Abstract: To prevent body fluids from flowing backward through a liquid-permeable topsheet for use in body fluids absorptive goods, the topsheet is formed by a nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers appropriately fused together and the topsheet is provided with openings and a skin-contacting region continuously extending around the openings. A first zone of the topsheet has a water-resistance at least in the skin-contacting region which is higher than a water-resistance in a second zone extending outside the first zone so as to suppress a back flow of body fluids possibly occurring in the skin-contacting region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wood board, and a flooring material using this, which uses thin wooden strands as a raw material, has superior surface smoothness, and possesses sufficient strength and rigidity. The wood board in accordance with the present invention comprises a core layer 1 comprising a strand board, and a surface layer 2 comprising a oriented strand board which is laminated on at least one surface of the core layer 1; the surface layer 2 comprises thin wooden strands which are thinner than the thin wooden strands comprising the core layer, and furthermore, the flooring material of the present invention is obtained by laminating a decorative single sheet onto at least one of the surface layers 2 of the wood board. The wood board and flooring material in accordance with the present invention have high strength and superior surface smoothness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a banding system, banding tape and method of using the same, each of which is particularly useful a variety of items such as flowers, straws, pens, pencils, newspapers, and vegetables. The banding system comprises a first strip and second strip. The first strip comprises an elastic polymeric material having a percent recovery of at least 50% after being elongated to 100% of its original length. The first and second strips are capable of being bonded together. The banding tape comprises a strip of elastic polymeric material having inner and outer surfaces and a nontacky layer on at least a portion of at least one of the surfaces. The method of using the banding system or tape of the invention comprises the steps of collecting one or more objects into a bundle, wrapping, stretching and securing the system or tape around the bundle, and allowing the elastic strip to at least partially recover to exert a compressive force on the bundle which holds the bundle together.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the problem of compressing biomass, e.g., ripe grain or cereals, into solid pressed bodies 1, which are suitable for use as fuel, despite differences in the harvesting conditions, and whose strength no longer depends on the moisture content in the biomass. It was found that this problem can be solved without an essential expense by imparting a wavy structure 6 to the pressed body 1. As a result, the outer surface of the pressed body 1 is compressed more strongly by the extrusion than is the middle cross section area, in which long-fibered parts of the mass are readily oriented in a wave shape 21 and lead to elasticity of the pressed bodies 1, which is favorable for handling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer coating for vehicle bodies which contains a plurality of different coating layers that differ from one another with respect to certain material parameter values and which separate on the substrate surface following their joint application and arrange themselves automatically layer-wise on the substrate surface in a sequence that is determined by the values of these material parameters. The top coating layer that settles automatically on top after application consists of either 1) plate-shaped interference pigments made of liquid crystalline side chain polymers which separate and automatically align themselves roughly parallel with the surface of the substrate, or 2) curable liquid crystalline polymers. The color phenomenon of this latter top layer is determined by the mesogens of the coating that have an interferential effect, are not crosslinked during coating application, and automatically align themselves roughly diagonally to the substrate surface.

Abstract: Small compression type injection site in the form of a self-sealing septum-like member that is self-sealing for hypodermic needle punctures and the like and a method of manufacture. Compressive stresses are introduced into a stretched elastomeric rod, whereby the decreased diameter cross section is maintained by placing a wrapping around and about the stretched rod and adhesively sealing it thereto. Sliced cross-sectional pieces of the rod then provide injection sites to be incorporated into the wall of an implantable prosthesis as by bonding or the like.

Abstract: An oriented strand board (OSB)-fiberboard composite structure is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction. In a preferred embodiment, the wood strands comprising each adjacent OSB layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB-fiberboard composite product is clad with a wood fiber overlay on one major surface of the baseboard. The composite board is manufactured without warping, by providing particular OSB layer thicknesses, such that the lower OSB layer is about 25% to about 35% thicker than the OSB layer bonded to the fiberboard.

