract: A method for making the core of a door of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). A billet of AAC is provided from which slabs are cut to the approximate dimensions of the door core. A reinforcing band is secured about the perimeter of a slab. The thickness of the slab is then sized for the door core as by sanding. The door is finished by applying skins to the core surfaces and trim to the reinforcing band.

Abstract: A machine for precisely delivering and affixing solid media for the purpose of creating prototypes of varying size and precision. The device would, with great precision, deliver uniform shaped media, of any size, made of plastic, carbon fiber, metal or other solid or hollow materials to a position precisely determined by a computer. Adhesive will be applied to each piece of media and an adhesive accelerant will be applied to the position the media is to be placed so that when the media contacts the prior placed media with adhesive accelerant applied, it will adhere fast. In this manner multiple pieces of uniform media can be adhered in an ever increasing number precisely positioned as determined by computer software and the computer controlled apparatus. Objects and prototypical shapes can then be created by the combination and adhesion of all the media parts.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing ceramic green sheets, first and second long ceramic green sheets are selectively drawn out by means of first and second draw-out rollers into a commonly used punching station. In the punching station, predetermined areas of the long ceramic green sheets are punched, so that ceramic green sheet cut pieces having predetermined sizes are formed. A cut piece held by a punching head is conveyed to a lamination station adjacent to the punching station, where lamination and press-bonding are carried out.

Abstract: A laminar label (7) which comprises a base label (4), which is attached to a release web (3) by means of a glue layer (5) on top of which base label a supplement (13) is applied, which is covered by a top label (11). The base label with a matching release web is made of the same starting material (40, 41) as the top label with a matching release web (9) and the base label and the top label are brought together on the release web (3) of the base label in a relative displaced position and with a special treatment, e.g., a removal of portions through punching of said starting material in order to form a base label and a top label, respectively. Also a method and an apparatus for providing laminar labels (7), base labels (4) being applied on a release web (3), supplements (13) being positioned on top of the base labels and top labels (11) being positioned in such a way that they overlap the supplements.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a vehicle tire includes means for preparing and toroidally shaping a carcass structure, preparing and arranging a belt structure as a crown around the carcass structure, and wrapping a tread around the belt structure. The means for preparing the belt structure includes an extrusion apparatus for forming a sheet of rubber-coated fabric including a plurality of reinforcing cords substantially parallel to one another, means for conveying the sheet, a first cutting device for cutting the sheet to obtain a plurality of strips, a device for transferring the strips, a device for splicing the strips to form a substantially continuous belt assembly, means for conveying the strips and the belt assembly, second and third cutting devices, means for conveying the belt strips and portions of the belt strips, and at least one assembly drum adapted to support the portions of the belt strips.

Abstract: The fundamental technique of the method for making cellular cores is to make stacks of components which are configured such that cutting slices off the stacks produces cellular cores and, when needed, components used in stacks used to produce cellular cores. One of the basic components used in the stacks is termed a ribbed ply which is a ply (thin sheet of material such as wood) with a number of ribs (long thin strips of material such as wood) attached to the ply, parallel to each other. The spaces between the ribs are filled with filler material such as foam plastic, and the cells in the cellular core are filled with the filler material. The filler material is introduced as layers of the material stacked alternately with plies and adhesively attached. Slices of such a stack, sliced parallel to the grain of the plies (if wood) are called ribbed fillers. Stacking ribbed fillers and plies produces a stack having a cross section which, when sliced, produces filled cell cellular cores.

Abstract: In a process for making disposable diapers, a first web is continuously fed in its longitudinal direction. Tape fastener members extending in the longitudinal direction are fed to the first web so as to straddle respective lines corresponding to the side edges of the respective backsheets. Each of the tape fastener members has its longitudinally opposite end portions folded in a Z-shape or an inverted Z-shape. Top sections of these Z-shape and inverted Z-shape are coated on their undersides with a first self adhesive and bottom sections of these Z-shape and inverted Z-shape are coated on their undersides with a second self-adhesive. The tape fastener member is bonded to the first web by means of the second self-adhesive. The first web and the tape fastener members are simultaneously cut along the lines.

Abstract: A frangible fiberglass insulation batt includes a frangible plane defined by a series of cuts in the batt.

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.

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.

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.

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.