Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorber loaded in the inner cavity of a tire enclosed by a tire for a two-wheeler and a rim, which exhibits suitable hardness when starting running and is excellent in cushioning property, both when starting running and during running, due to decrease in hardness as the temperature increases while running. Specifically, the present invention relates to a shock absorber which is loaded in the inner cavity of a tire enclosed by a tire for a two-wheeler and a rim and contacts substantially with the entire inner surface of a tire to be compressed, is circular in the tire circumferential direction and has closed cells; the shock absorber comprising an expanded rubber composition containing at least 5 parts by weight of an organic polymer having a softening point of at least 40° C., based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component.

Abstract: Extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation, the method for extruding such products, and the windows and doors made with such plastic extrusions. The plastic extrusions may additionally include a low heat build-up capstock system comprising an acrylic cap and pigment system that is substantially IR transparent. The extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation are recyclable using conventional plastic extrusion process and are fully weldable in conventional window and door manufacturing.

Abstract: In order to save material and/or for an easy assembly in a mould bottom of a bottom mould, a moulded piece forming a negative mould of at least a part of a chute of a shaft bottom which moulded piece is formed from a material forming a dead core and, optionally being assembled with at least one further moulded piece, forms the negative mould of a chute of a shaft bottom in the form of a moulded body, wherein the moulded piece(s) is (are) designed for being placed onto a mould bottom of a bottom mould for a shaft bottom and has (have) linear and/or an arcuate longitudinal extension, is characterized in that the moulded piece has at least one hollow space open toward the base which can be placed onto the mould bottom of the bottom mould and is designed as basically closed on the end faces lying opposite each other in the longitudinal extension of the moulded piece.

Abstract: An object is to provide a structure in which when a waterproof filter having an adhesive layer 1 attached thereto is attached to a housing of an electronic device, the adhesive layer 1 hardly rides onto a stepped portion 13. An acoustic part includes a housing 11 having at least one sound hole 12, an adhesive layer 1 formed into a frame shape, and a waterproof filter attached so as to cove the sound hole 12 with the adhesive layer 1 interposed therebetween, wherein the housing 1 is provided with a step position 13 for allowing the waterproof filter to engage therewith or a stepped portion 13 as a marker showing an attachment position of the waterproof filter, and an outer peripheral portion of the frame-shaped adhesive layer 1 is positioned at an inner side than an outer peripheral portion of the waterproof filter.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of multilayer articles having reinforced structural properties prepared by rotational moulding wherein the external and internal skin layers are prepared from polyethylene resin and the intermediate layer is prepared from foamed polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for labeling a glass, plastic or metal container or surface with a polymeric label by means of a water based adhesive composition by the following steps: (a) selecting a polymeric label having a density of less than 0.9; (b) applying a water based adhesive to said polymeric label to form a fastenable polymeric label; (c) fastening said fastenable polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface; and (d) allowing said polymeric label to dry on said glass, plastic or metal surface or container.

Abstract: The invention provides a molded foam molding method capable of obtaining a molded foam in which pinholes may not be formed with ease even when a blow ratio is high and which has a high expansion ratio. The invention also provides a molded foam which includes no pinholes, is reduced in weight, and is excellent in heat insulating property. The molding method includes blending a polypropylene-based resin having an equilibrium compliance from 2.0 to 6.0 (10?3×Pa?1) with a foaming agent and kneading the blend in an extruder. The extruded foamed resin is molded so as to be fit along a mold by a pressurized fluid. Moreover, the molded foam is formed by the method described above, and has an expansion ratio from 1.5 to 5.0 times and an impact strength of not less than 30 kg·cm.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which meets commercial reflectance criteria.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which maintains satisfactory reflectance commercial criteria.