Abstract: An expanded, memory molded, increased density, highly impact-resistant polystyrene construct, and method of making the construct. The construct is formed by molding pre-expanded non-equilibrated polystyrene beads to a first volume, cooling rapidly, and then compression molding to a final, smaller volume. The resultant constructs have increased density, and high impact strength without increase in embrittlement. Also, the construct has "memory" in the sense that it returns substantially to its original shape after impact.

Abstract: A film suitable for continuous application to particle boards in the making of laminated particle board is disclosed, which film is stem penetrable and impregnated with semi-cured impregnating resins and provided with a partially cured layer of glue on one side and a fully cured lacquer layer on the other side, which film is permeable to gases generated during production of laminated particle board. A process for producing such a film is also disclosed and also a method for producing a laminated particle board by means of a continuous direct lamination process.

Abstract: A resilient support member is provided for supporting a sidewalk, road surface, etc. The support member is formed of tire particles and a polyurethane binder. The tire particles have a size such that 100% of the particles will pass through a three inch sieve and about 95% of the particles will be retained on a half-inch sieve. The tire particles form about 80% to 95% by weight of the support member and the polyurethane forms about 5% to 20% by weight of the support member.

Abstract: A mold release liner for a heated pressure mold for making products such as printed circuit boards is preferably made without polymer films or chemical release agents utilizing two or more wet-laid fiber layers of cellulose or cellulose derivative fibers (such as wood, cotton, cellulose acetate, or rayon fibers, or mixtures of these). The first layer has a sufficiently low density so that it acts as a cushion and absorbs deformation when used as a release liner in the mold (typically it has a thickness of between 8-250 mils, most desirably 40-90 mils, and a basis weight of about 25-350 pounds per ream, most desirably 130-160 pounds per ream). A second layer is of much higher density than the first layer and readily releases from the molds, for example comprising condenser tissue or a similar product, having a thickness of between 0.5-10 mils and a basis weight of 4-50 pounds per ream of 500 sheets.

Abstract: An improved composite sheet suited for use as artificial leather is prepared by treating with an elastomeric resin a fabric having an interior yarn network and an outer layer of well separated fibers that loop in and out of the yarn network. The resin completely or partially impregnates the outer layer.

Abstract: A porous-plastic bearing comprises a porous-plastic sliding bearing member which is formed by gathering a cluster of plastic particles each having a volume in the range of from about 0.004 mm.sup.3 to about 4 mm.sup.3 and sintering the cluster of plastic particles while setting its porosity at a selected value in the range of from about 10% to about 30%. Furthermore, the sliding bearing member comprises a plurality of plastic particles in any longitudinal or cross section. Pores formed within the sliding bearing member are impregnated with or filled with a lubricating agent.

Abstract: A corrugated fiberfill structure is provided including at least one fibrous web folded to form a plurality of pleats having alternating crests and bases, each of the pleats having a pair of legs in which each of the legs has a first leg surface and a second leg surface, the first leg surface of one leg being in intimate contact with the first leg surface of an adjoining leg of the pleat and the second leg surface of the one leg being in intimate contact with the second leg surface of one adjoining leg of an adjacent pleat over a portion of each leg. At least some crests define a first structural surface and at least some bases define a second structural surface; with the distance between the first and second structural surfaces defining the thickness of the structure. The pleats of the structure are so arranged across the thickness that the density of the structure varies between the first and second structural surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides photographic paper having increased image stability. The invention is generally accomplished by forming a paper sheet, drying said paper in a first stage to below about 10 percent water, then applying a polyvinyl alcohol solution to both sides of said paper sheet, drying said paper in a second stage to below about 5 percent water, and then applying further polyvinyl alcohol solution to said paper and drying in a third stage. The paper then may be coated to form a silver halide photosensitive color paper. The paper contains between about 4 and about 6 weight percent of polyvinyl alcohol that is concentrated near the surface of said paper. Further, the paper has a oxygen leak rate of less than about 25 cc/m.sup.2 /day and an oxygen GTR rate of less than about 1 cc/m.sup.2 /day.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a light mask for balancing light across a display area of a vehicle instrument cluster comprises a camera, a digitiser and a computer. An image of the display area is obtained and digitized to produce data relating to the illumination levels of the image at a plurality of pixels. The illumination levels are used to calculate an appropriate light mask for the display area on the basis of the transmissive density of the masking ink used and or a reference illumination value relating to the least lit part of the display area which it is desired to illuminate. The light mask comprises an array of dots having a diameter related to the amount of attenuation required in the area in which the dot is located. Up to three masking layers may be provided if a single layer is insufficient to produce the required attenuation with the chosen masking ink. Balanced coverlays can readily be produced, and the number of masking layers required can also be reduced.

