Abstract: A party tray includes a support tray and, on the support tray, a sealed package made up of transparent container body and a polymeric sealing sheet sealed to the rim of the container body. The sealed package contains foodstuffs, in particular respiring foodstuffs such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which rest on the sealing sheet; the sealing sheet is in turn supported by the support tray. The sealed package may include an atmosphere control member. When the party tray is on display, its contents are viewed through the single thickness of the container body.

Abstract: A three-layer microwaveable, plastic wrap having a core layer between a cling layer and a release layer is disclosed, along with a method for making the plastic wrap. The cling layer comprises a base resin and an effective amount of a tackifier to provide sufficient cling to different surfaces such as, for example, glass, plastic, ceramic, stainless steel laminated cardboard, and aluminum. The release layer includes an effective amount of an anti-blocking agent to facilitate dispensing of the wrap from a dispensing roll.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diffusion substrate assembly that is suitable for use in fuel cells. The diffusion substrate exhibits low flow resistance for active fuel agents and electrochemical reaction products, high electrical cross plane conductance and a good mechanical integrity. In one embodiment, the diffusion substrate includes carbon micro-studs that are in a substantially parallel relationship to one another and extend substantially perpendicular to a supporting bed.

Abstract: A vehicle mat has a main plate and a treading plate disposed on the main plate. The main plate has a recessed chamber to receive the treading plate, a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of crossed channels, and a plurality of fastening posts. The treading plate has a plurality of crossed lattices, a plurality of holes defined by the crossed lattices, a plurality of dirt scrape blocks disposed on the crossed lattices, and a plurality of fastening blocks matching the fastening posts. Each fastening post is inserted in the corresponding hole of the treading plate. Each fastening block engages with an annular groove of the corresponding fastening post.

Abstract: A multi-layer thermal barrier coating (12) having a porous first layer of ceramic insulating material (20) and a second relatively dense layer of ceramic insulating material (22) having a plurality generally vertical gaps (26) formed therein. The porous conventional as-deposited APS microstructure of the first layer provides thermal and chemical protection for the substrate, while the gaps of the columnar-grained second layer provide thermal shock resistance for the coating. An air plasma spray process may be used to deposit both the first and the second layers of material, as well as any underlying bond coat layer. The gaps of the columnar-grained second layer do not extend into the first layer. The pores (28) of the first layer function as crack-arrestors for cracks initiating at the gaps of the second layer.

Abstract: A segmented hook and loop type fastener accommodates molding contours. Each segment may be surrounded by a gasket barrier, or covered, or unprotected. On the fastening face of a base member are a plurality of fastening elements, either hook-type or loop-type. Between and joining each adjacent pair of fastening segments is a flexible neck that is narrower than the fastening segment. The flexible neck region is typically flexible around two or three orthogonal axes. Each segment may have a barrier for use during an operation to incorporate the fastener into a molded body. The barrier would prevent any liquid foaming material from contacting the fastening elements if the fastener is placed in the mold with the fastening elements pressed against the wall of the mold. The cover may be enveloping or space filling. Several different types of apparatus and methods for fabricating such a fastener are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive trim component (10) is provided which enables an aesthetic feature (26) of a trim component (10) to be observed by a vehicle occupant when the aesthetic feature (26) is viewed by the vehicle occupant through a portion of the trim component (32).

Abstract: A plastic molding for use in an optical device, a method of producing the molding by injection molding, and an apparatus for practicing the method are disclosed. Only a part of a molding expected to sink is surely caused to sink while, e.g., a mirror surface is surely transferred to a desired part of the molding.

Abstract: A friction control article including a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 upstanding stems per square inch and a second surface. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material and the stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry. The first surface has a peel strength and a tensile strength of substantially zero when engaged with another slip control article. The first surface has a relatively high shear strength when engaged with another slip control article. The high shear forces are due primarily to the frictional properties of the elastomeric materials, not a mechanical interlock of the stems, such as on a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor mat made from a rubber composite, the composite having a foam rubber core positioned between dense rubber layers. Protrusions or cleats, which are produced during the vulcanization process, extend outwardly from the lower surface of the mat. The present mat offers mat users desirable anti-fatigue characteristics that are achieved by (a) a combination of dense rubber and foam rubber layers and (b) the spaced positioning of a plurality of cleats over one surface of the mat. Such a mat is anticipated to be useful in service environments, such as hair styling salons, retail outlets, or restaurant kitchens, for example.

