Abstract: A method of making a substantially lattice-like composite material having a large percentage of open spaces comprises the steps of disposing generally elongate and flexible strips in a randomly-oriented chaotic mass; atomizing a liquid bonding substance into the mass; carrying out a mass-forming process involving volume reduction to make a lattice-like structure of a large percentage of open spaces, in a desired shape; hardening the bonding substance. Thus a substantially lattice-like material having a high percentage of open spaces is achieved, which is formed of a plurality of generally elongate and flexible strips disposed in a randonly-oriented chaotic mass, the strips being bonded to each other at discrete points in the mass. This material can be manufactured to advantage starting from waste materials, such as paper and wood chips, and it can be formed into sheets and panels of flat shape or of different conformations to make packages and the like.

Abstract: A fabric comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer is an extensible, bonded non-woven composed of a fiber comprising multiple different polymers such as a fiber comprising isotactic polypropylene, polyethylene and a block or grafted polyolefin copolymer or terpolymer which is at least partially miscible with said polypropylene and polyethylene.

Abstract: A processable sheet which is inexpensive and has exellent rigidity can be manufactured easily and safely without a need of any special apparatus. The sheet comprises a fibrous layer and a multi-layer film on one surface or both surfaces of the fibrous layer. The fibrous layer comprises highly entangled conjugate fibers each of which has a structure of a core and a sheath. The core is made of a high melting point-thermoplastic resin (B) and the sheath is made of a low melting point-thermoplastic resin (A). The multi-layer film comprises an outer thermoplastic resin (C) which is highly compatible with the low melting point-thermoplastic resin (A). Tho fibrous layer and the multi-layer film, as well as the contact points of the conjugate fibers, are melt-bonded to each other by a thermal treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a freezer bag comprising a multibag having at least an inner liner bag and an outer support bag, the inner liner bag having a first sidewall and a second sidewall attached together along respective lateral edges forming edge seals, each sidewall having a top edge, and the liner bag having a folded edge defining the bottom of the liner bag, the outer support bag having two sidewalls attached together along respective lateral edges forming edge seals, each sidewall having top edges defining the opening to the multibag, and the support bag having a folded edge defining the bottom of the multibag, the top edges of the liner bag being attached to an inner surface of each respective sidewall of the support bag wherein the liner is thermoplastic and has a thickness of less than 2.0 mil (50.8 micron).

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermally bonded spunbond web of thermoplastic filaments and a nonwoven fabric laminate comprising an internal layer of meltblown thermoplastic microfibers sandwiched between two layers of spunbond thermoplastic filaments. The spunbond web and the spunbond layers of the fabric laminate consist of thermoplastic filaments which are formed from a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and an effective amount of a nucleating agent. The layers are bonded by thermal spot bonding. In the preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene with a melt-flow rate of at 230.degree. C. of or greater than 12 grams per ten minutes. Also in the preferred embodiment, the nucleating agent constitutes from about 0.1 to 0.3 percent by weight of the mixture of polypropylene and nucleating agent.

Abstract: An arrangement for the attachment of a paper web leading edge on a paper supply roll utilizes a rapidly setting material, such as a hot melt adhesive in the form of beads, drops or dots to attach the leading edge of the first paper web layer to the second layer. The drops or beads may bridge the junction of the leading edge with the second layer. Strings or threads, which are attached to the dots of the rapidly setting adhesive, may bridge the juncture.

Abstract: Disclosed are a number of processes for forming a liquid-impermeable sheet having a fibrous cloth-like surface. In one embodiment the process includes the steps of: (1) forming a sheet having first and second fibrous surfaces; and subjecting the sheet to pressure and a z-gradient temperature differential sufficient to melt the fibers of the first surface and form the melt into a liquid impermeable skin without significantly altering the fibers of the second surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a custom printed sheet bearing a layer of adhesive using a printer that drives a sheet along a sharply arcuate path past printing head means on the printer. An elongate sheet composite is provided that includes an elongate primary sheet portion of a width adapted to be received and fed through the printer, and a secondary sheet portion positioned adjacent the primary sheet portion with edges of the primary and secondary sheet portions generally aligned; and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive extending between the adjacent surfaces of the sheet portions. The sheet composite has transverse paths of weakness at spaced locations along its length to define a concatenation of sheet composite segments. The sheet composite is folded in opposite directions along successive transverse paths of weakness to form a stack of sheet composite segments.