Abstract: A fiber-cement trim board is formed by a fiber-cement core layer faced with a pair of fiber-cement surface layers of substantially equal thickness in the core layer and have a cement-to-wood ratio by weight of between 2 and 3.5 and at least 70% of the wood strands have a length longer than 10 min. Each of the surface layers is formed of a fiber-cement mixture containing wood strands, at least 80% of which have a length of less than 4 mm and a cement-to-wood ratio by weight of between 2 and 3.5. The board is covered at least on the two main faces by a water barrier coating.

Abstract: A material for relief has a sheet obtained by heating and compressing a sponge made of a cellulose and a base attached to the back of the sheet. By forming a pattern on the sheet and supplying a water in such a manner as to correspond to the pattern, a raised-portion is formed.

Abstract: A cellular panel defines a plurality of adjoining longitudinally extending cells and is formed of sheets of textile material adhesively secured together along spaced adhesive lines. The textile material is coated with a fabric treatment composition coating on discrete areas. The textile material has a stiffness in its lengthwise direction significantly greater than its stiffness in its widthwise direction.

Abstract: A recording medium comprising at least one boehmite-containing porous layer on a substrate, wherein the porous layer has pores having a pore radius of from 1 to 30 nm in a pore volume of from 0.3 to 1.2 ml/g, pores having a pore radius of from 10 to 30 nm in a pore volume of from 0.2 to 1.0 ml/g and pores having a pore radius of from 30 to 100 nm in a pore volume of not more than 0.3 ml/g, and the b-axis of a boehmite crystal is oriented vertically with respect to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A shoe member is formed of a polymer composition comprising (A) a composite material having a low molecular weight material retained in a medium material and (B) a polymer material. The low molecular weight material has a viscosity of up to 5.times.10.sup.5 centipoise at 100.degree. C. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the medium material is up to 3.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/medium material is at least 1.0. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the polymer material is up to 4.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/polymer material is at least 0.5. The polymer composition is enclosed in a rubbery or elastomeric cover particularly when it is used in the outsole.

Abstract: A structural member formed from a billet, each member comprising a plurality of corrugated paperboard sheets bonded together with an adhesive and disposed between a core fiber layer, each core fiber layer comprising at least one ply of a fiberboard sheet, a pair of caps of a solid fiberboard sheet bonded to respective side faces of the paperboard sheet and to the respective edges of the core fiber layers. A method of manufacture is disclosed in which the billet is built up of corrugated paperboard sheets. The billet is then ripped into planks for use as a plank, board, or cleat, particularly as components for corrugated paperboard containers. A pallet made of planks and a pallet made of planar sheets cut from the billet are disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-layer heat-shrinkable films in which at least one layer (A) is based on a polyolefin composition comprising a propylene copolymer and having particular crystallinity characteristics, and at least one layer (B) comprises a linear compolymer of ethylene with one or more .alpha.-olefins (LLDPE). The films are characterized by an optimum balance of physicomechanical properties, processability and sealability at low temperatures.

Abstract: A porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) structure particularly for use as a liquid filter comprises particles of granular-type PTFE fused together to form a porous integral network. The structure is formed by spraying an aqueous suspension of granular PTFE particles and baking at a temperature of 335.degree.-350.degree. C. Typically the specific gravity is 0.8 to 1.54. The crystallinity is less than 95%. The structure may be supported on a perforate substrate such as stainless steel mesh.

