Abstract: A molded tire may include a support structure having an inner circumferential portion and an outer circumferential portion. The inner circumferential portion may be configured to be associated with a hub. The molded tire may also include a tread portion associated with the outer circumferential portion of the support structure, wherein the tread portion may be formed from a first polyurethane having first material characteristics. The support structure may be formed from a second polyurethane having second material characteristics different than the first material characteristics. The support structure may be chemically bonded to the tread portion.

Abstract: Provided is an adhesive composition that provides excellent adhesion between a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer in which an elastomer component is dispersed in the thermoplastic resin and a tire by a combination of general-purpose materials, without using any special polymer. The adhesive composition comprises 100 parts by weight of a base polymer and 20 to 50 parts by weight of a resol-type phenolic resin-based resin crosslinking agent, wherein 100 parts by weight of the base polymer comprises 80 to 99 parts by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer and 1 to 20 parts by weight of a halogenated rubber. The resol-type phenolic resin-based resin crosslinking agent is preferably an alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer can include styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and examples of the halogenated rubber can include chloroprene rubber and chlorosulfonated polyethylene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rolled multilayer tire inner liner product and processes or methods for preparing a rolled multilayer tire inner liner product. The product comprises a film layer, two adhesive layers (each directly contacting one outer surface of the film layer) and at least one removable partitioning sheet layer contacting the outer surface of at least one of the adhesive layers. The process includes co-extrusion of a film layer and two adhesive layers, addition of at least one partitioning sheet layer to at least one of the adhesive layers either during the co-extruding step or directly thereafter (and may be a mixture of both if more than one partitioning sheet layer is present) and rolling of the layers together (such that if there is only one partitioning sheet layer it faces inward) to form a rolled multilayer tire inner liner product.

Abstract: A tire includes a decoration portion, formed by printing, extending in the tire circumferential direction in at least a portion of the outer surface of at least one side portion of the tire. The decoration portion includes a gradation portion in which at least one of hue, saturation, and value changes incrementally in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Provided is heavy load pneumatic radial tire capable of providing excellent durability by effectively preventing progression of fracture to low heat generation-type base rubber that contributes to improve high-speed durability. Heavy load pneumatic radial tire according to the present invention includes: tread rubber 6 having laminated structure of cap rubber 5 and base rubber 4; and four or more belt layers 3a-3e disposed radially inward of tread rubber 6. A radially outer side of a width direction side edge of at least one of radially outermost belt layer 3e and widest-width belt layer 3c is covered by reinforcing rubber layer 7 that terminates on a radially inner side of tread rubber 6 without reaching tire equatorial plane E. Relative relation between reinforcing rubber constituting reinforcing rubber layer 7 and base rubber 4 in terms of modulus of rebound elasticity satisfies the condition: reinforcing rubber<base rubber 4.

Abstract: A heavy load pneumatic radial tire according to the present invention includes in order, on the radial direction outer side of a carcass extending toroidally between a pair of bead portions, at least one belt reinforcing layer, two or more inclined belt layers, and a tread. When the tire is mounted on a prescribed rim, with prescribed internal pressure applied and in a no-load condition, a width direction edge of the belt reinforcing layer is located further toward the width direction outer side than the tread edge.

Abstract: A heavy duty pneumatic tire includes a clinch portion extending from the sidewalls to the beads. A concave curved surface extends on an outer surface of the clinch portion in a circumferential direction. A convex curved surface is engageable with the concave curved surface. A ratio R1/R2 of a radius of curvature of the concave curved surface to a radius of curvature of the convex curved surface, satisfies 1.7?R1/R2?3.9, a ratio D1/R2 of a depth of the concave curved surface to the radius of curvature of the convex curved surface satisfies 0.05?D1/R2?0.09, and the radius of curvature R1 of the concave curved surface and the radius of curvature R2 of the convex curved surface are each a radius of curvature of an arc on a cross section as taken along a plane including a center axis of the tire.