Abstract: A hollow plastic body comprises a material composite consisting of a stamp-formed panel or sheet-like first layer of a first thermoplastic synthetic material, an optionally stamp-formed panel or sheet-like second layer of a second synthetic material, and an open-cell or mixed-cell foam layer of a third synthetic material disposed between the first and the second layer. The foam layer may be compressed at least in some sections in accordance with the stamped form of the first layer and/or the second layer. The foam layer may be in mechanical contact with the first or/and second layer substantially only in the compressed sections. Advantageous manufacturing methods for hollow plastic bodies are further disclosed.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive devices are provided that have a polymer foam disposed about them. The polymer is treated with a plasma to facilitate thrombogenicity. A method for making and using such devices also is provided. The preferred polymer is a copolymer of a halogenated vinylidene and a halogenated alkene.

Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: A deformable sandwich panel is disclosed according to one embodiment. The deformable sandwich panel may include first and second face sheets. These face sheets may each comprise a first and second surface and be substantially flat. The deformable sandwich panel also includes a shape memory material sandwiched between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The shape memory material may be in continuous contact with a substantial portion of the first surface of the first face sheet and with a substantial portion of the first surface of the second face sheet. The deformable sandwich panel may be fabricated with a first shape, deformed into a second shape and then deployed back to the first shape. The first and second shapes may be maintained without mechanical loads.

Abstract: Thin PTFE layers are described having little or no node and fibril microstructure and methods of manufacturing PTFE layers are disclosed that allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device.

Abstract: An insulation unit including an inner lining having an inner face and an outer face, in which the inner face is disposed to define a cavity of the insulation unit is provided. An insulating foam is disposed on the outer face of the inner lining, and the insulating foam includes an inner face and an outer face, and the inner face of the insulating foam is adhered to the outer face of the inner lining. An outer lining is disposed on the outer face of the insulating foam. The outer lining includes a non self-supporting flexible skin which is adapted to define at least parts of an outer surface of the insulation unit and is adhered to the outer face of the insulating foam.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending therethrough, a first polymer which durably coats the pores of the support member, the first polymer layer having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, and a second polymer layer disposed on the surface of the first polymer layer, the second polymer being more hydrophilic than the first polymer layer. A process for preparing the composite material, and its use as a separation medium.

Abstract: A cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, said barrier material comprised of an elastomer, said elastomer being at least semi-permeable to at least a first reactant compound, a second reactant compound disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant compound, and wherein a rate of diffusion of said resultant compound through said barrier material is less than a rate of diffusion of said first reactant compound through said barrier material. An article of footwear including a cushion, said cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, at least a first and a second solid or liquid reactant compounds disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant gaseous compound.

Abstract: The present invention’ provides extrusion-processable materials having a plurality of capillary channels therethrough, and apparatus and methods for manufacturing such materials. The capillaries may be occupied by gases, liquids or other phases. The materials may be anisotropic foams which have high voidage. The methods and apparatus include quench cooling (11) of an extrudate (2) as it exits a die (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for solid-phase synthesis, which contains a porous copolymer particle, the copolymer particle containing 25 to 60% by weight of an aromatic-vinyl structural unit, 20 to 55% by weight of a vinyl cyamide structural unit, 5 to 18% by weight of an ethylenically-unsaturated-carboxylic-acid structural unit, and 2 to 15% by weight of an aromatic-divinyl structural unit. The support according to the invention fluctuates little in the degree of swelling depending on the kind of the organic solvent in contact therewith.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an article made from a foamable thermoplastic polymer composition. The foamable composition of the article includes a partially-crystalline melt processible perfluoropolymer and a foam nucleating package. The foamable composition of the article has a uniform foam cell size where the foam cell size of at least 90% of the foamed cells is 50 micrometers or less. The foam nucleating package ranges from 0.1 to 10 wt % of the combined weight of the perfluoropolymer and the foam nucleating package.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include insulation used to insulate elongated members, such a pipe or duct, as examples. The insulation can address a number of features, including but not limited to expansion and compression of insulation material, expansion and compression of the elongated member insulated, and the ability to adapt the insulation for elongated member of different sizes and lengths. In one embodiment, the insulation is comprised of at least one plank comprised of a flexible polymeric foam configured to be wrapped around an elongated member. In order for the insulation to self-adjust to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the foam material, the plank is comprised of a plurality of flexible polymeric foam profiles. At least one flexible polymeric foam spacer may also be provided that self-adjusts to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the elongated member to prevent or reduce gaps in insulation.