Abstract: A brick is made of refractory material, preferably for use in a furnace for calcining carbon bodies, wherein at least one surface of the brick that is facing towards an adjacent brick is provided with mating elements such as recesses and projections. The mating elements are rotationally symmetric about an axis that is perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article including a microstructured release liner having a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions associated with an adhesive layer such that the protrusions penetrate the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A desk chairmat includes a substantially planar member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge; the planar member having at least one foot massage area in a selected part thereof; and a foot massage panel secured within the selected area, the foot massage insert having a base and a plurality of upwardly projecting foot massage nodules. The foot massage panel may also be in the form of a peel and stick pad that is adhesively secured to the upper surface of the desk chairmat.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor mat made from a rubber composite, the composite having a foam rubber core positioned between dense rubber layers. Protrusions or cleats, which are produced during the vulcanization process, extend outwardly from the lower surface of the mat. The present mat offers mat users desirable anti-fatigue characteristics that are achieved by (a) a combination of dense rubber and foam rubber layers and (b) the spaced positioning of a plurality of cleats over one surface of the mat. Such a mat is anticipated to be useful in service environments, such as hair styling salons, retail outlets, or restaurant kitchens, for example.

Abstract: A structurally enhanced attachment for use in reinforcing automotive rocker assemblies. An expandable material, such as a polymer-based foam, is disposed on a surface of an aluminum extrusion prior to integration of the extrusion into the vehicle and final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process, which activates and transforms the expandable material, preferably during an automobile paint operation, to expand, bond and fill the rocker assembly structure thereby structural adhering the extrusion with the rocker assembly and facilitating enhanced structural reinforcement.

Abstract: A desk chairmat includes a substantially planar member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge; and a plurality of foot massage nodules projecting upwardly from the upper surface located in a selected area of the planar member.

Abstract: The present perforated floor mat holder is for securing perforated rubber floor mats on a wet and slippery floor. It is comprised of an elongated strip with studs arranged at regular intervals that match the spacing of the holes on the floor mat. The strip is fastened to a floor with screws inserted through mounting holes arranged along the strip. The floor mat is positioned on the strip with the hole around the studs. The stress applied to the rims of the holes by the studs are spread among a relatively large number of holes, so that the rims resist being torn by the studs. Transverse grooves arranged several studs apart on the strip enable the strip to be broken into shorter sections of a predetermined minimum length. In a first embodiment, one mounting hole is arranged between each pair of adjacent studs.

Abstract: In an adhering closure element with a carrier strip (10) with meshing parts (12) arranged on it, and with a cover strip (20) covering the carrier strip (10) on the side turned away from the meshing parts (12), which is wider than the carrier strip (10), the two free side edge areas (21) of the cover strip (20) are folded over themselves, in the direction of the carrier strip (10) along a fold line (29), which runs in the longitudinal direction, so that the end edges (31) of the free side edge areas (21) of the cover strip (20) face the longitudinal edges (33) of the carrier strip (10).

Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.

Abstract: An improved step ladder of a type having at least one step and a corresponding number of step pads. The improvement includes each step pad being replaceably and interchangeably attached to an associated step, each step having a plurality of throughbores extending vertically therethrough, each step pad having a plurality of tits depending. therefrom that replaceably and interchangeably engage in the plurality of throughbores in the associated step, respectively, and each tit having a wide base coincident with the associated step pad, a pointed tip that facilitates entering into an associated throughbore, and a pinched waist which is releasably captured in the associated throughbore when the pointed tip passes into the associated throughbore, a distance requiring the tit to compress so as to allow the pinched waist to receive the step and then expand to releasably capture the step in the pinched waist, and as a result thereof, releasably lock the step pad onto the associated step.

Abstract: An elastic web of material has a multiplicity of stems extending from at least one side of the web. The web includes a first continuous layer of elastic material having a first side and a second side and a second layer of material. The second layer of material has a first side which faces the first side of the first layer and a second side from which the stems extend. The first and second layers of material are joined together. The second layer of material can be formed of thermoplastic material or melt processable polymeric material. The first and second layers of material are melt formed. They are joined by coextrusion or lamination to form a multiple layer sheet on which a multiplicity of stems are formed on at least the second layer by a process such as embossing the stems into the heated web using a patterned roll or mold.

