Abstract: A laminated web from which diaper closure elements may be punched is made by first applying at least two pairs longitudinally extending and transversely spaced bend-resistant strips to a first longitudinally extending nonwoven tape. Then a respective longitudinally extending strip of an elastically stretchable polymer is applied to the first nonwoven tape between each of the pairs of the bend-resistant strips with the polymer strip partially overlapping both of the bend-resistant strips of the respective pair. A second longitudinally extending nonwoven tape that covers and extends transversely to both sides of the polymer strip is applied over the bend-resistant strips and the polymer strips to form a laminate with the polymer strip between the first and second nonwoven tapes.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride free flooring, including: an upper decorative nonwoven fabric layer bonded without the use of adhesive to an intermediate extruded polymeric layer, and a extruded lower base layer bonded without the use of adhesive to the intermediate polymeric layer to provide a composite flooring that is free of polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: Propylene-based polymer compositions are provided comprising propylene and from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of one or more C2 and/or C4-C12 ?-olefins. The polymer compositions have a triad tacticity greater than about 90%, a heat of fusion less than about 75 J/g, and a melt flow rate (MFR) greater than or equal to about 25 g/10 min (230° C., 2.16 kg). Further, the polymer compositions are reactor grade compositions comprising a reactor blend of a first polymer and a second polymer, preferably where both of the first and second polymers are prepared using the same catalyst system. Meltspun nonwoven fabrics, such as meltblown or spunbond fabrics, comprising such polymer compositions are also provided, as well as processes for forming the nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a nonwoven layer having a viscoelastic interleaf, which may be positioned mid-ply therein.

Abstract: A composite material as a sheet material is described, being relatively cheap, most useful as a raw material of a sanitary product or the like, such as underwear, dust-proof mask or dispensable paper diaper, etc., and good in processability, stretchability, gas-permeability, softness, and touch. The composite material is formed by laminating a stretchable layer and a conjugate spunbonded nonwoven fabric including conjugate fibers including a low-melting-point component and a high-melting-point component. The conjugate fibers are partially bonded to each other by thermocompression, wherein each bonded portion has fine folded structures including alternate hill and valley regions in the CD, and the distance between neighboring hills is 100-400 ?m in average. The conjugate spunbonded nonwoven fabric exhibits stretchability through the spread of the fine folded structures, and has, at 5% elongation, a CD-strength of 0.1 N/5 cm or less and an MD/CD strength ratio of 200 or more.

Abstract: A nonwoven web material that contains an elastic component is provided. The elastic component contains a crosslinked network formed from a linear block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, such linear block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic component that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.

Abstract: Anti-tack additives for elastic fibers and methods of preparing the same are included. The elastic fibers include a substituted cellulose additive.

Abstract: A biaxial stretchable elastic laminate is provided, which includes a biaxial elastic film, and a first uniaxial elastic fiber web layer and a second uniaxial elastic fiber web layer, wherein the first uniaxial elastic fiber web layer and the second uniaxial elastic fiber web layer are respectively laminated on the two opposite surfaces of the biaxial elastic film, and the stretchable direction of the first uniaxial elastic fiber web layer and the stretchable direction of the second uniaxial elastic fiber web layer are orthogonal to each other, and the elastic coefficients of the first uniaxial elastic fiber web layer and the second uniaxial elastic fiber web layer are lower than the elastic coefficient of the biaxial elastic film.

Abstract: Method for imparting elasticity to a laminate comprising at least one elastic film having a width and at least one ply of non-woven material secured to the film, particularly through interposition of a bonding material, particularly glue, which comprises the following steps in which: the laminate is unrolled in the form of a web in order to pass it between two sets of toothing, of which the teeth engage in each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the laminate in order to thus stretch the laminate in the direction of its width, characterised in that: a tension is imparted to the web in the longitudinal direction or machine direction during its unrolling between the toothing, particularly by providing a tensioner roll, particularly downstream of the sets of toothing.