Abstract: A hollow body with an internal supporting frame (10) which is connected to a housing (14) at at least two contact points. The housing and the supporting frame are made of synthetic resin material with the housing, which is produced by blow molding, enclosing the supporting frame.

Abstract: Material for feeding a machine producing cushioning dunnage products comprises a continuous strip having at least two superimposed paper-like layers, the layers being glued in a variable width axial area by a gluing material applied according to a periodic curve, in the plan of the axial area, between the layers, the width of the area being adjustable by controlling the amplitude of the curve.

Abstract: A mat made on the basis of a nonwoven comprising fibrous parts predominantly of plastic which are in part thermoplastic and of low-melting point and in part high-melting point, and wherein coherence is obtained by superficial melting of the low-melting point thermoplastic fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to composite nonwoven laminate fabric having differential softness and flexibility properties. The nonwoven laminate fabric includes a polypropylene meltblown web sandwiched between and bonded to a spunbonded web of polypropylene filaments and a spunbonded web of polyethylene filaments.

Abstract: A laminate suitable for use as the hook component of a hook-and-loop fastener. The laminate comprises a first extensible substantially non-elastic layer and a second layer comprising a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material is prebonded by a number of first spaced-apart bond sites to form first bonded and first unbonded areas. The second layer is attached to the first layer by a plurality of second spaced-apart bond sites to form a bulked laminate having a plurality of second bonded and second unbonded areas. The second bonded and second unbonded areas together define a surface area of said bulked laminate with said second bonded areas covering from about 5 to about 20 percent of the surface area. At least 50 percent of the second bonded areas have an area of less than about 4 square millimeters and have a density of greater than about 2 bonds per square centimeter.

Abstract: A composite security screen and a method of producing such a screen. The screen has a sheet of metal mesh having bars and interstices between the bars and a plastics sheet material vacuum or pressure formed onto one side of the metal mesh such that the plastics material extends into the interstices of the metal mesh to form an inseparable composite security screen. The mesh may be an aluminium expanded mesh. The plastics material may be polycarbonate.

Abstract: An ink jet recording sheet, having high ink absorption, water resistance, persistency, a satisfactory fabric-like soft touch, mechanical strength and being capable of recording ink images having a high quality, includes a foamed undercoat layer formed on a surface of a substrate sheet and comprising a polymeric binder and an ink-receiving layer formed on the foamed undercoat layer from a mixture of 50 to 90% by weight of an amorphous silica having an oil absorption value of 100 to 400 ml/100 g with 10 to 50% by weight of a polymeric binder, and provided with a surface thereof having a Bekk smoothness of 10 seconds or less determined by JIS P 8119.

Abstract: A console lid comprises a base having a predetermined rigidity and a skin layer member having an inner layer and an outer layer, which covers the base. A cushioning layer made of foamed polyurethane having a thickness that decreases toward the ends thereof is provided between the top of the base and the skin layer member. The skin layer member which has been trimmed is positioned in a mold and the cushioning layer is positioned so that it is in contact with the skin layer member. A plasticized resin is charged into a mold cavity from a gate to form a base. Excellent soft touch and feel is provided by the resulting composite structure since the cushioning layer, made of a soft material, is provided between the base and the skin layer member in a position where such a soft touch or cushioning is most desirable.

Abstract: A material and method for making the material for shrink wrapping articles is disclosed. The material includes an outer shrinkable, stretchable film which is bonded to an inner layer consisting of a nonwoven fabric. A block copolymer hot melt adhesive is used to secure the film layer to the nonwoven fabric layer. The adhesive layer includes an additive which releases a vapor, such as a vapor corrosion inhibitor, which protects and/or treats the product wrapped by the material.