Abstract: A multi-layered, unbalanced, bonded sandwich panel having improved top load support capability per unit of weight is disclosed. The panel has a core, to the upper surface of which is affixed a multiple-ply top laminate. Similarly affixed to the lower surface of the core is a multiple-ply bottom laminate. The top laminate is thicker than the bottom laminate and supplies increased compressive resistance, while the bottom layer has an enhanced ability to withstand tensile forces. The core is preferably a honeycomb core, and unidirectional, fiberglass epoxy prepreg lamina are favored for each ply.

Abstract: A thermal transfer dye image-receiving sheet having a high resistance to curling and capable of smoothly travelling through a printer, and recording thereon dye images, includes a substrate sheet formed from a polyolefin resin and inorganic particles and a dye receiving resin layer formed on the substrate sheet, the substrate sheet having a longitudinal thermal shrinkage of 1.5% or less and a transversal thermal shrinkage of 0.5% upon heating from 20.degree. C. to 120.degree. C., and a longitudinal tensile elastic modulus of 50 MPa or less and a transversal tensile elastic modulus of 100 MPa or less at 120.degree. C.

Abstract: A first foundation fabric having on its one surface a number of raised interlocking elements and a second foundation fabric having weft threads of monofilaments are woven or knitted integrally with each other by means of connecting threads. The first and second foundation fabrics are firmly and integrally united together by a synthetic resin layer to form a surface-type fastener having a thick foundation fabric. The surface-type fastener of the foregoing construction does not require a conventional sewing process, can therefore be produced efficiently, can readily be rolled up on a reel, obviates the need for a complicated inventory management which would occur when the first and second foundation fabrics are stocked separately in view of the dimensions and colors of the respective foundation fabrics, is able to prevent the first and second foundation fabrics from separating during use of the surface-type fastener, and hence continuously maintains the necessary strength throughout the service life.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a particle packed, highly inorganically filled, cellular matrix are disclosed. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together a starch-based binder, a solvent, inorganic aggregates, and optimal admixtures, e.g., fibers, mold-releasing agents, rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures have a predetermined viscosity and are heated between molds at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce form-stable articles having a desired shape and a selectively controlled cellular, structure matrix. The molded articles may be placed in a high humidity chamber to obtain the necessary flexibility for their intended use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of thick, three-dimensional structures comprising discontinuous thermoset pitch fiber, and to composites comprising such structures embedded in a matrix material such as a thermoset resin, ceramic, metal or carbon. Carbon-carbon fiber composite articles produced from porous carbon preforms obtained by carbonizing such structures followed by infiltration with pyrolytic carbon using CVD processes exhibit surprisingly high through-thickness thermal conductivity and isotropic properties.

Abstract: A cellulosic fibrous structure having two regions distinguished from one another by basis weight. The first region is an essentially continuous high basis weight network. The second region comprises a plurality of discrete low basis weight regions. The cellulosic fibers forming the plurality of second regions are generally radially oriented within each region. The cellulosic fibrous structure may be formed by a forming belt having zones of different flow resistances arranged in a particular ratio of flow resistances. The zones of different flow resistances provide for selectively draining a liquid carrier through the different zones of the belt in a radial flow pattern.

Abstract: Wood veneers having enhanced strength and/or stiffness, wood products made therefrom, and methods for manufacturing such veneers and wood products are disclosed. A treated veneer having enhanced strength and stiffness has a population of compacted wood cells extending across at least a portion of the length and width dimensions and into the thickness dimension of the veneer to confer an increased density level, and thus increased strength and/or stiffness levels, to the veneer. Interspersed in the compacted wood cells is a non-saturating loading level of a cured rigid thermoset material which maintains compaction of the compacted cells even after prolonged soaking in water. The preferred loading level is just what is required to maintain compaction of the cells. The preferred thermoset material is polyurea which is formed from a polyisocyanate resin applied to at least one major surface of the veneer followed by hot-pressing the veneer.

