Abstract: A composite structural element is provided with a hollow spine member of metal or alloy, and a surrounding member of plastic material around the spine member. The spine member includes at least one lengthwise shaped member and at least one lengthwise rib. The structural element can accommodate thermal expansion or contraction to prevent itself from breaking.

Abstract: End user filled protective packaging with self-sealing air bubbles includes a first bubble layer, a second bubble layer and a air channel layer. The first and second bubble layers are sealed together to form a plurality of bubble chambers. A plurality of bubble cells are formed in each bubble chamber by extending a plurality of air flow sealing lines. An air flow channel is formed between the second bubble layer and the air channel layer. One end of a cross air fill passage communicates with the air flow channel and the other end communicates with a fill opening in the second bubble layer. Air flows into each cross air flow passage and through the fill opening to inflate the bubble chamber. Inflation of the bubble chamber causes the plurality of air flow sealing lines to seal the cross air fill passage and prevent deflation of the bubble chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a structural reinforcement system. The system reinforces hollow cavities within various products to increase the structural rigidity of the product. The system generally includes a rigid carrier, an expandable material, and an adhesive. The expandable material and the adhesive are placed within the carrier such that when the expandable material expands, the adhesive moves to be positioned to bond the rigid carrier to the cavity walls.

Abstract: An Interactive Stance Mat designed for comfort or rhythmic physical activity short of exercise. Invention is interactive by means of user weight shifts ranging from nuanced to purposeful. Characteristic viscoelastic lag response in cycles provides more tactility to user than elastic force. Mat comprises top mounted flexible planar panel aligned with corrugated foamed polycarbonate-corrugation panel, where it is often unified with planar panel in sections. One or the other panel, but not both, may comprise sections. Attachment unifying the panels comprises a method where corrugation can expand freely and prevent material failure; the method comprises fixing attachment not restraining two or more of the corrugation panels expandable parts. User weight shifts are more interactive with gravity and its reaction forces than mats in the art. Modes of the invention reflect desired motion through selection of planar panel flexibility, and size, configuration of the corrugation panel.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which maintains satisfactory reflectance commercial criteria.

Abstract: Disclosed in one aspect is an anti-skid sheet comprising at least one contact layer selected from the group consisting of dynamically vulcanized alloys, propylene-?-olefin copolymers, and blends thereof; and at least one substrate layer comprising polyethylene having a density of from greater than 0.935 g/cm3. In one embodiment, the dynamically vulcanized alloy comprises a blend of one or more polyolefins and an at least partially vulcanized rubber. Disclosed in another aspect is a method of forming the anti-skid sheet comprising providing a melt-blending extruder for each of the sheet layers, at least one substrate layer as disclosed herein and at least one contact layer as disclosed herein, and co-extruding a melt of each component to form a co-extruded sheet. In a particular embodiment, the anti-skid sheet is thermoformed to form an article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lightweight structural trim part is comprising the following steps: (A) inserting a plurality of layers into a molding tool comprising a first molding half (6) and a second molding half (7). The second molding half (7) comprises a plurality of cup-like indentation (8). The plurality of layers at least comprises a first air permeable skin layer (1) facing the first molding half (6), a second air tight skin layer (3,4) facing the second molding half (7), and a film layer (2) between the two skin layers. (B) Closing the molding tool and discharging gas from one side in order to press the first skin layer against the first molding half. (C) Shaping and consolidating the first porous skin layer. (D) Charging with pressurized air the first space in order to press the second skin layer against the second molding half. (E) Shaping and consolidating the second skin layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional support structure is provided and includes a single sheet of material that is folded into a repeating pattern of cells. Each of the cells is formed by first and second spaced-apart endwalls and first and second sloped sidewalls spanning between the endwalls. Each endwall comprises two plies of material while each sidewall comprises a single ply of material. The first and second sidewalls are adjoined at a folded edge. The cells are aligned such that the first endwall of one cell from the repeating pattern abuts the second endwall of an adjacent cell of the repeating pattern to form a four-ply wall of the material. A first liner may be attached to a first side of the folded material and a second liner may be attached to a second side of the folded material.