Abstract: The multi-layer paper composed of at least three embossed plies of paper (1,2,3) having regularly distributed projections characterized in that it includes two so-called external plies (1,3) of which the respective projections (10,30) are in tip-to-tip positions and a third embossed so-called middle ply (2) of which the projections (20) nest between projections of one of the two external plies (1 or 3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminated non-woven fabric of a multi-layer structure comprising a layer of a composite, spun bond non-woven fabric composed of long fibers containing a low melting point resin component and a high melting point resin component, and a layer of a non-woven fabric of melt-blow ultrafine mixed fibers comprising low melting point ultrafine fibers and high melting point ultrafine fibers both of the fibers have an average fiber diameter of 10 .mu.m or less, both of the layers are laminated, and fibers in each of the non-woven fabrics and both of the layers are heat-melt adhered with each other. The laminated non-woven fabric has a good hand feeling and a high peeling strength of adjacent layers, but has no rough feeling.

Abstract: A sorbent article comprises a sorbent layer having first and second major surfaces and a texturized polymeric skin layer secured to the first major surface of the sorbent layer. The article has a stiffness of about 200 N/g.cm.sup.-2 or less. An article of this construction has excellent sorptive and non-slip properties, making it well suited for use on floors and other work surfaces. Wet kinetic coefficients of friction of 0.4 and greater can be demonstrated by the inventive articles. The article improves the safety of persons who need to stand, walk, or otherwise safely function on floors or other surfaces that are susceptible to wet conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open cell, porous, selectively conductive member containing an elastomer that is reusable in use and preparation. The scaffold for the elastomer has conductive areas through conductive, z-axis pathways are provided which are electrically isolated from adjacent z-axis conductive pathways. The elastomer is non-adhesive and/or non tacky and allows for temporary connection of electronic components.

Abstract: In order to improve the handling and filtering characteristics of a multilayered, textile, gas-permeable filter material against toxic chemical substances and, in particular, filter and protective materials for the production of sheet-like filters and protective suits for the civil and military fields, it is suggested that this filter material have a first layer as textile support layer which is bonded to a second layer present in the form of an areal adhesive layer. In addition, the filter material has a third layer applied to the second layer and areally bonded thereto, this third layer comprising a textile sheet-like layer containing activated carbon fibers.

Abstract: An anti-copy film or layer for originals or documents comprises according to the invention transparent film material having a multiplicity of at least partially opaque and possibly reflective areas arranged at distances from one another which are arranged as screens on the film surfaces essentially in horizontal planes, in particular parallel to one another, but offset, so that information on an original lying under this film or layer is masked in an approximately vertical viewing direction and is visible in the direction of a predefined viewing angle. Expedient production methods enable the use of photographic techniques.

Abstract: A breathable non-woven fabric having barrier capabilities to biological liquids comprised of at least one non-woven layer bonded to at least one surface of a thermoplastic microporous film, the non-woven composite fabric providing a barrier to passage: (a) of biological liquid when the composite fabric is subjected to contact with synthetic blood under the dictates of testing procedure ASTM ES21-92; and (b) to viral penetration when the composite fabric is subject to contact with .phi.X174 bacteriophage suspension at a titer of 10.sup.3 PFU/mL for 5 minutes with no applied pressure, 1 minute at 13.8 kPa (2.0 PSIG), and 54 minutes with no applied pressure while maintaining a moisture of vapor transmission rate of greater than about 450 grams per square meter for 24 hours at about 75.degree. F.

Abstract: An air filtration media is formed of a blanket of fibers, preferably glass fibers, bonded together at their points of intersection with a binder. The blanket has a weight between about 2.5 and about 4.0 grams per square foot and the average diameter of the fibers in the blanket is within a range from 3.0 .times.10.sup.-5 to 4.1.times.10.sup.-5 inches. The blanket has an average air filtration efficiency of at least 80% and the pressure drop across the thickness of the blanket is no greater than 0.30 inches of water. The blanket can be used alone; with a permeable backing sheet; or with a second layer or blanket of filtration media, as part of a dual-phase or multi-phase air filtration media.