Abstract: A tire (1) includes: a tread (2); a pair of sidewalls (3) that extends almost inward, in a radial direction, from ends of the tread (2); a pair of beads (4) positioned almost inward of the sidewalls (3) in the radial direction; and a clinch portion (5) that extends from the sidewalls (3) to the beads (4), wherein a concave curved surface (21) extends on an outer surface of the clinch portion (5) in a circumferential direction, and a convex curved surface (22) formed on an outer side end, in the radial direction, of a rim flange (30) is engageable with the concave curved surface (21), a ratio R1/R of a radius of curvature R1 of the concave curved surface (21) to a radius of curvature R of the convex curved surface (22) of the rim flange, satisfies 1.7?R1/R?2.5, and the radius of curvature R1 of the concave curved surface (21) and the radius of curvature R of the convex curved surface (22) are each a radius of curvature of an arc on a cross section as taken along a plane including a center axis of the tire.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for offset three-dimensional (3D) printing. These techniques are capable of creating smoother surfaces and more-accurate structures than many current techniques. In some cases, the techniques provide a first stage of filaments separated by offsets and, at a second stage, provide filaments over these offsets. In so doing, filaments of the second stage partially fill-in these offsets, which can remove steps, increase accuracy, or reduce undesired production artifacts.

Abstract: A method for mounting components on a substrate includes receiving a component with a suction member which is mounted on a bonding head, displacing the bonding head relative to the substrate by means of a first movement axis and a second movement axis in order to position the component in a target position above the substrate, lowering the suction member by means of a third movement axis until the component touches the substrate, producing a predetermined bonding force with which the suction member presses the component against the substrate, and displacing at least one of the bonding head and the substrate by means of at least one of the first movement axis by a corrective value W1 and the second movement axis by a corrective value W2 in order to correct an inclined position of the suction member produced during the build-up of the bonding force.

Abstract: A joining device includes a first holding unit configured to load and hold the first member on its top surface; a second holding unit disposed above the first holding unit while facing the first holding unit and configured to hold the second member; and a position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a joining position between the first member held by the first holding unit and the second member held by the second holding unit. The second holding unit is of a circular plate shape, and the position adjustment mechanism includes four position-adjusting cam members disposed at equal intervals along an outer peripheral surface of the second holding unit, and moves the second holding unit in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for joining a first and a second film web (2, 2?) of a transfer film or laminating film, wherein the film webs (2, 2?) comprise a thermoplastic carrier film (21) and a decorative layer (23). Formed between the first and second film webs (2, 2?) is a common joining portion (3), in which the first and second film webs (2, 2?) are joined to each other by a welding process. A device for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: Production of carcass structures and/or production of crown structures includes: positioning a first continuous elongated element so that its end stretch is aligned with a cutting position; positioning a second continuous elongated element so that its end stretch is in side by side relationship with the end stretch of the first continuous elongated element; forming first strip-like elements from the first continuous elongated element; depositing the first strip-like elements on at least one forming drum; translating the end stretches of the first and second continuous elongated element in a transverse direction relative to their longitudinal extension to align the end stretch of the second continuous elongated element to said cutting position; forming second strip-like elements from the second continuous elongated element; and depositing the second strip-like elements on said at least one forming drum.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master and bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein and a surface area that is approximately the same as an outer embossing surface of the embosser drum to be formed. Advantageously, a single, one-piece metallic shim can subsequently be generated, appropriately shaped and welded at a single seam to form the embosser drum outer embossing surface.

Abstract: A system comprising: a vacuum roll configured to receive a material, wherein the vacuum roll defines a peripheral surface having a contoured portion; and an element forming a nip with the vacuum roll so that the material can be applied to a substrate advancing through the nip.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing dressings, preferably with thinner edges, is described. The method involves the steps of a) forming a first laminated element by securing together a backing film and a layer of a malleable adhesive material; b) shaping the laminated element to obtain an intermediate product that includes a plurality of zones each forming an incipient dressing; c) treating the resulting intermediate product in order to deposit one or more active ingredients on the free surface of the malleable adhesive material; d) forming a second laminated element by securing together the treated intermediate product and a protective film; and e) cutting the second laminated element into a plurality of dressings.