Abstract: A floor mat includes a mat main body and a plurality of slip-prevention members integrally provided on a rear surface of the mat main body at certain intervals. Each of the slip-prevention members includes a plate-shaped base portion having a lower end surface and a plurality of leg portions integrally protruding from the lower end surface so as to be perpendicular thereto. It is preferable that the mat main body and the slip-prevention members are made of thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness of 65 to 80, the mat main body is provided with 36 to 98 pieces of the slip-prevention members per 10 square centimeters (10 cm2), each of the plate-shaped base portions is set to have a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm and a lower surface area of 7 to 30 square millimeters (mm2), each of the leg portions is set to 0.7 to 1.5 mm in height and 0.7 to 1.5 mm in diameter, and each of the plate-shaped base portions is provided with 2 to 8 pieces of the columnar leg portions.

Abstract: Provided herein are headliners for use in motorized vehicles. The headliners are of such construction that head impact encountered during a collision is greatly reduced over headliners of prior art. A headliner according to the invention comprises a substantially-planar first base portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a plurality of absorption projections disposed on said upper surface of said base portion. The absorption projections each are shaped in the form of a geometric solid having an axis. The absorption projections include a second base portion and a topmost portion, and the absorption projections extend from the upper surface such that their axes are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the base portion.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a part includes the steps of molding a thermoplastic material into a generally planar sheet form having a textured surface on at least one side. The textured surface is defined by a plurality of protuberances with at least one side wall extending outwardly from the sheet. The thermoplastic material is molded with a predetermined pressure between a die and within a perforated insert. The molded thermoplastic material sheet and perforated insert are removed from the die after molding. The molded thermoplastic material sheet is sintered at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. The molded, sintered, thermoplastic material sheet is stripped from the perforated insert. The sheet can be masked for etching if desired. The sheet can be inserted into a molding die, where a dissimilar material is introduced into the die under pressure.

Abstract: An edge protector for the edges of roll shaped articles, e.g. pallets, reeled steel and paper products is made from an elongated sheet (10) of plastics material, the sheet having an indentation (11) extending longitudinally along a major surface of the sheet and extending only partially into the thickness of the sheet. The indentation (11) divides the sheet into webs (12, 13) which are folded into an L-shape.

Abstract: A hollow structural member is reinforced by a housing in the form of a framework exposed structural foam on the housing. The housing is placed in the structural member at an orientation with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structural member so that the foam is disposed directly against opposed walls of the structural member. Upon curing the foam becomes intimately bonded to the opposed walls of the structural member and to the housing for reinforcing the structural member. Preferably the housing is formed by extrusion so that it can be cut to size across its extrusion axis.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a layer having carpeted upper surface and/or other rubber-like padding material covered by a translucent, elastomeric sheet. The upper elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage the carpeted upper surface of the inner padding layer, thereby reducing the likelihood of the upper elastomeric layer from slipping relative to the inner padding layer. The upper elastomeric layer is sewn or otherwise affixed to the carpeted surface to prevent slipping and creasing of the upper elastomeric layer relative to the padding during use. In addition, in a preferred embodiment for use on carpeted surfaces, the lower elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage in the underlying carpet surface to reduce slipping of the device relative to the underlying surface. An overcovering material may be provided to further protect the upper elastomeric layer from excessive soiling.

Abstract: Prefabricated composite detail parts use precured strips that include Z-pin reinforcement along the bond line. Each strip has Z-pin stubble protruding from opposed faces so that the pins are embedded into the detail parts when the joint forms.

Abstract: A floor mat for use over ground in subfreezing climates. The floor mat consists of a planar sheet having an exposed top face, a ground-engageable bottom face, and a peripheral edge portion. A plurality of studs, made from thermally conducting material, are integrally connected to the sheet and project upwardly from its exposed top face. A number of cavities are formed within the sheet in register with the studs, these cavities opening through the sheet bottom face and forming thermal wells. The studs are of such a length as to extend upwardly beyond the layer of ice overlying the floor mat, wherein the top free end tip of the studs will capture sun rays, and transfer radiative heat from the free end tip to the underlying air pocket cavities. Heat will build up in these air pocket cavities, thus promoting radiative transfers to the main body of floor mat, and thus, thaw of ice supported by the floor mat.