Abstract: An inorganic constructional board for use as wall backing material or the like comprises a middle layer portion (1a) formed mainly of inorganic foamed material with an adequate quantity of fibrous material and binder added thereto, and outer layer portions (1b) placed on both surfaces of the middle layer portion (1a), the outer layer portion being formed mainly of mineral fiber material and inorganic powder material with binder added thereto. The middle layer portion (1a) has a specific gravity of less than 0.4, and the outer layer portions (1b) have a specific gravity of more than 0.7. Therefore, the board is more lightweight than a plaster board and has performance characteristics equivalent to or better than those of the plaster board.

Abstract: A container for a photographic film wherein the container body is made of a thermoplastic resin and a roughened face having a height of 0.001 to 5 .mu.m is formed on the inner peripheral wall portion, and a container for a photographic film, container for a photographic film can be produced without the occurrence of bursting pop sound, bottom sink mark and buckling, small decrease of impact strength and transparency, is excellent in wear resistance and slipping character, and can shorten molding cycle.

Abstract: A composite laminated lath for fixing plasterboard consists of a length of lightweight rigid or semi-rigid resilient material overlaid by a layer of denser material penetrable by screws or nails and secured to said resilient material.

Abstract: Articles fabricated from certain high molecular weight high density polyethylenes (HMW-HDPE) combined with a second component, exhibit superior puncture propagation tear resistance and puncture propagation tear length. The second component may be an elastomer such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, EPR, EPDM, butyl rubber, metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, and combinations thereof. The second component or components will be present in a fabricated article from 1 to 15 weight percent. Articles include films, bags made from films, and extrusion blow-molded articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a laminate to a core having a profiled edge, comprising a frame for supporting the core and laminate, a resilient sheet, and means mounted to the frame for placing the sheet in tension and moving the sheet between a position out of contact with the laminate to a tensioned position in contact with the laminate, whereby further movement of the sheet applies a force to the laminate to form the laminate to the edge of the core.

Abstract: A multi-layer, oriented, heat shrinkable thermoplastic film comprising: (i) a layer composed of a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a linear ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer; (ii) a layer composed of (a) a linear ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer; (b) a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and ethylene-n-butyl acrylate copolymers; and (c) a narrow molecular weight linear ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of less than 0.900 g/cc; (iii) a layer composed of a vinylidene chloride copolymer or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in which the acetate moieties have been partially or completely hydrolyzed; and (iv) a layer composed of a copolymer of ethylene-vinyl acetate or a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer.

Abstract: A liquid-resistant protective layer which at least consists of a material layer containing clay, has, adjacent at least one edge of the layer, at least one groove or slit which extends into the material layer containing the clay to enable sealed joints to be formed between contiguous protective layers.

Abstract: The creped nonwoven laminate loop material of the present invention includes a creped nonwoven layer attached to a support layer. The creped nonwoven layer may be, for example, a spunbond nonwoven web or a staple fiber bonded carded web. The support layer may be formed of any material that can be suitably attached or bonded to the creped nonwoven layer, including a foam, a plastic film or another nonwoven web. The exposed, top surface of the creped nonwoven layer includes raised "loop" areas having low fiber density and high z-directional fiber orientation that are designed to receive and engage the hook elements projecting from a hook material. The raised areas of the creped nonwoven layer are separated by non-raised areas having relatively higher fiber density and relatively lower z-directional fiber orientation when compared to the fiber density and z-directional fiber orientation of the raised areas.

Abstract: A polyolefin blown or slot cast monolayer or multilayer stretch film useful as a trayed overwrap e.g. for fresh red meat includes at least three layers in the multilayer embodiment each of which contains an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density below 0.915 g/cm.sup.3 and having a melting point of at least 90.degree. C. with at least one outer layer and preferably also the first outer layer or the core layer having a second ethylene alpha olefin copolymer having a melting point less than 80.degree. C. blended therein.

Abstract: A laminated non-woven fabric for filtering medium, which is composed of a plurality of non-woven fabric layers having different average pore sizes and laminated in the order of the average pore size, and a plurality of entangled regions interposed between any of adjacent two non-woven fabric layers which is formed by causing fibers of one of the adjacent two non-woven fabric layers to penetrate into the other layers to entangle the penetrated fibers with fibers of the other layers. The presence of the entangled regions provide a gradual change of the pore size from a non-woven fabric layer to another non-woven fabric layer to result in a good filtering efficiency and an elongated lifetime of a filter.