Abstract: Provided is a unit for manufacturing corrugated board from sheets of paper material, including: corrugation means configured to heat-corrugate a first sheet of paper material to make a corrugated sheet, heating means configured to heat sheets of paper material to provide the heat needed to optimise at least the processing performed by the corrugation means, first gluing means configured for joining, by hot gluing the corrugated sheet to a second sheet of smooth paper material to make a compound corrugated sheet, second gluing means configured for joining, by hot gluing, the compound corrugated sheet to a final sheet to make corrugated board, the first gluing means and the second gluing means are positioned next to the corrugation means, so that the first heating means are able to supply at least a predominant part of the heat needed by the first gluing means and the second gluing means.

Abstract: The present application is directed to textured surfaces and methods for forming textured surfaces. The textured surfaces of the present application comprise a conformable film, which conforms to a texture pattern. In certain embodiments, the texture pattern comprises inks having a desired thickness. The methods of the present application may be used to form textured surfaces for a variety of applications, including, for example, aircraft having at least one interior panel with a textured surface.

Abstract: A process for producing a liquid ejection head having a substrate and an ejection orifice forming member having an ejection orifice for ejecting liquid, including forming, on the substrate, a photocationically polymerizable resin layer which includes a photocationically polymerizable resin material and becomes the ejection orifice forming member; laminating, on the uncured photocationically polymerizable resin layer, a layer containing a condensation product of a hydrolyzable silane compound having a cationically polymerizable epoxy group and a hydrolyzable silane compound having a fluorine-containing group; laminating a water-repellent layer including a hydrolyzable silane compound having a perfluoropolyether group on the condensation-product-containing layer; subjecting the photocationically polymerizable resin layer, condensation-product-containing layer, and water-repellent layer to pattern exposure; collectively curing exposed portions of the photocationically polymerizable resin layer, condensation-prod

Abstract: In a method for fabricating an embedded pattern using a transfer-based imprinting, an adhesive layer is formed on a substrate. The adhesive layer has a photo curable resin. A stamp having a protruded pattern is prepared. A thin-film layer is formed on an outer surface of the protruded pattern of the stamp. The stamp having the thin-film layer contact with the adhesive layer is pressed to selectively transfer the thin-film layer of the protruded pattern to the adhesive layer. Ultraviolet rays (UV) are irradiated to cure the adhesive layer. The stamp is removed.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a flexible color filter and a flexible color display device are provided. A bonding substrate is firstly provided. The bonding substrate includes a rigid supporting substrate and a carrier-free adhesive layer, in which the carrier-free adhesive layer is disposed on the rigid supporting substrate. Next, a flexible substrate is adhered on the carrier-free adhesive layer, and a color filter layer is then formed on the flexible substrate, so as to form a color filter module. Subsequently, a cooling process is performed to separate the flexible substrate from the bonding substrate, thereby obtaining the its flexible color filter.

Abstract: Label application devices and methods of printing and applying labels are described herein. One label application device can comprise a feed component configured to deliver a sheet of label material to a position, a product identification component configured to identify a type of a product that is approaching the position, a printing component configured to print data onto the sheet of label material, the data based on the identified type of product, a stripping component configured to remove a liner portion of the sheet of label material from a label portion of the sheet, and an applicator component configured to apply the label portion to the product.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing the cushioning elements may include utilizing a die with a plurality of die elements positioned in a particular arrangement. A polymer material, which may be a polymer foam material, is located between the die and an extractor. The polymer material is compressed between the die and the extractor, and the die elements cut the polymer material to form a plurality of pad components, which are arranged like the die elements. The die and the extractor are separated, and the pad components are secured to the extractor in the arrangement of the die elements. Additionally, the pad components are bonded to at least one material layer such that the pad components remain in the arrangement of the die elements.

Abstract: A label sheet for cleaning is formed of a label for cleaning including a cleaning layer having a 180° peeling adhesion to a silicon wafer of 0.20 N/10 mm or less after receiving an active energy and an adhesive layer provided on one of surfaces of said cleaning layer, and a separator on which the label is removably provided through the adhesive layer.