Abstract: A fire and thermal insulative wrap for protecting building wires and cables is provided comprising a layered construction of a support substrate and a coating, thereon, of an intumescent material. Optionally, a third ceramic layer is provided for added fire protection and electrical properties. Wires and cables constructed to include the wraps are cost effective because construction can include the substitution of low cost polyolefin resins and compounds for fluorocarbon resins and smoke suppressed PVC compounds. The new constructions based on polyolefin components advantageously produce lower levels of smoke and toxic and corrosive gases during a fire event when compared with the halogen based PVC and fluorocarbon systems. Moreover, the superior fire and thermal protection provided adds safety gained from increased circuit integrity. Finally, the wrap thickness being slight does not add significantly to cable size and therefore promotes an installation advantage.

Abstract: An insulation system for furnaces and kilns in which the number of splits between the insulation modules and the heat leaks produced at open sections caused by temperature changes are eliminated, for using in structures having: a frame including a first and a second lateral sides in relation with a transversal axis; one or more openings including a surrounding frame, constituting a flue, each opening having two lateral sides and two longitudinal sides in relation with said transversal and whit a longitudinal axis; and a structural base, located inside the frame and coupled thereof, having an internal side facing to the housing of the furnace and an external side facing to the exterior of the furnace, said insulation structure comprising a first and a second elongated insulation modules having an upwardly projecting housing which isolates a longitudinal side of the flue frame; and a third and a fourth elongated insulation modules, having a vertical section which isolates a lateral side of the flue frame.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may be comprised of a material that has an inherent anti-slip capability when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning. A support and drainage structure for the floor mat is also described.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a resilient sheet of connect port for isolating EM waves, which sheet comprises a main body of rectangular sheet and an outer frame bent toward the same direction from the edge of the main body. The cross section of the outer frame is U-shaped, and a plurality of bumps equally spaced are formed on the outer side surface thereof. A plurality of resilient plates and resilient projective ears slanting forwards are formed on the edge of the outer frame. A raised point is formed on each of the resilient projective ears. The raised points will contact a rear plate set of the case of a computer. The resilient projective ears will be bent backwards due to the push of the rear plate set.

Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.

Abstract: A fastener tape for use in the manufacture of reclosable plastic bags is provided. The fastener tape comprises an intermediate layer and a reclosable fastener profile thereon. The intermediate layer includes three layers of co-extruded plastic, with not more than 4% EVA as the outer two layers and HDPE as the middle layer. The intermediate layer is folded so as to bring portions of the intermediate layer into an opposing relationship. These opposing portions are then sealed together by a pair of seal bars. By carefully controlling the sealing temperature, a consistent peel seal is created between the opposing portions of the intermediate layer without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A slip control article including a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 upstanding stems per square inch and a second surface. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material and the stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry. The first surface has a peel strength and a tensile strength of substantially zero when engaged with another slip control article. The first surface has a relatively high shear strength when engaged with another slip control article. The high shear forces are due primarily to the frictional properties of the elastomeric materials, not a mechanical interlock of the stems, such as on a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.

Abstract: A fastening component of a separable fastener has some portion that is necessary for its fastening function, such as the hooks, the base to which the hooks are attached or a substrate that is used for another purpose, comprised of a magnetically attractive constituent. Another portion of the fastening component is comprised of a magnetically inert constituent. The fastening element may be the hook portion or the loop portion of a typical fastener. The fastening elements and the base may be unitary, or of different precursors, such as in a woven fastener component. The magnetically inert constituent may comprise a polymeric plastic or a thermoplastic elastomer. The magnetic attractant may impregnate the magnetically inert constituent, or it may coat or be coated by the magnetically inert constituent. The magnetic attractant may comprise a metal powder. The metal may be selected from the group consisting of iron powder. The magnetic attractant may be an organo-iron or a rare earth metal.

Abstract: An embossment for a plastic panel is provided. The embossment projects out from the panel and can secure the panel to an object or support the panel away from the object as a standoff. A plurality of support legs are integrally formed to both the embossment and the panel which separates the embossment from the panel and provides stability to the embossment. While attaching the embossment to the vehicle, such as by rotationally inserting a screw, the support legs prevent the embossment from rotating and/or disconnecting from the panel. In this manner, the panel is maintained in a proper location during installation. The support legs have a reduced contact area with the panel such that abnormalities on the show surface that would be created by the embossment are eliminated.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit is provided with an array of pillars or supports between opposing glass sheets. At least some of the pillars are coated on at least one surface thereof with a dry lubricant material such as diamond like carbon (DLC). This coating permits the glass sheet(s) to move relative to one another during thermal expansion while minimizing the degree to which the pillars scratch or crack the glass during such relative movement. The provision of such coating(s) minimizes pillar scratching of the glass and/or pillars inducing indentations in the glass substrate(s).