Abstract: A method for producing imitation leather which can be injection molded from the back as well as such imitation leather which can be injection molded from the back are disclosed. The imitation leather comprises a web layer with a decorative layer. In a first operational cycle, an open plastic framework is inserted into the web layer over the side of the web layer facing away from the decorative layer and subsequently, in one or a plurality of further operational cycles, one or a plurality of further open plastic frameworks are inserted. The surface of the web layer forms an adhesion layer for and at the same time a barrier against the injection molding compound. The resilience of the imitation leather is retained.

Abstract: Laminates with improved peel strength are obtained by point bonding thermoplastic layers wherein one of the layers comprises sheath/core bicomponent fibers or filaments wherein the density of the core component exceeds the density of the sheath component and both layers contain compatible components. Peel strengths of at least about 125% of those obtained without such bicomponent fibers or filaments are obtained. Laminates with films and other nonwovens also have a broad bonding window. They are useful for many nonwoven applications including barrier applications such as health care including surgical gowns and drapes, institutional garments, agricultural fabrics, recreational fabrics, and personal care product components.

Abstract: A laminated support pad includes layers of material having different density in which voids are formed to extend through at least partial cross-sections of at least two adjacent layers to form regions of the pad having different support characteristics determined by the placement and extent of the voids in the laminated layers. Lamination of a layer of high density material on top of a layer of relatively low density material produces a relatively firm pad having varying degrees of firmness dependent upon the placement and extent of the voids. Conversely, lamination of layer of low density material on a top surface of a layer of relatively high density material produces a relatively soft pad also having varying degrees of firmness dependent upon the placement and extent of the voids. The pad can be cut to conform to conventional mattress sizes, and the regions formed in areas of the pad which correspond to the weight bearing requirements for optimum support of the human body in prone positions.

Abstract: The invention comprises a thermoplastic coextruded material comprised at least partially of recycled polystyrene. The material has a blown cellular core and a thin, high-impact, cap. In a preferred embodiment the material is used as crown molding and is comprised of a core having about 15% high-impact polystyrene and a cap of high-impact polystyrene. In the preferred embodiment the core comprises 20-85% recycled polystyrene.

Abstract: A metal-oxide layer exhibiting a photocatalytic activity function is formed on the surface of an inorganic architectural material, such as external wall material, roofing material, internal wall material, flooring material, and ceiling material, including glass, tile, concrete, stone, metal, and the like, so as to provide the property of deodorizing a space coming in contact with the architectural material, and antimold, antisoiling properties, and ultraviolet-ray absorbency of the surface of the architectural material, as well as the long-term maintenance of these properties. Preferably, the metal-oxide layer is formed by fixing a metal-oxide thin film on the surface of the architectural material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminate material for use as a surface covering or the like, by reusing plastic trimmings, includes the step of forming a layer from the plastic trimmings, and preferably subjecting both sides to a surface compression while simultaneously providing heat transfer, thus allowing the zones near the surface to be melted on.

Abstract: A housing lining for a piston engine, drive motor, or machine composed of a sound-absorbent layer of fibers. The fibers are compressed and glued to form an essentially pore-free supporting frame at least in the vicinity of the edge of the layer.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media comprising an ordered, ultra-high density array of 500 .ANG. diameter circular magnetic thin film islands on a substrate. The magnetic material supports magnetization perpendicular to the film plan, and each circular island comprises a single magnetic domain and a single information storage bit. An areal bit density of 10.sup.11 bits/in.sup.2 can be achieved by such an array. The magnetic array is generated using a single level mask comprised of a self-ordering polymer array, either an array of polymer spheres or a regular array of polymeric blocks in a phase-separating polymer film.

Abstract: An insulator pad for use in mattresses is provided having selected zones of enhanced firmness. A planar pad (100) of fibrous material has at least one area of enhanced or increased firmness. Adhesive is used to bind the fibrous material. The concentration of adhesive in the enhanced areas of firmness is greater than in other areas.