Abstract: At least one puck is used to manufacture a vacuum insulated panel with a shaped opening. A pair of barrier films are positioned about an insulated core having a shaped opening such as a through bore, cutout, or relief. The puck includes a protrusion having a shape similar to that of the opening of the insulated core. With the barrier films positioned about the insulated core, the pucks are inserted into the opening from opposite sides of the insulated core to thereby compress the barrier films between the shaped protrusions of the pucks to thereby prevent wrinkles and/or creases in the barrier films. The insulated core is then subjected to a vacuum to evacuate the insulated core of any gases and the barrier films are heat sealed to maintain the insulated core in the evacuated state. Excess barrier film is then removed to provide a wrinkle and/or crease free seal.

Abstract: A method for producing an organic EL panel includes an application step of applying a filler, a desiccant, a sealant and a fixing agent to positions on a encapsulation substrate opposing the position of an element, a positioning step of positioning an element substrate and the encapsulation substrate, a heating step of heating the encapsulation substrate, a defoaming step of removing gases incorporated within the filler and the like, a sticking substrates step of sticking the element substrate and the encapsulation substrate using a pair of surface plates, a gas introduction step of returning the periphery around the pressure welded element substrate and encapsulation substrate to an atmospheric pressure environment, a provisional fixing step of irradiating ultraviolet rays onto the fixing agent, and a seal curing step of irradiating ultraviolet rays onto the sealant, thereby curing the sealant.

Abstract: In various embodiments, protective layers are bonded to a steel layer, overlapped, and at least partially covered by a layer of unmelted metal powder produced by cold spray.

Abstract: An assembling system for assembling a backlight light module includes a receiving device, a pressing unit, a driving unit, an image module and a platform. The platform defines a bearing area to accommodate the receiving device. The receiving device includes a receiving room configured for receiving components of a backlight module. The pressing unit is configured for pressing the components to form the backlight module. The driving unit includes a driving device and a control unit. The driving device is used for driving the pressing unit to press the backlight module. The image module includes a camera and an image processor, the camera is configured for capturing images of the pressing unit during the pressing process, the image processor is configured for receiving and processing the images and generating a corresponding control signal, the control unit receives the control signal and control the driving device according to the control signal.

Abstract: A product sheet of composite material can be made by disposing composite materials of composite material in adjacent (side-by-side) relation with each other. The composite materials comprise fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The adjacent composite materials are bonded together to provide a product sheet of composite material. Preferably, a cross ply of composite material is disposed on the composite materials. The cross ply may be a unidirectional sheet and the fibers in the cross ply may be disposed in transverse relation to the fibers in the composite materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of composite elements with at least one outer layer a) and a layer b) firmly bonded to it, an adhesion promoter c) being applied between the outer layer a) and the layer b) firmly bonded to it, the outer layer a) being continuously moved and the adhesion promoter c) and the layer b) firmly bonded to it or the starting materials thereof being applied in succession to the outer layer, the application of the adhesion promoter c) being effected a rotating disk which is mounted horizontally or with a slight deviation from the horizontal of up to 15°, wherein the rotating disk is provided with teeth on the edge.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an adhesive material which can be applied underwater comprising hydrophilic adhesive molecules. In other embodiments, the adhesive material may also include hydrophilic polymers and/or an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Adhesives having high tensile strength are prepared from moisture-curable alkoxysilyl-terminated polyurethanes.

Abstract: Provided is a single wafer etching apparatus etching wafers one at a time. According to the present invention, the single wafer etching apparatus may not only discharge gas by vibrating the wafer even in the case that gas, a byproduct of an etching reaction, is generated, but may also prevent the gas from adsorbing on a surface of the wafer. Also, since the single wafer etching apparatus may directly heat each region of the wafer, the single wafer etching apparatus may uniformly maintain a reaction temperature by heating to higher temperatures from a circumferential direction toward the center of the wafer, even in the case that the temperature of an etching solution increases from the center of the wafer toward the circumferential direction due to the fact that etching is performed while the etching solution moves from the center of the wafer toward the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A substrate mounting table (94) is equipped with a mounting table (2), an electrostatic chuck (6), and a bevel covering (5). The electrostatic chuck (6) has a supporting surface (6e) which is in contact with the whole of the rear surface of a wafer (W). The annular bevel covering (5) has an outer diameter (DA) which is greater than that of the supporting surface (6e), and an inner diameter (DI) which is smaller than that of the wafer (W). The bevel covering (5) is disposed such that, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the supporting surface (6e), the bevel covering (5) surrounds the periphery of the wafer (W) supported on the supporting surface (6e).