Abstract: A container comprises a micro cellular foamed polymer, and a non-reactive gas contained within the micro cellular foam cells, wherein the container has a non-transparent appearance. The process for making the container comprises injection molding a polymer preform having a non-reactive gas entrapped within the walls thereof, cooling the preform to a temperature below the polymer softening temperature, reheating the preform to a temperature above the polymer softening temperature, and blow molding the preform, to prepare a container comprising a micro cellular foamed polymer having a non-reactive gas contained within the micro cellular foam cells.

Abstract: Thermal spray processing and cold spray processing are utilized to manufacture porous starting materials (such as tube stock, wire and substrate sheets) from biocompatible metals, metal alloys, ceramics and polymers that may be further processed into porous medical devices, such as stents. The spray processes are also used to form porous coatings on consolidated biocompatible medical devices. The porous substrates and coatings may be used as a reservoir to hold a drug or therapeutic agent for elution in the body. The spray-formed porous substrates and coatings may be functionally graded to allow direct control of drug elution without an additional polymer topcoat. The spray processes are also used to apply the drug or agent to the porous substrate or coating when drug or agent is robust enough to withstand the temperatures and velocities of the spray process with minimal degradation.

Abstract: To provide an aqueous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) emulsion which does not substantially contain ammonium perfluorooctanoate, and which is obtained by emulsion polymerization. Further, to provide a PTFE fine powder which is obtained from the aqueous PTFE emulsion and is excellent in a paste extrusion processability, and a porous material. An aqueous polytetrafluoroethylene emulsion obtained by carrying out emulsion polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene alone or together with another copolymerizable monomer in an aqueous medium, wherein a fluorinated emulsifier of the formula (1): CF2CF2(O)mCF2CF2OCF2COOA wherein X is a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, A is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or NH4, and m is an integer of 0 or i, is used in an amount of from 1,500 to 20,000 ppm, based on the final yield of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A foam comprising a nanocomposite comprising a bulk linear semi-crystalline polyolefin containing no cross-links or branched polymers; an organoclay; and a polymeric compatibilizer for enhancing physical interactions between the bulk linear semi-crystalline polyolefin and the organoclay, wherein the linear semi-crystalline polyolefin combines with the organoclay to form the nanocomposite is provided. Novel nanocomposites and methods of producing the nanocomposites and foams, such as flexible foams, are also provided. The resulting products are useful in a variety of applications, including thermoplastic flexible foam seals, thermoplastic foamed panels in vehicles, and thin-walled blow molded bottles.

Abstract: A floor covering produced by coating and including a thermoplastic-based structure, in particular plasticized PVC, reinforced with a textile reinforcement, optionally combined with a foam backing. The visible surface consists of a surface coating providing decoration and wear resistance to the product. The back surface, designed to be in contact with the floor, consists of a textile web, the bonding between the textile structure and the supporting back surface being produced by means of an additional plastisol layer, which penetrates over a minor part of the thickness of the textile structure and which, after gelling, bonds the textile to the thermoplastic substrate back surface.

Abstract: The invention provides new composite materials containing aerogels blended with thermoplastic polymer materials at a weight ratio of aerogel to thermoplastic polymer of less than 20:100. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability. The composite materials also have better flexibility and less brittleness at low temperatures than the parent thermoplastic polymer materials.

Abstract: A polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same, including use within a spiral wound module. While many different embodiments are described, one embodiment includes a polyamide membrane including a coating comprising a combination of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a polyacrylamide compound.

