Abstract: A water dispersion paper made of wood pulp and/or non-wood pulp is characterized in that purified pulp containing ?-cellulose by 88 percent by weight or more accounts for 15 to 95 percent by weight of all pulp. The water dispersion paper has quick water dispersion property and high strength (printability) and its paper surface pH is 6 to 8 (neutral range).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing paper, paperboard or cardboard comprising the steps of (a) pulping an aqueous cellulosic material containing a starch; (b) preventing at least a portion of the starch from being microbially degraded by treating the aqueous cellulosic material containing the starch with one or more biocides; and (h) adding a dry and/or wet strength polymer to the cellulosic material.

Abstract: A method of making a belt-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet. A papermaking furnish is compactively dewatered to form a dewatered web. The dewatered web is applied to a translating transfer surface. The web is belt-creped from the transfer surface utilizing a polymeric creping belt having perforations. The web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping belt to form a web including a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions protruding from an upper surface of the web, the hollow domed regions having sidewalls being formed along at least a leading edge of the web. Connecting regions form a network interconnecting the hollow domed regions. Transition areas include fibers that transition from the connecting regions into the hollow domed regions, by extending upwardly from the connecting regions into the sidewalls of the domed regions. The web is dried to produce the sheet.

Abstract: Method for making a synthetic turf comprising laying a turf (1) consisting of a mat (2) on which a plurality of blades (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of synthetic material is woven. An infill material (18) is obtained using the granular and fibrous part (17) of a loose product based on ground coconut, alone or with addition of other material such as rubber in granules or sand or other loose vegetable material such as cork. The raw material based on coconut, having a heterogeneous granulometry set between about 500 micron and several mm, is obtained loading a loose product based on ground coconut by a hopper on a conveyor belt for being fed in a sieve, for example a rotating screen that separates the powder part from the granular and fibrous part. In particular, the powder part of the raw material, is gathered on a conveyor belt and from here sent to a storage reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming an artificial grass layer on a substrate, comprising the steps of supplying a pack of flat and deformable artificial grass strips, in which the strips are arranged with their flat faces side-by-side and are connected to each other at mutually offset locations, placing the pack of artificial grass strips on or partially in the substrate, pulling apart the artificial grass strips, thus forming a grid, and at least partially filling at least some of the openings in the grid with a stabilizing material. The invention further relates to a method for forming such a pack of flat and deformable artificial grass strips.

Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine includes a plurality of swing legs, each swing leg being supported from a ground surface by an associated crawler track steerably connected to an outer end of its associated swing leg. Pivotal movement of a swing leg may be accomplished by steering the associated crawler track through a non-zero steering angle until the lateral movement of the crawler track achieves the desired pivoting movement of the associated swing leg.

Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine includes machine frame that is laterally extendible to adjust a width of the machine frame. A frame lock can selectively lock and unlock the machine frame to permit the width adjustment. A controller includes a frame extension mode configured to steer at least one ground engaging unit to provide a lateral force to adjust the width of the machine frame as the machine is driven across the ground surface by the ground engaging units.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for controlling relative telescoping extension or retraction of multiple telescoping assemblies is provided. The telescoping assemblies connect the main frame of a slipform paver to a side member of the slipform paver. Each telescoping assembly has a telescopic lock associated with the telescoping assembly. A common telescoping force is applied across the telescoping assemblies to widen or narrow the frame width of the slipform paver. Extension of the telescoping assemblies is monitored, and activation of the telescopic locks is controlled so as to determine which of the telescoping assemblies is allowed to telescope under application of the common telescoping force.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching a safety handrail to a walkway comprising a C-shaped clamp with a retaining brace which slides under the lower flange of a metal walkway side rail, and is attached using a fastener. The back of the clamp has a retaining sleeve for holding a board for a safety handrail.