Abstract: The presently described technology provides a machine-direction stretch elastic laminate having in addition cross-direction stretch. The elastomeric laminate comprises an elastic film layer laminated to at least one nonwoven fabric layer and may be used in elasticized features of various articles, such as disposable absorbent articles. Methods for producing the elastic laminate are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastic nonwoven materials comprising an elastic layer formed from a polymer blend comprising a propylene-based polymer and a minor amount of an ethylene-based polymer. The propylene-based polymer may comprise from about 75 to about 95 wt % propylene and from about 5 to about 25 wt % ethylene and/or a C4-C12 ?-olefin, and may have a triad tacticity greater than about 90% and a heat of fusion less than about 75 J/g. The ethylene-based polymer may comprise from about 65 to about 100 wt % ethylene and from 0 to about 35 wt % of one or more C3-C12 ?-olefins.

Abstract: A nonwoven web made from a polymeric fiber blend comprising at least one elastomeric polyolefin and at least one nonelastomeric polyolefin useful as the elastic base sheet for a nonwoven laminate is disclosed. Preferably, the polymeric blend will comprise a nonelastomeric resin in the range of from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, and an elastomeric resin of from about 90 to about 10 percent by weight. The elastomeric polyolefin will have a density of less than about 0.885 g/cm3 and the nonelastomeric polyolefin will have a density of at least about 0.890 g/cm3. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric blend may comprise about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of a narrow molecular weight distribution polyethylene and about 50 percent to about 10 percent by weight of a nonelastomeric polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: An elastomeric laminate that does not require mechanical activation comprises an elastomeric polymer film layer bonded to one or more other substrate layers. The elastomeric film composition, physical properties of the substrate, and bonding conditions are selected and controlled to form an elastomeric laminate that is stretchable and recoverable without the use of excess material or post-lamination mechanical activation. The resulting elastomeric laminate may be manufactured on relatively simple high-speed equipment at lower cost and with improved physical properties.

Abstract: Articles comprise: a nonwoven fiber web and one or more strips bonded to the nonwoven fiber web. The strips comprise a shape-memory polymer that has a strained temporary shape and an intrinsic shape. If heated at or above a transition temperature, the strip at least partially converts from the strained temporary shape to the intrinsic shape, thereby causing at least one of folding, cupping, or puckering of the non-woven fiber web. Methods of heating the articles to provide folded, cupped, and/or puckered articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate material that resists the growth of a hole, tear, or aperture, and includes an extensible nonwoven layer joined to an elastomeric film layer in a face-to-face relationship. The elastomeric film layer includes an SEEPS elastomeric block copolymer that has a Tm of between 10° C. and 20° C. The laminate exhibits a laminate integrity time of greater than 2 hours.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond multi-component fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. The multi-component fibers include a first polymer and a second polymer having different melt temperatures. Thermo-bonds are formed at least partially through the nonwoven web. Some of the thermo-bonds can be elongated in the cross-machine direction of the nonwoven web.

Abstract: A structure for use in industrial fabrics such as paper machine clothing and engineered fabrics is disclosed. The structure includes one or more layers of an elastic nonwoven extruded film or sheet, which is elastic, resilient, and compressible in a thickness direction, and extensible, bendable, and resilient in its length and transverse directions, and one or more layers of a plurality of substantially parallel machine direction (MD) yarns in various patterns. The structure can also include one or more layers of a plurality of substantially parallel cross-machine direction (CD) yarns attached on top of or under the MD yarns. The structure has a high degree of both compressibility under an applied normal load and excellent recovery (resiliency or spring back) upon removal of that load.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers. As a result of activation of the stretchable laminate, the nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3 N/cm.

Abstract: The present invention includes a neck-bonded laminate and a process for forming a neck-bonded elastic laminate, the laminate including a primary elastic region and a secondary elastic region. An exemplary process for forming the laminate includes providing a necked material and overlaying the necked material with an elastic sheet. The necked material and elastic sheet are passed through a nip between two rollers, the rollers being configured to form a primary elastic region and a secondary elastic region and the secondary elastic region having higher strength than the primary elastic region.

Abstract: A hybrid, shape-retaining nonwoven structure of at least two layers is disclosed, A first functional layer includes an expandable nonwoven sheet having an expansion character allowing for elongation in at least one direction and a second functional layer includes a shape-retaining material. The first functional layer and second functional layer are associated with each other.