Abstract: A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly.

Abstract: A fastening component of a separable fastener has some portion that is necessary for its fastening function, such as the hooks, the base to which the hooks are attached or a substrate that is used for another purpose, comprised of a magnetically attractive constituent. Another portion of the fastening component is comprised of a magnetically inert constituent. The fastening element may be the hook portion or the loop portion of a typical fastener. The fastening elements and the base may be unitary, or of different precursors, such as in a woven fastener component. The magnetically inert constituent may comprise a polymeric plastic or a thermoplastic elastomer. The magnetic attractant may impregnate the magnetically inert constituent, or it may coat or be coated by the magnetically inert constituent. The magnetic attractant may comprise a metal powder. The metal may be selected from the group consisting of iron powder. The magnetic attractant may be an organo-iron or a rare earth metal.

Abstract: A cargo liner and cargo holder system includes a mat having a plurality of protrusions extending from a base. Locking members include a plurality of engagement members extending from a body and are adapted to engage with the protrusions of the mat. The mat includes a plurality of geometrically-shaped protrusions which can be octagonally shaped or cylindrically shaped. The locking members can be secured to boxes or other objects for securement to the mat. Engagement members engaged to the mat are able to move to a limited extent; this motion allows each engagement member to be captured by mat protrusions with the same degree of capture force. The mat also includes a lip extending around the perimeter of the mat for containment of any liquids therein. The mat also includes two layers, a polyethylene first layer and an olefin-friendly rubber layer. The locking members can be modified and secured to a bag-hanging device.

Abstract: A cling wrap comprising a first surface having an embossed area including a plurality of protrusions therefrom forming a plurality of raised contact surfaces and a base surface, wherein the total surface area of said raised contact surfaces comprises less than about 10 percent of the total surface area of the embossed area. An adhesive is applied to cover at least 80 percent of the embossed area. The cling wrap is acceptable for direct food contact and is sufficiently heat resistant for microwave re-heating.

Abstract: An adhesive body, for the production of a junction with a foam material molded body during the molding process involving foam materials, has individual adhesive elements arranged on a support strip and covered to avoid the penetration of foam material with a covering. The covering is an adhesive material, adhering to the front side of the adhesive elements and can be removed therefrom to expose the adhesive elements. The adhesive body can be used at lower cost, can be in tight junction with the foam material molded body, and can guarantee with greater certainty that no foam material gets onto the adhesive elements during the foaming.

Abstract: A desk chairmat includes a semi-rigid and substantially planar member of solid plastic material, the chairmat having four side edges with a lip portion extending from one of the side edges, an upper side of the chairmat having a substantially smooth upper surface. At least a first handle attached to or formed integrally with the chairmat along one of the side edges of the chairmat.

Abstract: Multilayered sheet insulating material for heat insulation and sound proofing having at least two separation layers made of flexible material, such as sheets, non-woven fabric, paper or the like, and spacer elements between the separation layers. The spacer elements are formed by spacer fibers which are oriented perpendicular to the separation layers, and at least one end of the spacer fibers is linked, e.g., by adhesive, to a separation layer. The sheet insulating material also includes supporting fibers arranged between the separation layers and proximate the spacer fibers for supporting the spacer fibers. The sheet insulating material has very good insulating properties, a particularly low weight and high flexibility.

Abstract: A web of material having a multiplicity of discrete regions or patches spaced apart from each other on at least a first side of the web, and methods of making the web. A plurality of stems extend from each patch. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the web may be configured to engage the plurality of the stems, and the web may include a breathable (microporous) and/or elastic material. A method of making a web includes providing a web and discrete quantities of a polymeric material. The polymeric material is fused to the web; and a plurality of stems are formed in each of the discrete quantities of the polymeric material to form fastener patches or regions. The discontinuous fastener patches can function as the male component of a hook-and-loop refastenable mechanical fastener.

Abstract: An element for the absorption of energy which contains reinforcing elements which extend at least partially in the direction of compression to which the element is subjected, wherein the reinforcing elements within the element are encircled by plastic foam particles glued or welded to one another, said reinforcing elements at least partially taking up the compressive force whereby they buckle in on overshoot of a compression of at most 20% with respect to their length in the direction of compression.

Abstract: An improved floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat that includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.