Abstract: A honeycomb core includes a first wall, a second wall, and a conductor disposed between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall define a cell through which the conductor extends. A sandwich panel includes an upper skin, a lower skin, and a honeycomb core adhesively bonded to the upper skin and the lower skin. The honeycomb core includes a first wall and a second wall defining a cell. The sandwich panel further includes a conductor disposed between the first wall and the second wall and extending through the cell.

Abstract: A floor/wall structure, or panel, (10) supported on an I-beam (12) of a steel structure. The floor/wall structure (10) comprises an upper skin layer (14), a lower skin layer (16) and an intermediate layer (18) about 50 mm thick sandwiched between the upper and lower skin layers (4) and (16).

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which meets commercial reflectance criteria.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: An electrically initiated security device includes a first energetic sheet, a second energetic sheet, and a corrugated energetic sheet disposed between the first energetic sheet and the second energetic sheet. A first surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel and a second surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel. The electrically initiated security device further includes a first constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the first surface and a second constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the second surface. The first constituent portion and the second constituent portion, when mixed, comprise an energetic material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solid structure glass with a thin cross-sectional plane and a method for making the same. The solid structure glass includes an inner surface and an outer surface each combined of a curved surface, or at least two curved surfaces, or a curved surface and at least one flat surface, or at least two flat surfaces. As a result, the solid structure glass can easily be made with different shapes so as to be especially compatible with the form factor of products. Besides, the solid structure glass is made by heating a glass preform and a mold together into a forming temperature of the glass preform under condition that the glass preform is in a softened state.

Abstract: This invention describes a decorative surface covering comprising at least one decorative layer and a backing layer comprising a patterned array of elastomeric, geometric projections, wherein each geometric projection comprises a concave exposed surface, an outside wall surface and an inside wall surface wherein the inside wall surface defines a hollow area within the projection. When the decorative surface covering is installed over an underlying surface, and pressure is applied to the decorative surface covering, a vacuum is created within the hollow area of the projections and the underlying surface. The vacuum increases the amount of frictional drag between the surface covering and the underlying surface, and thus allows the surface covering to remain in place without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A hollow structure forming substrate includes: a surface on which a plastic-deformation film is formed by using a plastic-deformable material; a plurality of regularly-arranged gas-retaining spaces; a plurality of gas leading-out parts each having a first opening which faces corresponding one of the gas-retaining spaces and a second opening which faces the surface, the gas leading-out parts leads out gas retained in the gas-retaining spaces toward the surface under depressurized environmental condition; and a plurality of infiltration preventing spaces each provided in a space between corresponding one of the first openings and corresponding one of the second openings, in which the infiltration preventing spaces prevent infiltration of the plastic-deformable material from the surface into the gas-retaining spaces.

Abstract: An absorbent covering (1) has high damping power, secured on a structure (2) and includes a dissipater mesh made up of a plurality of dissipating elements (3) and of nodes (4) each having its bottom end (4?) secured on the structure (2). In remarkable manner, the bottom ends (4?) of the nodes (4) project from the dissipating elements (3) so as to leave an empty space (5) between the dissipating elements (3) and the structure (2), the absorbent covering (1) including main absorbent elements (6) arranged in the empty space (5), each of the main absorbent elements (6) being secured firstly to a bottom face (3?) of a dissipating element (3) and secondly to the structure (2).

Abstract: A scent emitting patch remains securely attached to the skin of a wearer and is appointed for controlled release of scents. The patch is constructed having an external top layer and backing layer with a skin-contacting portion. The skin-contacting segment contains an adhesive. At least one reservoir comprising pockets or microcapsules containing a scent is disposed in at least one portion of the backing layer. These pockets or microcapsules are operative to rupture upon application of pressure or scratching by the patch wearer. Upon rupture, scent is delivered to the skin to emit aroma. Pockets containing the scent are formed in the backing layer. Microcapsules, if present, are preferably incorporated in the adhesive. A plethora of aromas are provided in the form of a perfume or cologne and correlating shapes can be used to form the patch. Scent is released at the skin-contact interface when pressure is applied ruptures the pockets or microcapsules, permitting controlled release at the wearer's election.