Abstract: A component for use in manufacturing articles such as printed circuit boards comprising a laminate of a sheet of copper foil and a sheet of aluminum or the like. A band of flexible adhesive joins the sheets around their borders and creates a protected central zone at the interface of the sheets. Islands of adhesive are located inwardly of the edges of the sheets through which tooling pin holes may be formed to facilitate handling of the foil.

Abstract: An ultrasonically bonded microwave susceptor material and method for manufacturing this microwave susceptor material. A laminated microwave susceptor material has first and second plies of material ultrasonically bonded together over a part of an area thereof. The first ply of material is a layer of thermally fusible plastic such as a thermoplastic polyester, the second ply of material is a layer of paper or paperboard and at least one of the first and second plies of material includes a microwave interactive material capable of converting microwave energy to thermal energy. The microwave interactive material may consist of a metallized surface on the plastic layer or the paper, and in such cases the metal layer may be arranged between the plastic layer and the paper. The first and second plies of material are ultrasonically bonded along a multiplicity of bonding lines or rows of bonding spots. In this process, the heat fusible plastic is melted and resolidified to secure the first ply to the second ply.

Abstract: A process for transferring a holographic image from a conventional polymeric support to a foil support is described in this invention. A host of images may be envisioned and since this image, on a foil support, may then be wound up in a roll, it can be used as a wrapping element for a host of applications such as in the candy and gum industry; wrapping foils; etc. This element and process permits the wide spread use of such holographic images, such use not being available until now.

Abstract: A method and material for shrink wrapping articles includes wrapping the article with a shrink wrapping material having a shrink/stretch film outer layer and an inner layer of a woven fabric. The shrink/stretch film responds to heat by shrinking around the article being wrapped, while the woven fabric, which does not shrink or shrinks very little, forms pockets which bunch and gather up as shrinking takes place, thereby forming a cushion between the film and the object being wrapped. The woven fabric acts as a reenforcement for the film, both before and after shrinking, thus protecting the article wrapped from a hurled object and other similar hazards, and also protecting the article from direct engagement from the shrink/stretch film, which is relatively abrasive.

Abstract: A multi-layered laminated body may especially be used as an interior trim panel in a motor vehicle. The panel includes a substrate, a foam intermediate layer, and a decorative surface layer. The substrate preferably includes three layers, namely a core layer including a natural fiber filler material embedded in a thermoplastic matrix material, and two cover layers comprising natural fibers, glass fibers or polyester fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The thermoplastic matrix material is preferably polypropylene. All of the materials of the multi-layered panel are easily broken down or otherwise processed for reuse or recycling. The panels are preferably produced by hot laminating the individual layers of the substrate together and then laminating and molding the decorative surface layer onto the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a process which comprises the step of subjecting a just produced spunbond web to a high flow rate, heated stream of air across substantially the width of the web to very lightly bond the fibers of the web together. Such bonding should be the minimum necessary in order to satisfy the needs of further processing yet not detrimentally affect the web. The fibers of the web may be monocomponent or biconstituent and the web should be substantially free of adhesives and not subjected to compaction rolls.