Abstract: An extruded web is disclosed. The extruded web can be either a nonwoven material of a films. The web comprises a plasto-elastic material where the plasto-elastic material is a combination of a first polyolefin and a second polyolefin (either a polymeric blends or a polymeric mixture). The claimed combination of polyolefins results in a material that has substantially plastic properties when a sample taken from said web is subjected to an initial strain cycle (such that the web is provided with a set of at least 30% by an initial strain cycle) and substantially elastic properties when a sample taken from the web is subjected to at least a second strain cycle.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a composite sheet comprising substantially non-stretchable nonwoven fabric sheets and a plurality of elastic members extending in a transverse direction and spaced one from another in a longitudinal direction by a given spacing wherein the elastic members are secured in a stretched state to the nonwoven fabric sheets. The composite sheet has a plurality of gathers formed by slightly undulated surface of the nonwoven fabric sheets and the elastic members and these gathers are substantially continuous in the longitudinal direction and arranged at substantially regular intervals in the transverse direction.

Abstract: Meltblown nonwoven compositions and processes for forming them are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the invention is directed to meltblown nonwoven fabrics having at least one elastic layer, wherein the elastic layer comprises a propylene-based polymer having an MFR greater than about 25 g/10 min. Additionally, the propylene-based polymer comprises from about 5 to about 25 wt % of one or more C2 and/or C4-C12 ?-olefins and has a triad tacticity greater than about 90% and a heat of fusion less than about 75 J/g. The present invention is also directed to processes for forming meltblown nonwoven fabrics comprising forming a molten propylene-based polymer having an MFR of at least about 25 g/10 min, forming fibers comprising the propylene-based polymer, and forming an elastic nonwoven layer from the fibers.

Abstract: A laminate usable as a diaper closure has a pair of generally contiguous outer fleece layers having longitudinally extending and parallel outer edges and a core layer of foil of LP or LLP polyethylene extending between the outer layers substantially a full width of the outer layers between the edges. The foil has a thickness between 5 ?m and 20 ?m. Bonds are provided between the core layer and each of the outer layers. The laminate has regions activated by stretching and in which the laminate is semielastric, and unactivated regions in which the laminate is not stretchy.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising multicomponent nanocomposite fibers that enable the nonwoven webs to possess high extensibility. The multicomponent nanocomposite fibers comprise two or more components. Each component comprises a polymer composition and at least one component comprises a nanoparticles composition. The nonwoven webs comprising the multicomponent nanocomposite fibers have an average elongation at peak load which is greater than the average elongation at peak load of comparable nonwoven webs without nanocomposite fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising monocomponent nanocomposite fibers that enable the nonwoven webs to possess high extensibility. The monocomponent nanocomposite fibers comprise a polymer composition and a nanoparticles composition. The nonwoven webs comprising the monocomponent nanocomposite fibers have an average elongation at peak load which is greater than the average elongation at peak load of comparable nonwoven webs without nanocomposite fibers.

Abstract: Included are bonded laminate constructions that have a modulus which approaches the sum of the modulus of the individual components of the laminate. By reducing variation in the modulus, the stretch or elasticity of the bonded or laminated fabric or garment is maximized. The bonded laminates include a bonding component that may be an elastomeric film, an adhesive, or a combination of a film with adhesive.

Abstract: Elastic composite laminates are disclosed. The laminates include an elastic member bonded to at least one facing material. In accordance with the present disclosure, an adhesive composition is coextruded with an elastomeric material to form the elastic member. In this manner, the elastic member can be bonded to the facing material in a stretched state without having to apply a separate adhesive layer between the two materials. In one embodiment, the elastic member can be bonded to the facing material according to a pattern that includes bonded areas and non-bonded areas.

Abstract: A stretchable elastic laminate including at least one spunlace nonwoven fabric layer, and at least one elastomeric material extruded as a melt onto a major surface of the spunlace nonwoven fabric to form an elastic layer bonded to the surface of the spunlace nonwoven fabric. The elastic laminate has good elongation to break and low permanent deformation. Also disclosed is a method of forming a stretchable laminate wherein at least one melted elastic material is extruded onto a major surface of the spunlace nonwoven fabric, and the elastic material and the nonwoven fabric are conveyed through a nip to form an elastic layer bonded to the surface of the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A flexible thermally conductive structure. The structure generally includes a plurality of thermally conductive yarns, at least some of which are at least partially disposed adjacent to an elastomeric material. Typically, at least a portion of the plurality of thermally conductive yarns is configured as a sheet. The yarns may be constructed from graphite, metal, or similar materials. The elastomeric material may be formed from urethane or silicone foam that is at least partially collapsed, or from a similar material. A thermal management garment is provided, the garment incorporating a flexible thermally conductive structure.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate possesses excellent elasticity, softness, water resistance, fuzz resistance and curl resistance, and has less stickiness. The nonwoven fabric laminate includes at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer and mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers on both surfaces of the at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer, the mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers each comprising mixed fibers including 10 to 90 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) and 90 to 10 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic resin (B) other than the thermoplastic elastomer (A) ((A)+(B)=100 wt %).