Abstract: A method of using an area delineating device is disclosed for creating a temporary border or barrier between two or more points. The delineating, device has a base including a material housing unit, a hollow upright member, and an exit opening in the upright member. A series of flaps, preferably rubber, are located on the bottom of the base and facilitate access to the material housing unit in which is housed a red of disposable partitioning material, such as caution tape or police tape. The disposable partitioning material threads up from the material housing unit, through the base channel and into the vertical cavity. The disposable partition material then exits the vertical cavity via the exit opening at the top of the delineating device. A series of lineal windows can be present in the vertical member.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses, methods, and systems to clear a road surface of debris, water, or other contaminants. A system for clearing a road surface is provided including an air knife with an elongate orifice extending along a line, a frame configured to support the air knife in a position substantially parallel to a plane defined by the road surface, and a tow bar coupled to the frame, where the tow bar is pivotable relative to the frame along an axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the road surface. The system may include a mounting plate connected to the tow bar, where the mounting plate is pivotably mounted to the frame. The air knife may be supplied with pressurized air to clear the road surface of debris. A guide wheel may be attached to the frame, where the guide wheel is configured to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the road surface.

Abstract: A Multi-purpose truck for re-establishment of safe and practicable road conditions, after car accidents, through cleaning of the road platform, said truck being equipped by: several tanks, a high-pressure water gun for spraying cleaning products, a suction system suitable to remove, from the road platform, an emulsion that results from the addition of cleaning products to the debris on the road platform, and tanks containing the resulting emulsion to be temporarily stocked at a location, before being definitely delivered to special and authorized plants for disposal. The power supply, necessary to make the multi-purpose truck work properly, can be directly provided by the engine of the truck and/or any other point of energy transmission in the kinematic chain, or it can be directly provided by a pneumatic circuit previously installed on the same truck. The extracted energy can be used as a power supply for mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic devices.

Abstract: A finger plow includes an extension which may be extended or retracted to enable the finger plow to discharge snow and ice away from the wheels of the vehicle and to make a relatively wider snow cleared path while not unduly extending beyond the sidewalls of the wheels of the vehicle when not engaged in a plowing operation. The finger plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow with one or two extensions. In the later case, the finger plow and one or more extension finger plows are rotatable relative to the chassis of the vehicle. Shear pins or a resilient mechanism may be provided to permit the finger plow to pivot rearwardly in the event that the finger plow extension encounters an obstacle.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a structure comprises a support, an adjustment mechanism, and a sensor mechanism. The support includes a first portion and a second portion configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the first portion. The structure is operatively connected to the second portion. The adjustment mechanism interconnects the first portion and the second portion and is configured and arranged to move the second portion relative to the first portion thereby moving the structure relative to the first portion. The sensor mechanism is operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism and is configured and arranged to activate the adjustment mechanism under predetermined conditions. The sensor mechanism activates the adjustment mechanism to raise the second portion under a first predetermined condition and lower the second portion under a second predetermined condition.

Abstract: The oil recovery system is used to remove oil from water. The system includes rollers rotatably supported on a frame, one of the rollers having drive sprockets. A belt extends between the first and second rollers and a roller press squeezes the belt to thereby remove oil from the belt. The belt has a first layer of oleophilic material, a second layer of oleophilic material and a third central reinforcing scrim layer between the first and second layer. Chains extend along the side edges of the belt, and are driven by the sprockets. The chains are connected to the side edges by a plurality of flanges that are integral the chains, reinforcing cords extending along the side edges, reinforcing strips wrapped around the reinforcing cords and extending along the side edges, and a plurality of pins that extend through the flanges, the strip and the three layers.

Abstract: A device for anchoring constructions in the ground, having a tubular support column or support element and having supporting plates arranged in a supporting plane, wherein the tubular support column is in the form of a continuous part which extends from the supporting plane to above the ground, the tubular support column, the supporting plates and the connecting webs consist of steel, the tubular support column or the support element, the supporting plates and the connecting webs are connected together by screw connections, and the supporting plates are connected to the tubular support column by connecting webs.