Abstract: The use of at least one polyol (P) chosen from polyester and polyether polyols grafted by chains of at least one of the following: polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile and styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers and from polyester and polyether polyols in which at least one of the following: polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile and styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers is dispersed, as an incorporation into the formulation of the polyol constituent or of the polyol-polyamine constituent of a polyurethane forming the polymer matrix of a hydrolysis-resistant soft cellular material, said polyol or polyols (P) representing at least one part of said polyol constituent or at least one part of the polyol fraction of said polyol-polyamine constituent.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to relates to foamed thermoplastic material objects and articles of manufacture having an internal layered cellular structure, as well as to methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a multi-layer foamed polymeric article of manufacture, comprising: a non-laminated multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet, wherein the multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet has first and second discrete outer layers sandwiching a plurality of discrete inner foamed layers, and wherein the two outer layers and plurality discrete inner foamed layers are integral with one another. The thermoplastic material may be a semi-crystalline polymer such as, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEN (polyethylene napthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PLA (polylactide), polyhydroxy acid (PHA), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), or blends thereof.

Abstract: A hydrogenated copolymer-containing laminate comprising a substrate layer, an adhesive layer, and a hydrogenated copolymer composition layer which is laminated on and bonded to the substrate layer through the adhesive layer, the hydrogenated copolymer composition layer comprising a hydrogenated copolymer (I), and a rubbery polymer (II), wherein the hydrogenated copolymer (I) is obtained by hydrogenating a conjugated diene/vinyl aromatic compound copolymer, the hydrogenated copolymer (I) having the following characteristics (1) to (4): (1) a vinyl aromatic monomer unit content of from more than 50% by weight to 90% by weight, (2) a content of a vinyl aromatic polymer block of not more than 40% by weight, (3) a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000, and (4) a hydrogenation ratio of 70% or more, as measured with respect to the double bonds in conjugated diene monomer units.

Abstract: An overmolded preform and a container blow molded from the same are disclosed, wherein the overmolded preform and the overmolded container include an inner foamed layer.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam as well. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the unitary composite cushioning structure is formed from a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The cellular thermoplastic foam provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum is disposed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: A container comprises a micro cellular foamed polymer, and a non-reactive gas contained within the micro cellular foam cells, wherein the container has a silvery appearance. The process for making the container comprises injection molding a polymer preform having a non-reactive gas entrapped within the walls thereof, cooling the preform to a temperature below the polymer softening temperature, reheating the preform to a temperature above the polymer softening temperature, and blow molding the preform, to prepare a container comprising a micro cellular foamed polymer having a non-reactive gas contained within the micro cellular foam cells.

Abstract: A composite tube formed by covering an outer surface of a tube with a foam, characterized in that: the foam is formed of layers composed of bar-shaped foams; and in a section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the foam, each of 40% or more of the bar-shaped foams is formed as a substantially fan-shaped figure formed by long and short arc portions of two large and small concentric circles, respectively, and two linear portions extending radially toward an outer periphery from the center of the concentric circles, with the figure satisfying the condition of formula (1): 0.5<a/b<2.5 ??Formula (1) where a is a length corresponding to ½ of the sum of the lengths of the long arc portion and the short arc portion of a substantially fan-shaped figure, and b is the length of each of the linear portions of the substantially fan-shaped figure.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polyethylene foam based on a blend comprising 95.5-99.5% by weight low density polyethylene and 0.5-4.5% by weight high density polyethylene and a nucleating agent. The invention is also directed to a process for physical foaming of a blend comprising 95.5-99.5% by weight low density polyethylene and 0.5-4.5% by weight high density polyethylene in the presence of a physical blowing agent and a nucleating agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube which has been filled with an open-cell foam based on an aminoplastic, in particular on a melamine-formaldehyde condensate, and also to its uses, in particular as filter or static mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a bixailly oriented film having a porous layer, which contains propylene polymer and at least one ?-nucleating agent and whose microporosity is generated by converting ?-crystalline polypropylene during stretching of the film, for labeling containers during a drawing process.