Abstract: A fibrous, non-woven thermal insulation comprises synthetic polymeric resin microfibers, staple fibers and bonding fibers which are randomly oriented and randomly intermingled in a single layer. The microfibers comprise between 0% and 95% by weight virgin synthetic polymeric resin and between 5% and 100% by weight recycled polyethylene teraphthalate. In one embodiment the microfibers have an average diameter between 1 to 10 microns and comprise between 5% and 80% by weight of the insulation; the staple fibers have an average diameter between 10 and 30 microns and comprise between 5% and 90% by weight of the insulation; and the bonding fibers have an average diameter between 0.9 and 15 denier and comprise between 5% and 95% by weight of the insulation. The bonding fibers have thermoplastic surfaces with a lower temperature softening point than the microfibers and staple fibers and bond the fibers together to form the insulation material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a crimp-bonded fibrous cellulosic laminate. The process includes the steps of: 1) providing at least two superposed plies of a fibrous cellulosic material; 2) passing the superposed plies through a crimp roll arrangement including a rotating crimp element and a rotating anvil element; and 3) applying a pressure load against the rotating elements sufficient to crimp bond the fibrous cellulosic material plies into a laminate. The crimp element has protruding members configured in a discontinuous pattern aligned on an axis that is parallel to the cross-machine direction to provide a substantially continuous uniform area of localized surface contacts between the rotating crimp and anvil elements across the width of the plies. Also disclosed is an overall crimp-bonded fibrous cellulosic laminate and an apparatus for crimp-bonding multiple superposed plies of a fibrous cellulosic material.

Abstract: A multilayer laminated body has a determinate system of hollow passages and is formed by an assembly of flat layers of polymeric materials having major dimensions in orthogonal X and Y directions and a thickness dimension in a Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. Selected ones of the layers have openings extending through in the Z direction, and other layers have canals formed in an X-Y plane. The openings and canals form parts of hollow passages so that assembly of multiple layers joins openings and canals forms complete and continuous passages through the assembled layers. Layers joined in pre-laminate assemblies are assembled together in precise relative positions for desired alignment of the canals and openings. The passages can be filled with optically conductive material or electrically conductive material and electrodes can be appropriately positioned for acting on fluids passing through the body.

Abstract: A panel is formed from an expanded mat of fiberglass strands, a thermosetting resin binder is incorporated with these strands. When the panel is formed, it has a relief between the edges of the panel and the recessed portion of the panel. The panel is retained in its molded position by the setting of the thermosetting resin binder.

Abstract: The laminate is formed of a sheet of a woven textile material derived from multifilamentary aramid, polyimide, polyamide, polybenzimidazole or cellulose fire retardant yarns and a sheet of non-woven textile material. The adhesive used to produce the laminate should prevent slippage of the two materials relative to one another and fraying of the woven textile material while enabling the laminate to be air permeable, and having a minimum ten (10) cubic feet per minute (CFM) when tested in accordance with test method ASTM D737. This product is cheaper to manufacture and is more comfortable than the known quilted and coated material.

Abstract: A biodegradable filament nonwoven fabric comprising a nonwoven web made up of filaments, each filament comprising a high melting point component composed of a first aliphatic polyester having biodegradability and a low melting point component composed of a second aliphatic polyester having biodegradability with a melting point lower than that of the high melting point component, the nonwoven web processed to a predetermined nonwoven fabric configuration. At least one of the high melting point component and the low melting point component is arranged in a plurality of divisions within the cross section of the filament. Both the high melting point component and the low melting point component extend continuously in the axial direction of the filament and are exposed on the surface of the filament. A method for manufacturing the biodegradable filament nonwoven fabric is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: A piggyback label construction includes a first label having a stock ply with a bottom face having pressure sensitive adhesive, and an imagable top face. A second label comprises a stock ply having a bottom face with pressure sensitive adhesive, a top face with a continuous image-producing coating, and a continuous adhesive release coating over the image-producing coating. The image-producing coating preferably is a thermosensitive coating having a first heat activation temperature of about 140.degree.-250.degree. F. (preferably about 145.degree.-155.degree. F). The first label stock ply has a weight of about 30 lbs. per 1000 sheet 11".times.17" ream, or less (preferably about 18-30 lbs.). The first label stock imagable top face preferably is a second thermosensitive coating having a higher heat activation temperature than the first heat activation temperature. The image-producing coating may comprise a self-contained coating.