Abstract: A pipe assembly may have one or more pipe segments that are coupled together or coupled to a drive socket by a coupler. The coupler may have a body with a generally tubular shape with an interior surface and an exterior surface. First and second flanges may extend outward from the exterior surface to engage the drive socket, thereby providing enhanced stability and coaxiality. The interior surface may have an upper receiving feature that can receive the bottom end of an overhead pipe segment, and a lower receiving feature that can receive the top end of a subtending pipe segment. The upper receiving feature may have an upper threaded bore with a lead-in portion that facilitates alignment of the overhead pipe segment with the upper threaded bore. The interior surface may also have a stop feature that prevents over-insertion of the top end and/or the bottom end into the coupler.

Abstract: A quick-coupler for coupling a tool such as an excavator bucket, a clamshell grapple or demolition shears to a tool guide such as an excavator arm or the like, includes a coupling mount for receiving a first locking part and a locking mount for receiving a second locking part, wherein a securing element, which can be actuated by a pressure medium, is associated with the coupling mount for capturing and/or securing the first locking part and a locking element, which can be actuated by a pressure medium, is associated with the locking mount for locking the second locking part in the locking mount. The securing element of the coupling mount can likewise be actuated by the pressure circuit for actuating the locking element of the locking mount, wherein a time control device is provided for reducing the actuation pressure built up at the securing element within a specific time duration.

Abstract: A system for autonomous control of a machine having a ground-engaging work implement includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine the position of a work surface based upon the position signals and select a work zone loading profile for a work zone cut location along a path within a work zone and the work zone loading profile has a work zone cut angle relative to a ground reference. The controller is further configured to select a final cut loading profile for a final cut location along the path adjacent the boundary zone with the final cut loading profile having a final cut angle relative to the ground reference. The final cut angle is steeper than the work zone cut angle.

Abstract: A control system for a machine equipped with a ripping tool. The control system includes a first operator input for generating a ripping control signal that initiates an auto-ripping mode. A second operator input is provided for generating a speed select signal for changing the transmission output speed of the machine to a selected transmission output speed. The system further includes a controller with a memory. The controller is linked to the first and second operator inputs. The controller is programmed to receive a ripping control signal from the first operator input and to activate the auto-ripping mode or auto-ripping mode and deactivate the auto-shift mode. The controller is also programmed to receive a speed select signal from the second operator input and to deactivate the auto-ripping mode and adjust the power source to the selected transmission output speed.

Abstract: A bar-like member includes a base end portion, a leading end portion opposite to the base end portion, and a fixed portion provided between the base end portion and the leading end portion and fixed to an upper frame. A binding band is adapted to bind the bar-like member and an arranging member together in order to fix the arranging member arranged along the bar-like member. The fixed portion of the bar-like member is formed by folding the bar-like member between the base end portion and the leading end portion, and has an outer peripheral surface fixed to the upper frame in abutting contact with the upper frame. The leading end portion of the bar-like member is positioned away from the upper frame by fixing the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion to the upper frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the lock may include an upper portion having a tool interface configured to receive a tool for applying torque about a lock rotation axis, a lower portion including a base located opposite the tool interface along the lock rotation axis, and an insert layer positioned between the upper portion and lower portion. The insert layer may be configured to allow the upper portion to move relative to the lower portion without shearing when torque is applied to the tool interface of the upper portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for visually indicating the presence of a fire hydrant and the range of gallons per minute water flow associated with the hydrant by using a single-piece fire hydrant cover.

Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.

Abstract: A first object of the present invention is to provide a micro-bubble generator of carbon dioxide which is arranged so as to enhance health promoting effects such as improvement of blood circulation due to carbon dioxide gas generated by dissolving a tablet, thereby exhibiting effects of taking a shower of bicarbonate with appropriate concentrations for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A sanitary fixture (6) is provided having a mounting housing (9) which has a thread (10) for fastening to a mating thread provided on the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting. The mounting housing (9) has a downstream housing end side (12) with flow-through holes (13), and wherein at least one insertion part can be inserted into the mounting housing (9) as far as an insertion stop. According to one of the solution proposals described here, it is provided that the fixture (6) has an aerated jet regulator (16) or is configured as such, that the circumferential wall of the mounting housing (9) borders at least one aeration duct (14) at least in a subregion of at least double-walled configuration, and that the at least one aeration duct (14), which is open towards the downstream housing end side (12), opens out in at least one aeration opening (15) leading into the housing interior of the mounting housing.