Abstract: A trigger-operated adhesive dispenser includes a rack, a handle affixed to the rack, a swing frame pivotally mounted at the rack, a cutter blade fixedly mounted at the rack, a stopper member pivotally mounted at the rack, and a trigger mounted at the handle. When the trigger is not pressed, the swing frame is stopped by the stopper member and prohibited from being biased, allowing the adhesive tape to be pulled out and adhered to the object to be packed. When pressing the trigger, the trigger will push the stopper member to release the swing frame, enabling the swing frame to be biased, and thus the cutter blade can forced to cut off the applied adhesive tape.

Abstract: Damping material is installed on a structure by moving a material placement head over the structure, and using the head to place the material on the structure.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for a display device includes a panel support member for supporting a display panel; a tape attaching module for attaching a cover panel tape to the display panel; and a pocket member holding a connector of a flexible printed circuit board attached to the cover panel tape.

Abstract: A laminate including a supporting member which is light transmissive; a supported substrate which is supported by the supporting member; an adhesive layer which is provided on a surface of the supported substrate on which surface the supported substrate is supported by the supporting member; and a release layer, which (i) is provided between the supporting member and the supported substrate and (ii) contains a polymer including, in a repeating unit, a structure having a light absorption property, a property of the polymer being changed when the polymer absorbs light irradiated via the supporting member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an ultrasonic tire mounting machine and system are disclosed.

Abstract: The bead breaking unit (1) for tyre changing machines includes an arm (2) associated revolving with a supporting structure (3), a bead breaking tool (4) associated with the arm (2), at least a movement device (6) operatively associated with the arm (2) and suitable for moving the arm (2) from a disengaging position, wherein the bead breaking tool (4) is substantially moved away from a tyre of a wheel to undergo bead breaking, to an operating position, wherein the bead breaking tool (4) is suitable for engaging on the tyre, the arm (2) having at least a tilting device (7) of the bead breaking tool (4) suitable for allowing the partial rotation of the bead breaking tool (4) when it is engaged on the tyre, an adjustment arrangement (11) for adjusting the angular position of the bead breaking tool (4) and at least an activation/deactivation device (12) of the tilting device (7).

Abstract: An anti-gravity liquid evaporator comprises a tank body (1). The top surface of the tank body (1) is provided with an upper opening (2), the bottom surface of the tank body is provided with a lower opening (7), the inside of the tank is provided with a liquid spray nozzle (3), and plate-shaped dispersion flaps (8) are mounted in the tank body (1), wherein the dispersion flaps (8) are a plurality of horizontal flow boards (9) extending in a horizontal or inclined direction, and the horizontal flow boards (9) are connected by a vertical flow board (10) or an inclined flow board (16) that is inclined.

Abstract: A reservoir evaporation system for evaporating fluid from an open reservoir of effluent containing a contaminant includes a fluid evaporator, an air pump, and an air supply conduit functionally connecting the fluid evaporator with the air pump. The fluid evaporator includes a vessel adapted to be positioned in an operative position partially submerged on the top surface of the effluent in the reservoir with a lower chamber submerged in the effluent and an upper chamber extending above the top surface of the effluent. In operation, air from the air pump mixes with the effluent inside the fluid evaporator and subsequently is discharged through exhaust openings. A fluid discharge pipe can also simultaneously discharge aerated effluent back down into the reservoir. Fluid is thereby separated from the effluent in the lower chamber by evaporation in a controlled manner that minimizes spread of contaminants to surrounding environments by wind.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and system by which a biometric client with a unique device ID and one or more biometric probes may request a token/certificate that may be used as an authentication credential for one or more cloud-based applications. Using a mobile or stationary computing device, the biometric client may submit one or more biometric probes along with an associated device ID to a cloud biometric authentication system, wherein said cloud biometric authentication system may use the device ID to search biometric templates for matching. If the comparison results in a successful match, a token/certificate is generated and returned to the biometric client. Until expiration, the biometric client may use said token/certificate to access one or more cloud-based applications.