Abstract: A multilayered elastic sheetlike structure and a process for producing it are described.The sheetlike structure consists of at least one elastomeric layer of a homogeneous film/sheet and at least one inelastic fibre or filament layer which is connected to the elastomeric layer at mutually spaced-apart connection sites. Between the connection sites the fibre or filament layer is in folds when the elastomeric layer is in an untensioned or partially tensioned state and smooth when the elastomeric layer is in the completely tensioned state. The inelastic fibre or filament layer consists of an originally smooth, undrawn or partially drawn material which has been melted or adhered to the untensioned elastomeric layer at the connection sites and, after conjoint extension therewith, exhibits a persistent extension.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric is provided which has superior strength characteristics to conventional fabrics yet is comparably soft. The fabric is a laminate having a web made from a high melt flow rate polyolefin polymer and a low melt flow rate polymer. The spunbond laminate fabric of this invention may have therebetween a layer of meltblown nonwoven fabric or film. The laminate produced according to this invention has a strength which is at least 10% greater than a comparable fabric made without the high melt flow rate polymer web. The nonwoven fabric of this invention may be used in products such as, for example, garments, personal care products, medical products, protective covers and outdoor fabrics.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate material having stretchability and recovery, breathability and barrier properties, and being made from a nonwoven elastomeric web having at least one web of textile material discontinuously adhesively bonded to each side thereof. The laminate material is free of an elastomeric film, the elastomeric web is substantially flat when the laminate is unstretched, and the nonwoven elastomeric web provides recovery to the laminate. The nonwoven elastomeric web is preferably a web of meltblown elastomeric fibers and the other webs may be knits, wovens or scrim materials. These laminates are well suited for infection control products, personal care products and garments.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous laminate includes continuously passing a laminate preform having a metal wire mesh and a metal non-woven fiber web superposed on the wire mesh between rotating pressure rollers having differing electrical potentials. The fibers of the non-woven web are sintered together at mutual points of contact and to the mesh by passing an electrical current cross-sectionally through the laminate preform in a zone of contact with the rollers, thereby forming the porous laminate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ribbon assembly having a decorative ribbon formed on a support member wherein an elastic member having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition extends between a piece of material and the support member for substantially automatically forming the decorative ribbon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a lattice configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural material is manufactured by weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the structural material is formed using substrate sheets that are machined or molded into a desired configuration. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multi-laminate material.

Abstract: A component for use in manufacturing articles such as printed circuit bards comprising a laminate of a sheet of copper foil and a sheet of aluminum or the like. A band of flexible adhesive joins the sheets around their borders and creates a protected central zone at the interface of the sheets. Islands of adhesive are located inwardly of the edges of the sheets through which tooling pin holes may be formed to facilitate handling of the foil.

Abstract: A print-through form comprises a top and a base layer with the top layer having a pattern of openings in at least one region, the pattern of openings having center-to-center distances substantially less than, the size of characters or other elements to be printed. Ink applied to the region or regions with openings forms characters on the top layer by marking the area between the openings, and on the base layer in the same operation through the openings, marking the area on the base layer exposed by the openings through the first layer. More than two copies in a single printing pass may be accomplished with forms of more than two layers, wherein the patterns of openings expose area on all the intermediate layers and the base layer. In various embodiments forms may comprise sheets affixed by peelable adhesive, by folding larger sheets, and by edge gluing with removable strips made by perforation lines. Some forms are made to be fed through traction feeders from continuous webs.

Abstract: An applicator with a surface having a first wetting angle and a first surface area, which surface area has grafted thereto a layer of ion-producing gas plasma having a second wetting angle and a second surface are, wherein the second wetting angle is less than the first wetting angle and the second surface area is greater than the first surface area.

Abstract: A predrawn net particularly for geotechnical use including an initial component that forms a first and a second layers that are respectively constituted by a first set of mutually substantially parallel filaments and by a second set of mutually substantially parallel filaments that lie transversely with respect to the filaments of the first set, so as to form a plurality of mutual joints. The filaments of the two sets mutually interpenetrate in the joints over a thickness that is less than 50% of one of the layers. The initial component is more than 8 mm thick. The filaments of at least one of the sets are drawn in the direction defined by the respective set of filaments so that the stretching action passes through the joints without substantially affecting the filaments of the other one of the sets.