Abstract: A drain system includes a basin and a drain, where a first one of the basin and the drain comprises at least two substantially inflexible protrusions and a second one of the basin and the drain forms at least two apertures. The protrusions and apertures form male-female connections that facilitate positioning and anchoring of the drain in the basin. Further, stoppers/strainer and ball valves for limiting or ceasing water flow through a drain are disclosed. The stoppers/strainers and quarter turn valves may be switch-activated and moved into position by electricity, water pressure, air pressure and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for being placed proximal a gutter downspout of a gutter channel. The device includes a cage assembly defining a bottom facing surface that engages with a bottom of the gutter channel when installed within the channel, a rear facing surface that engages a rear surface of the gutter channel when installed within the channel, a top facing surface not in engagement with the gutter channel when installed within the channel, a front facing surface that defines a generally vertical surface that engages a front surface of the gutter channel and a generally diagonal surface that engages a correspondingly diagonal surface of the front portion of the gutter channel. The cage assembly defines one or more openings sized to allow flowthrough of liquid into the device and inhibit flowthrough of debris into the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a debris catching and removing apparatus and method. For example, bar screens or grids for collecting and removing trash or debris from storm, waste water, or sewage systems, and mounting systems and methods therefore are provided. These apparatus and method may provide a long-lasting, light-weight, and low-cost debris screen screening solutions for removing trash or debris from, for example, storm, waste water, or sewage systems. The invention may be particularly applicable to small lift stations that use submersible pumps or surface mounted pumps that suction waste water from a wet well.

Abstract: A modular steel-framed construction mold apparatus comprised of a plurality of contiguous foundation, cavity wall and roof deck void spaces defined and formed by assemblies of interlocking encasement panels and connectors integrally attached to a structural steel grillage for accepting, containing, and shaping wet concrete fill, a method for forming, casting, and encasing monolithic composite concrete and steel buildings and structures in situ using said mold apparatus, and a permanently encased monolithic composite concrete and steel structure constructed by employing the foregoing modular mold apparatus and method of concrete construction. The structural steel grillage supports the encasement assemblies before and during the casting process, becoming fully embedded within the cast concrete, and provides tensile strength complementing the compressive strength of concrete fill.

Abstract: A building system with modular precast concrete components uses bulb tee beams to span between walls that are distributed within the building footprint to open up the structure. Shallow corrugated slabs span between the bulb tee beams to form the floor deck. Optionally, double tee beams can be used at the periphery of the structure for longer spans.

Abstract: A fastener guide for accurate spacing and aligning of fastening means in light wood frame construction, comprising a vertical leg comprising a generally flat rigid material and including a plurality of through-holes spaced according to a calculated matrix for driving fasteners therethrough to secure a first structural member to a second structural member, and a flange attached to or integral with the vertical leg and positioned approximately at a right angle thereto. The fastener guide is placed against a face of the first structural member such that the vertical leg plurality of through-holes are positioned to allow for transfer of thrust, tension and shear forces to the second structural member oriented adjacent thereto at a building frame joint. Fasteners are driven through the plurality of through-holes into the second structural member to secure the first structural member to the second structural member.

Abstract: A modular adaptable housing architecture for building temporary shelters and residential units in emergency situations is provided and includes an oval cross-section, which can be increased and extended in a flexible manner, involving the mechanically articulated assembly of successive structural modules formed by pairs of crosswise-arranged ovoid frames in order to support a panel-based inner floor slab, with the shell being formed by sheets, while providing a level floor solution in which the floor is elevated above the ground using the curvature of the elliptical supporting section of each frame or retractable supporting parts of the frames. The result is a self-tensioning geometry shelter, which can be adapted to suit the terrain and occupancy requirements, which is stable, strong and environmentally friendly, and which can be transported in disassembled parts and quickly assembled at any location without requiring any additional work and enabling a finish typical of the locality.