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven fabric which is bonded at selected points by use of a binder containing particles composed of filler material (a phase change material, among others) and which is not bonded at other selected points. The nonwoven fabric is characterized by a soft touch and good flexibility, and may be used as an interlining material or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric made from a composition prepared by combining a first propylene-based polymer blend, where the first polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where the first blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) equal to or less than 50 dg/min, with a second propylene-based polymer blend, where the second polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where said second blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) greater than 50 dg/min, where the propylene-based elastomers comprise from about 5% to 35% by weight units derived from ethylene or non-propylene alpha-olefin and have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, of less than 80 J/g, and where the propylene-based thermoplastic resins have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, equal to or greater than 80 J/g.

Abstract: This invention relates to stretchable nonwoven sheets prepared by substantially uniformly impregnating a necked nonwoven substrate or an easily extensible as-made nonwoven substrate with an elastomeric polymer by treatment with an elastomeric polymer solution. The nonwoven sheet is useful in the manufacture of diapers and other hygiene articles.

Abstract: A stretch nonwoven fabric 10 contains inelastic fibers having a varied thickness along the length and elastic fibers. The nonwoven fabric 10 preferably includes an elastic fiber layer 1 and a substantially inelastic, inelastic fiber layer 2 on at least one side of the elastic fiber layer 1. The fibers with a varied thickness along the length are contained in the inelastic fiber layer 2. The nonwoven fabric 10 is conveniently produced by (a) superposing a web containing low-drawn, inelastic fibers having an elongation of 80% to 800% on at least one side of a web containing elastic fibers, (b) subjecting the webs, while in a non-united state, to through-air technique to obtain a fibrous sheet having the webs united together by thermal bonding the fibers at their intersections, and (c) stretching the fibrous sheet in at least one direction to draw the low-drawn inelastic fibers, followed by releasing the sheet from the stretch.

Abstract: A paving mat for use in a paved surface includes a fibrous mat in the form of a paving mat. The fibrous mat includes a fibrous matrix containing a mixture of polymer fibers, first mineral fibers having a first median length, and second mineral fibers having a second median length that is different from the first median length. In another embodiment, the paving mat includes a fibrous mat including a fibrous matrix which is bonded together by a binder. In one embodiment, the binder is a mixture of different binders. The fibrous matrix includes a mixture of mineral fibers in an amount within a range of from 61 wt % to 85 wt % and polymer fibers in an amount within a range of from 15 wt % to 39 wt %. The polymer fibers have a melting point greater than 320° F. (160° C.). The mat has a stiffness in the machine direction within a range of from 65 g-cm to 110 g-cm.

Abstract: An elastic laminate capable of being rolled for storage and unwound from a roll when needed for use, includes an elastic layer of an array of continuous filament strands with meltblown deposited on the continuous filament strands, and a facing layer bonded to only one side of the elastic layer. The meltblown layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%. The laminate suitably has an inter-layer peel strength of less than about 70 grams per 3 inches cross-directional width at a strain rate of 300 mm/min. Alternatively or additionally, the continuous filament strands and/or the facing layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%.

Abstract: An elastomeric film includes a first layer co-extruded with a second layer. The first layer includes a single-site catalyzed ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer having a density of about 0.860 to about 0.900 grams per centimeter. The second layer includes a styrene copolymer selected from styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, or styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene-(ethylene/propylene). The first layer may optionally include filler particles. An extensible laminate including the elastomeric film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber mixture according to the invention comprises fibers A comprising a polymer A containing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and fibers B comprising a thermoplastic polymer B other than the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, said thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer having a starting temperature for solidifying of 65° C. or above as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and containing 3.00×106 or less polar-solvent-insoluble particles per g counted on a particle size distribution analyzer, which is based on an electrical sensing zone method, equipped with an aperture tube having an orifice of 100 ?m in diameter. An elastic nonwoven fabric comprises the fiber mixture.