Abstract: A thermo-pressed cushioning support device includes a topping sheet of cushioning material, a substrate sheet of cushioning material and at least a padding attached between the topping sheet of cushioning material and the substrate sheet of cushioning material. The padding undergoes an external force pressing treatment along with the topping sheet and the substrate sheet in a high temperature condition, melting and mating the topping and the substrate sheets into one entity. The heat treatment creates thermo-binding lines or regions of geometric patterns on the topping sheet, and also internal pockets within the topping sheet, where the padding is enclosed in such a way to provide impact reducing and shape modeling effects intended for the present invention. Embodiments of the thermo-pressed cushioning support, such as seat cushion, back cushion, couch cushion, or mattress topper, provide benefits to the user's body that include reduced anxiety, decreased perception of impact force, and collision prevention.

Abstract: A liquid absorption member includes a jointed body in which a plurality of cells are provided between partition members by jointing a plurality of the partition members with each other, and a liquid holding material which is filled into the cell and holds liquid. A plurality of diffusion paths in which attached liquid is diffused and flows are configured in the partition member, and a density of the partition member is a lower density than a density of the liquid holding material.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fiber profile (32) that is designed to fill in a space with a nail-head-shaped or half-nail-head-shaped cross-section that originates from the assembly of preforms in a T shape, of which at least one includes a curvature radius at the junction zone of the preforms, includes: supplying powder-coated fibers (28) to a preforming station (30) where the powder is activated and the fibers (28) move into a passage whose shapes are adapted to those of the desired profile, and then making the preformed fibers move into a shaping station (34) where the fiber profile (32) is cooled and shaped by circulating in a cavity whose shapes are adapted to those of the desired profile.

Abstract: A continuous segment of metallic glass material having a thickness substantially less than a width is disclosed. The continuous strip is bent into a repeating pattern of a teardrop shape providing an outer radius and an inner point defined by two adjacent radii.

Abstract: A display panel includes a sheet having first and second spaced apart surfaces defining a space therebetween and a plurality of partitions extending from the first surface to the second surface and dividing the space into a plurality of cells, wherein the thickness of each partition is in a range of 0.01 to 10 ?m.

Abstract: A packaging corrugated board having peripheral edges oblique to flute direction thereof is disclosed. A board body of the packaging corrugated board is formed of a first liner board, a second liner board, and a fluted medium sandwiched between the first and the second liner board. The fluted medium is a corrugated board having a plurality of flutes, and a direction in which the flutes extend is defined as a flute direction. The board body defines a plurality of peripheral edges, and most of the peripheral edges are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the flute direction.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which maintains satisfactory reflectance commercial criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member comprising a first and a second board member that are arranged in parallel to each other, and a filler element arranged between the first board member and the second board member. The filler element is a continuous sheet with a sheet plane that is substantially parallel to the first and second board member, and is moulded or vacuum-moulded so that cone-shaped cavity structures project outward from the sheet plane. The cone-shaped cavity structures are provided as truncated cones having a top and bottom, both having a substantially circular shape. One side of the sheet plane has a continuous, flat surface and the cone-shaped cavity structures project outward on the other side of the sheet plane. The cone-shaped cavity structures have a cone angle of approx. 5-45°.

Abstract: A screen includes a plurality of concave recesses arranged on a flat surface, wherein the recesses are arranged in such a way that the spacing between adjacent ones of the recesses in the radial direction from a reference point located in the flat surface or a plane extended from the flat surface increase with distance from the reference point.

Abstract: A three-dimensional support structure is provided and includes a single sheet of material that is folded into a repeating pattern of cells. Each of the cells is formed by first and second spaced-apart endwalls and first and second sloped sidewalls spanning between the endwalls. Each endwall comprises two plies of material while each sidewall comprises a single ply of material. The first and second sidewalls are adjoined at a folded edge. The cells are aligned such that the first endwall of one cell from the repeating pattern abuts the second endwall of an adjacent cell of the repeating pattern to form a four-ply wall of the material. A first liner may be attached to a first side of the folded material and a second liner may be attached to a second side of the folded material.