Abstract: A wall or roof covering for mounting to a support surface, comprising: a plurality of panels securable to the support surface, each of the panels having a front surface comprising a covering section with simulated building elements, an opposed rear surface facing the support surface when secured thereto, a first marginal edge region and an opposed second marginal edge region, the first marginal edge region having an elongated receiving groove with an elongated aperture oriented one of substantially upwardly and substantially downwardly, the second marginal edge region being at least partially insertable in the first elongated receiving groove of a vertically-adjacent panel and being at least partially covered by a first section of the covering section of the vertically-adjacent panel when inserted therein.

Abstract: Method of building construction comprising the steps of: preparing a foundation for a building at a building site; providing an onsite mobile packaged production machine at the building site; providing part data relating to a building design to the onsite mobile packaged production machine; supplying wood to the onsite mobile packaged production machine; the onsite mobile packaged production machine providing building parts formed from the wood and based on the part data in the order of assembly; assembling the building parts on the foundation to form the building, wherein at least external walls including the said building parts include interior and exterior panels having a cavity therebetween; and providing foam insulation into the cavity between the interior and exterior panels. A building formed using the method of construction is also provided. Cutting apparatus and a liquid-laden foam filler for wall panels are also provided.

Abstract: An outer wall structure according to the invention includes first to fourth linear water-stopping members, and first to fourth corner water-stopping members. These members include plate portions and seal portions and the like. The plate portions are fixed to a vertical furring strip member, a horizontal furring strip member, and a frame member by means of a first mounting screw. Consequently, the seal portions prevent entry of water between a sash body and the plate portion. With the outer wall structure, the plate portions are fixed to the vertical furring strip member, the horizontal furring strip member, and the frame member at a position spaced apart from the outer face farther than a first width of the flange.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fracture characteristics optimized for efficient installation. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions both as a glue and as an energy dissipating layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum or cement-based panel products modified for easy fracture. In one embodiment, standard paper-faced wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure with the inner surface of said wallboard being bare with no paper or other material being placed thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bridge-like supporting structure made of fireproof ceramic stones, wherein two outer, end bearing stones have a largely horizontal step on the inner side of the outer, end bearing stones and a keystone arranged between the two bearing stones has at least one corresponding step on the two outer sides of the keystone. By means of said structure, thermal expansions can be better compensated.

Abstract: A tubular passage for poured concrete decks has an intumescent tube held in a two-part, clamshell base by a bottom clip. A first tube engages the base's top to clamp a funnel shaped, diaphragm seal to the base. The first tube has spaced, radially extending, parallel ridges at predetermined distances from the base. Longitudinal channels separate the ridges. An extension tube has inward extending lugs passing along the channels to engage various ridges when rotated to fix the passage length. The extension engages the base bottom for corrugated deck supports. A cap with repositionable, locating filaments closes either tube.

Abstract: A manufactured stone block for use in building a structure having a front surface with a simulated natural stone appearance. A portion of an upper surface of the block includes a recessed mortar joint for a user to place mortar therein to secure the manufactured stone block to an adjacent surface.

Abstract: A system for sound isolation. The system is configured to acoustically isolate a gypsum board support channel from a frame member. The system may comprise: a sound isolation clip and fastener, wherein the sound isolation clip comprises a slit configured for mounting onto a flange of a support channel and a fastener hole for securing the fastener and sound isolation clip onto the flange of the support channel. The fastener may be a screw and may comprise a wafer head and shank with a threaded portion and a smooth portion. The threaded portion is used to fasten and secure the mounting screw, sound isolation clip, and support channel onto a wallboard panel and support frame. The smooth portion is used to allow the sound isolation clip to freely move when engaged with the support channel and uniformly distribute the static dead load into the sound isolation clip.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall module is disclosed. The wall module includes a series or plurality of lattices. The series of lattices includes (a) defining at least one slot accommodating a panel, and (b) defining a grid along an outer surface of the wall module wherein at least one end-standing lattice of the wall module is structurally different from one or more of the other lattices in the wall module.