Abstract: A motorized window shade includes a head rail, a bottom part suspended from the head rail, and a covering structure arranged between the head rail and the bottom part. An electric motor is arranged in the head rail and is operable to drive a vertical displacement of the bottom part. The window shade further includes a control interface electrically connected with the electric motor, and suspended outward from the head rail. The control interface is operable to control rotation of the electric motor for raising and lowering the bottom part. An elongated tube may further be disposed outside the head rail. The elongated tube has an upper end connected with the head rail, and the control interface is assembled adjacent to a lower end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed a viewing panel unit, comprising: a first panel and a second panel; a drive mechanism for moving the first panel relative to the second panel; and an abutment member mounted so as to have a fixed spatial relationship relative to the second panel, wherein: the first panel comprises a coupling member; the drive mechanism comprises a drive member configured to engage with the coupling member such that rotation of the drive member imparts a linear motion to the first panel via the coupling member; and the drive mechanism is configured such that a first impact surface of the drive member is brought into contact with a surface of the abutment member to stop the drive member when the drive member is rotated through a maximum angle in a first sense.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slat that may be capable of being used in a shutter. The slat may include a core having at least one groove. The at least one groove may be configured along a length of the core. In an embodiment, the core may be made up of a wooden material, a synthetic material, and the like. The slat may further include a cladding having at least one extension. The cladding may be configured to conform to the core. Further, the at least one extension may be configured to be received by the at least one groove. In a preferred embodiment, the cladding may be made up of a weather-resistant material.

Abstract: A coupling for a door/curtain includes a plurality of coupling mechanisms affixed to ends of slats of the door/curtain. Each coupling mechanism includes a roller mounting bracket having a first roller arranged at an upper portion of the roller mounting bracket, and an extending portion, oriented at approximately 90 degrees with respect to the upper portion of the roller mounting bracket; and at least one second roller. Each second roller is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first roller. The first roller and the at least one second roller are arranged so as to cooperate with an outer track, inner track, roller support guide and first and second roller guides of a guide rail assembly to ensure that the door/curtain moves rollingly within the guide rail assembly even when the door/curtain is subjected to a deflecting force.

Abstract: A rollo assembly is provided, comprising a winding shaft defining an axis of rotation and a flexible rollo screen of which a first end is attached to the winding shaft, such that the rollo screen by an appropriate rotation of the winding shaft around its axis of rotation may be wound on or off the winding shaft. Part of the rollo screen wound off from the winding shaft extends along a certain path. The winding shaft is movable in a direction perpendicularly to its axis of rotation in such a manner that the part of the rollo screen wound off from the winding shaft always extends substantially along the same path independently from the amount of rollo screen wound off from the winding shaft.

Abstract: A retractable golf cart windshield includes a two piece case design that contains a roll-up plastic windshield. The user can pull the windshield down or roll it up much like a roll-up window shade. The present invention always keeps the windscreen under tension when in use as well as an optional lock/unlock characteristic that allows the end user to add or subtract tension. Another optional feature controls the return speed of the windscreen when it rolls up into the case. The case and roll-up screen cartridge can be supplied as an easily-installed replacement so that a user can easily replace a damaged windshield. The invention can be supplied as a kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curtain assembly having at least one connector that is either removably connected to the sheet material or is an integral part of the sheet material. The connector can be in any shape or form as desired. The connector has a front surface, a back surface, a first end, a second end, and has at least one opening which creates a joinable element. The opening on the front surface of the connector can either offset the back surface of the opening or aligned with the back surface of the opening. The joinable element of the connector forms two opposable surfaces that can be centered, off-centered, non-linear, vertical, diagonal in relation to a vertical plane. The two opposable surfaces can be joined to facilitate a stable coupling between a sheet material and a rod. The connector also has an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter wherein the inner perimeter does not need to have the same geometric configuration as the outer perimeter.