Abstract: A liquid-controlling surface, comprising a formation comprising a plurality of individual open topped, closed bottomed cells for containing liquid, each of the cells having a cell wall integral with the closed bottom and defining a well; a plurality of distribution channels extending between adjacent cells and being position on the cell wall at a height to permit liquid to drain to the adjacent cell when a cell liquid level exceeds a predetermined limit and to permit liquid to be retained in the well up to the limit; and a perimeter wall surrounding the cells. The perimeter wall having a height higher than the distribution channels to prevent liquid from leaking from the cells to an area outside the perimeter, and where the formation and perimeter wall comprise rubber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slipsheet and/or divider sheet and a method for making the same, the sheet having an imprint or an embossing that provides a raised planar surface. The raised planar surface preferably comprises a plurality of ridges, crowns or crests, which are preferably arranged in a pattern throughout an upper surface of the sheet. To make the sheet, a die can be etched to have protuberances or bumps, and the die is preferably pressed into a sheet of pliable thermoplastic material. The sheet thus made has a plurality of indentation formed by the protuberances or bumps on the die, and the sheet has a planar outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges, crowns and crests between the indentations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible and drapeable core material for use in a laminate or a sandwich construction comprising at least one exterior of an at least partially permeable material, which exterior forms at least one space into which a filler of freely movable, separate objects is filled. The spaces may be shaped like channels, form a square-shaped pattern or a pattern adapted to the shape of the laminate. The invention further relates to a laminate or a sandwich construction and a blade for a wind turbine featuring such core material and use and manufacture of laminates or sandwich constructions featuring the core material. Moreover the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a core material for use in a laminate or a sandwich construction comprising the steps of forming at least one space from an at least partially permeable material and filling filler into the space.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides packaging material made from starch and cellulose fiber obtained from recycled paper waste. The process involves drawing a suspension of pulp and starch in water into a mold, and withdrawing water from the suspension while in the mold. Bubble-shaped wrap and bracing made according to the invention are designed for use as cushioning for the shipment of fragile or irregularly shaped items. The packaging is biodegradable when exposed to water in the environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sandwich structure with a core element in honeycomb form and outer layers with carbon fiber and glass fiber layers, the glass fiber layers being applied to the outer sides of the sandwich structure.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel having a first side and an opposing second side. The core panel contains a series of adjacent low density strips having at least three faces and having a length to width aspect ratio of at least 5:1. The longitudinal axis of the low density strips are substantially parallel and the cross-section of each strip has a major face, a first edge face, and a second edge face. The major face of each strip is disposed within the first or second side of the core panel and the major face of each strip is disposed within an opposite face of the core panel than the major face of the adjacent strips. The core panel also contains a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet which is threaded through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major faces of the low density strips.

Abstract: A composite air and foam protective packaging product comprises a packaging cushion having, in cross-section, at least three plies of plastic film, foam between a first ply and a second ply of the three plies of plastic film, and air between the second ply and a third ply of the three plies of plastic film.

Abstract: Structures and methods for joining composite fuselage sections and other panel assemblies together are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shell structure configured in accordance with the present invention includes a first panel portion positioned adjacent to a second panel portion. The first panel portion can include a first stiffener attached to a first composite skin, and the second panel portion can include a second stiffener attached to a second composite skin. The shell structure can further include a fitting extending across a first edge region of the first panel portion and a second edge region of the second panel portion. A first end portion of the fitting can be attached to the first stiffener and the first composite skin, and a second end portion of the fitting can be attached to a second stiffener and a second composite skin, to join the first panel portion to the second panel portion.

Abstract: An interior article for automobiles is provided having a light-weight and suitable rigidity without lowering moldability even if the amount of use of a thermoplastic resin is decreased. A panel having a hollow double-wall structure and constituting an interior part for automobiles is formed from a mixture of polyolefin resins comprised of a propylene homopolymer having a specific gravity of 0.93 or less (JIS K7112), exhibiting a melt flow rate of 0.3 to 3.0 g/10 minutes (JIS K7210) and exhibiting a bending modulus of 1400 MPa or more (JIS K6758), a crystalline propylene block copolymer having a specific gravity of 0.93 or less (JIS K7112), exhibiting a melt flow rate of 0.3 to 1.5 g/10 minutes (JIS K7210) and exhibiting a bending modulus of 1250 MPa or less (JIS K7171) and a high density polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.925 to 0.965 (JIS K7112) and exhibiting a melt flow rate of 0.5 g/10 minutes or less (JIS K7210).