Abstract: A stay-in-place concrete form includes masonry shells layered with rigid insulation tied with plastic cross tie assemblies. The masonry shells can be connected with plastic dovetail connectors that compensate for the variation in height of the shells. This allows for the shells, together with the connectors, to be a consistent height and allows for dry stacking. This dry stacking method can result in labor time and training savings over conventional masonry mortar construction.

Abstract: The present invention is an L-bracket formed, shaped and threaded to become a suspended ceiling anchor capable of engaging multiple diameters of threaded hanging rods, providing spacing means between threaded sections for a user to avoid threading the end of a threaded hanging rod up to two thirds of the end threads of the threaded hanging rod, thereby reducing installation time and complexity.

Abstract: A decor apparatus is based on a flexible panel. In the apparatus, a support structure includes a rail, and a flexible panel having an edge is attached to the rail, with the attachment between the rail and the edge including a plurality of discrete attachment points. A trim piece for the flexible panel is connected to the rail from between the attachment points. The trim piece overlays the attachment between the rail and the edge outside of a plane of the flexible panel.

Abstract: A structural element (10) for use as a ceiling element or wall element. The structural element (10) has a facing shell (11) and a relatively thicker supporting shell (12). The facing shell (11) has a first concrete layer (14) with a textile reinforcement (15) arranged therein. The supporting shell (12) has a second concrete layer (16) and a supporting shell reinforcement (17) in the form of a box-grid structure from interconnected structural steel elements (18, 19, 20). The facing shell (11) is connected to the supporting shell (12) by a plurality of metal-free connecting bodies (24) in the form of a three-dimensional a textile grid structure (25). The textile grid structure can be produced as a woven fabric, a plait, a nonwoven fabric or a knit from carbon fibers and/or glass fiber threads that have a coating to produce the three-dimensional structure. Each connecting body (24) extends in at least two spatial planes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide composite roofing strips that may be attached to a roofing membrane for aesthetic and/or functional purposes and method of attaching the same. According to one embodiment, a composite roofing strip may include a longitudinally extending body having a base and a lateral member extending from the base, and may also include an insert extending partially or fully along the body and coupled therewith. The insert may be formable so as to allow the composite roofing strip to be adjusted to have a desired profile and to maintain the desired profile of the composite roofing strip post adjustment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packing- and/or transport unit comprising several fibrous insulation elements (4, 5) for flat roof insulation being arranged in at least one stack (2) and at least one support means (3) being arranged under the stack (2), whereby the stack (2) contains at least two different types of insulation elements (4, 5), which differ with respect to the material properties. A packing- and/or transport unit which is easy to handle and which allows to arrange most of the materials close to the places where it is needed is achieved in that the stacked insulation elements (4, 5) comprise lamellas (4) and/or lamella boards having a high compression strength but low point load resistance due to their fiber orientation and at least one insulation board (5) having an even higher compression strength and high point load resistance.

Abstract: A roof ventilation system for asphalt shingle or composition roofs which include a vent slot located through the roof structure along a roof ridge is provided. An unrollable vent assembly that is installable in one piece is formed from an upper water barrier having first and second vent arrangements connected thereto, and each of the first and second vent arrangements include at least two continuous longitudinal strips of a vent material with a continuous longitudinally extending space therebetween separating the strips. The strips and the longitudinally extending space are positionable on the roof parallel to the ridge so that the first and second vent arrangements are located on each side of the ridge vent slot, respectively. The vent system prevent ingress of moisture and debris, and the upper water barrier extends between the first and second vent arrangements and over the vent slot in the installed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to panels. The panels include a panel layer and a printed layer formed on the panel layer. The panel layer includes a polylactic acid (PLA) resin. The panels are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.