Abstract: Elastic non-woven fabrics are disclosed which are made in a melt blown process or a spunbond process. The fabric is made from a thermoplastic polyurethane polymer mixed with a crosslinking agent to give high strength elastic non-woven fabric. The crosslinking agent is added to the polymer melt prior to the melt passing through the die which forms the individual fibers. Further processing the non-woven is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic multilayer composite includes a pattern unbonded elastic layer attached to at least one extensible facing layer. A method for forming an elastic multilayer composite includes the steps of providing an elastic material; bonding the elastic material to form a pattern unbonded elastic material; and attaching the pattern unbonded elastic material to at least one facing material.

Abstract: A reversible, heat-set covered fiber is described, the covered fiber comprising: A. A core comprising an elastic fiber comprising a substantially crosslinked, temperature-stable, olefin polymer, and B. A cover comprising an inelastic fiber. The fiber is heat-set by a method comprising: (a) Stretching the covered fiber by applying a stretching force to the covered fiber; (b) Heating the stretched covered fiber of (a) to a temperature in excess of the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to at least partially melt the olefin polymer; (c) Cooling the stretched and heated covered fiber of (b) to a temperature below the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to solidify the polymer; and (d) Removing the stretching force from the covered fiber.

Abstract: Elastic laminates and articles for manufacture are provided. The elastic laminate can include one or more facing layers comprising one or more thermoplastic resins and one or more propylene-based polymers, and one or more inner layers comprising one or more propylene-based polymers. Each facing layer can include at least 50% by weight of the one or more propylene-based polymers where the propylene-based polymer has (i) 60 wt % or more units derived from propylene, (ii) isotactically arranged propylene derived sequences, and (iii) a heat of fusion less than 45 J/g.

Abstract: An in situ compositionally modulated meltspun fabric and method for making the same. The meltspun fabric has at least one layer comprising a plurality of discrete regions of fiber. At least two discrete regions of fiber are inelastic or extensible and at least one discrete region of fiber is elastic or extensible. The layer is compositionally modulated in the cross direction.

Abstract: A method of producing basic starting material for the manufacture of fastener tabs intended for joining the side portions of the front and rear parts of an absorbent article. The method includes stretching a first sheet of elastic material in a first direction; applying a second and third sheet of material onto respective opposite sides of the first sheet; fastening the three material sheets together in at least two mutually separated zones that extend parallel with each other in one direction perpendicular to the first direction; dividing the first sheet in each region between two zones along a line lying therebetween, whereby the first sheet contracts to a non-stretched state, and thereafter fastening the sheets together in each region between two zones. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method, to starting material for producing fastener tabs, and to such a tab.

Abstract: A stretch laminate comprises a carrier web extending lengthwise in a machine direction and widthwise in a cross direction between opposed side edges, the carrier web including an extensible zone and an inextensible zone disposed side-by-side across the width of the carrier web; and an elastomeric element laminated to the nonwoven layer over at least a portion of the extensible zone.

Abstract: A nonwoven web material that includes an elastic component or material (e.g., nonwoven web, nonwoven web laminated to an elastic material, etc.) is provided. The elastic component contains a crosslinked network formed from a pentablock copolymer containing at least two monoalkenyl aromatic midblocks positioned between conjugated diene endblocks, such as butadiene-styrene-butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“BSBSB”) or isoprene-styrene-isoprene-styrene-isoprene (“ISISI”). Prior to crosslinking, the pentablock copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties.

Abstract: An elastic material for use in an absorbent article is provided. The elastic material contains a crosslinked network formed from a branched block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, the branched block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.

Abstract: Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or auxetic structures, including three-dimensional auxetic structures, are disclosed and applied to various applications. One such structure comprises a pyramid-shaped unit cell having four base points A, B, C, and D defining the corners of a square lying in a horizontal plane. Four stuffers of equal length or different lengths extend from a respective one of the base points to a point E spaced apart from the plane. Four tendons of equal length or different lengths, but less than that of the stuffers, extend from a respective one of the base points to a point F between point E and the plane. In three-dimensional configurations, a plurality of unit cells are arranged as tiles in the same horizontal plane with the base points of each cell connected to the base points of adjoining cells, thereby forming a horizontal layer.