Abstract: A permeable film or container for use in extending the storage life of a foodstuff or produce is provided. The film or container is formed from a plastics component, a porous component having a particle size smaller than the thickness of the film, and an acid component selected from at least one carboxylic acid compound in free or salt form. The permeable film is adapted for controlling the environment surrounding the foodstuff to reduce its respiration rate or senescence by controlling the transfer of gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, and build up of moisture. In one preferred embodiment the present invention provides a permeable film for use in the storage of a foodstuff, formed from a polymer component, a clay activated base component, and sorbic acid in free or salt form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material including a substrate layer, a knit porous layer intermixed within the substrate material, and a thermoplastic layer disposed upon the porous layer. The porous layer is at least partially disposed within the thermoplastic layer. The present invention also provides a method for forming the composite material including the steps of: providing a substrate layer, providing a porous layer disposed on the substrate layer, providing a thermoplastic layer disposed on the porous layer, applying pressure and vacuum to mechanically interlock the thermoplastic layer with the porous layer; and bonding the porous layer to the substrate layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming bio-based microperforated packages substantially composed of poly(lactic acid) which are particularly useful for storing respiring products in that the respiration rate (i.e., CO2 and O2 fluxes) can be controlled and the water vapor transmission rates reduced, thus inhibiting weight loss and prolonging the quality and shelf life of such respiring products, by, among other things, varying the amount of microperforations in the package.

Abstract: A polylactic acid resin foamed molding obtained by placing in a mold a cylindrical body having a foamed layer, which is formed by extruding a foamable molten resin composition prepared by kneading together a polylactic acid resin and a physical blowing agent from a die into a low-pressure zone, and molding it, wherein the molding's foamed layer constituting the foamed molding has a difference (?Hendo:2° C./min??Hexo:2° C./min) between the endothermic calorific value (?Hendo:2° C./min) and the exothermic calorific value (?Hexo:2° C./min) obtained by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry (heating rate of 2° C./min) of 10 J/g or more and a melt tension at 190° C. of 2 cN or more.

Abstract: Particles having a relatively high porosity can be used in an information handling system or other information handling system. In one aspect, a portable information handling system can include an electrical circuit that can generate thermal energy during normal operation of the electrical circuit. The portable information handling system can also include a housing that includes a first material and particles having a porosity of at least 80%. In another aspect, an information handling system can include a housing that includes a material and a coating, wherein the coating includes a polymeric material and particles having a porosity of at least 80%. In another aspect, a process of forming an information handling system can include coating a surface of a housing, wherein the coating includes particles having a porosity of at least 80%, and placing an electrical circuit within the housing after coating the surface.

Abstract: A pipe insulation product is provided including pipe insulation having an inside surface defining a central opening for surrounding a pipe, and a longitudinal slit defined by two opposing walls enabling the pipe insulation to be forced over a pipe to surround the pipe, a foamed adhesive layer applied to one or both of the opposing walls of the longitudinal slit, and one or more removable release strips for temporarily covering the foamed adhesive layers applied to one or both of the opposing walls of the longitudinal slit. The release strips protect the foamed adhesive layers prior to use, and the foamed adhesive layer provides for a closure with improved performance once the pipe insulation is applied to a pipe.

Abstract: PIR rigid foams are produced from a polyisocyanate component and a polyol component that includes at least one polyester polyol and at least one polyether polyol. The polyisocyanate and polyol components are reacted in amounts such that the volume ratio of polyisocyanate component to polyol component is from 100:100 to 100:110 and the index is from 100 to 400. These foams are characterized by good adhesion to a substrate and impermeability to water vapor. The foams are generally produced by a casting process and are particularly useful as an insulating material for containers and tanks.

Abstract: The invention relates to foamed polyvinylidene tubular structures—and particularly those for use as conduit. The tubular structures may be corrugated, and are especially useful for fiber-optic plenum conduit. The polyvinylidene foam may also be directly applied to fiber optic cable.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is made by filling a container with expanded thermoplastic elements that are in a non-cured state and that possess a degree of latent foaming ability. After filling the container with the non-cured elements, the elements are allowed to cure under ambient conditions during which the blowing agent remaining in the elements in a vapor state condenses allowing air to be drawn in while the elements expand. This expansion of the elements distends and rigidifies the container where the container is allowed to expand or places an item packaged within a container of rigid construction under a tight fit.