Abstract: There is provided a human-body aimed spacer for restricting rugged feeling, which is flexible and light-weighted and requires only a smaller storage space. The spacer comprises a number of convex parts 20, and flexible connecting portions 26. The convex parts 20 each comprises: a frame-like portion 21 formed at a side contacting with a human body; four column portions 22, each having one end continuing to the frame-like portion, and each being formed to rise from the frame-like portion; and a rising-portion integrator 23 for interconnecting the other ends of the column portions 22 with one another. The flexible connecting portions 26 each interconnect adjacent ones of the frame-like portions 21 with each other. The spacer is configured to contact with a human body at the side where the frame-like portions 21 are formed, and to abut on a cushion or the like at the side where the rising-portion integrators are formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single face or double faced corrugated fiberboard comprising one or more corrugated plies, wherein at least one of the linerboard plies or corrugated plies is a paper-film assembly comprising: i) a 30 to 600 g/m2 grammage papery material of construction, ii) a biodegradable polymeric coating from 1 to 100 ?m in thickness. More particularly, the present invention relates to single face or double faced and/or corrugated fiberboard comprising one or more corrugated plies, wherein at least one of the linerboard plies or corrugated plies is a paper-film assembly comprising: i) a 30 to 600 g/m2 grammage papery material of construction as outer layer, ii) a biodegradable polymeric coating from 1 to 100 ?m in thickness as interlayer, and iii) a 30 to 600 g/m2 grammage papery material of construction as inner layer. The present invention further relates to methods of producing this corrugated fiberboard.

Abstract: A stringer comprises a base portion and first and second webs extending outwardly from the base portion. The orientation of at least one of the first and second webs may transition from a first angle to a second angle within an angle transition zone.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel having natural contour contains a series of adjacent low density strips where the longitudinal axes of the low density strips are substantially parallel. The major face of each strip is disposed within the first or second side of the core panel. The core panel also contains a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet which is threaded through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major faces of the low density strips. The fiber reinforced core panel contains a natural contour in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips, a natural contour in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips, or a natural contour in both the directions parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the low density strips.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter for protectively covering building portals, windows and the like from hurricane damage. A corrugated polycarbonate panel is formed having lengthwise corrugations, each of which preferably has radiused side margins and a generally flattened central portion offset from a neutral axis of the panel. A central corrugation extending along the centerline of the panel, preferably has a depth in a range of at lest 10% greater than that of the edge corrugations, the central corrugations also preferably have a width in a range of at least 4% less than that of the edge corrugation wherein impact and wind resistance of the panel are enhanced. Impact resistant film bonded to one panel surface preferably adds impact strength and sputter coating one panel surface with a transparent metallic or ceramic material enhances solar and UV rejection.

Abstract: A partition panel is made of two overlaying sheets of high density polyethylene or other plastic material which have been bonded together around a perimeter and at selected regions such that the partition panel contains bonded regions where the two sheets are bonded together and hollow regions where the two sheets are spaced apart from one another. The partition panel is preferably made by thermoforming.

Abstract: A cellular cushioning article is described. The cellular cushioning article may be used to wrap items such as fragile items needing protection during storage or shipping. The article includes a polymeric film including discrete first cells projecting from a major surface of the film. The first cells are arranged in rows parallel to each other, such that for two opposing polymeric films with the major surfaces facing each other, the total thickness of the two opposing polymeric films is less than twice the thickness of one polymeric film. The cellular cushioning article can be fan-folded into a stack occupying much less volume as compared to stacks formed by fan-folding known cellular cushioning articles.

Abstract: An alternating pattern gel cushioning device and methods for making the same. The gel pattern may be two- or three-dimensional. The devices may be zoned or stacked. The device may be made by a variety of methods including roller molding, open-face molding, injection molding, casting, extrusion, compression molding and other methods.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: A substantially cellulose free absorbent core comprising absorbent polymer material having a saline flow conductivity greater than about 100×10?7 cm3•sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than about 20 g/g. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is to replace the need for a corrugated carton by wrapping an article with a heat shrinkable bubble wrap film. Heat shrinking the bubble wrap will allow the bubble wrap to shrink sufficiently to conform to an article such as a group of containers, e.g. bottles. Because of the inability of the bubble wrap film to tightly shrink around the containers, the containers can move and bump each other.

Abstract: Three-dimensional carbon fiber based composite support structures and methods for the manufacture and use thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, such a support structure may include a lattice of intersecting support members made of a carbon fiber composite material and a cover of the same carbon fiber composite material as the lattice, fused to at least one side of the lattice and covering at least a portion thereof.