Abstract: A composite structure such as a carbon-fiber surgical table width extender includes a fiber-resin composite body and outer surface protective elements. The protective elements are adhered to the body during curing of the body's thermosetting binding matrix at a given temperature and pressure. The protective elements can include stainless steel elements and thermosetting elements which can be deformably thermoplastic and non-liquid, and simultaneously thermoset at this same temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A structure including a structural member (1) configured like a frame with four sides is disclosed. A closed cross-section structural member (4) serving as a reinforcing material is provided in a crossing corner (2) of the structural member (1). The closed cross-section structural member (4) includes two horizontal portions (5) separated from each other in a thickness direction of the structural member (1) and extending in an in-plane direction of the structural member (1) and two vertical portions (6) one of which connects first ends of the two horizontal portions (5) together and the other of which connects second ends of the two horizontal portions (5) together. The closed cross-section structural member (4) includes a first opening (7) formed therein facing an inner-peripheral flat surface (1a) of the structural member (1) and a second opening (8) formed therein facing inside of the structural member (1).

Abstract: Flexlock non-textile fabrics use intimately linked elements that are formed from formable, preferably solid phase forgeable materials into generally triangular shapes with hinging connection features along edges of a generally triangular overall shape. These hinging connection portions permit other elements to rotate about axes that intersect at intersections. Buttressing portions are located near these intersections and include cylindrical or conical shapes that abut the buttressing portions of adjacent formed elements. This abutting can occur even when adjacent elements are rotated or twisted out of a common plane. Connection portions include direct formed engagements with knuckles of the other elements. These connection portions and the engaged knuckles can include headed pintles, axles, or oppositely facing conical protrusions, and may be configured to permit the non-textile fabric to bend on itself within its own thickness without undue strain on the connection features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite structure with enhanced toughness, which incorporates features mimicked from nacre (mother of pearl). The structure can be used in many industrial and clinical applications, including aeronautics (aircraft skin), the defense industry (armor materials); orthopedics and medical devices (tough, biocompatible coatings on prostheses) and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS; increased reliability for critical components).

Abstract: Provided is a piece of cloth, wherein clothing composed of a soft and lightweight material can be constituted of flat small pieces. A piece of cloth consists of a hexagonal central part, and first and second peripheral edge parts located alternately at the peripheral edges of the central part. The first and second peripheral edge parts share one side of the hexagons, a first cut having a length shorter than the length of the side but longer than a quarter thereof is made in the border line of the first peripheral edge part and the central part, and second cuts having a length equal to or slightly longer than one half of [(the length of the side)?(the length of the first cut)] are made on the border line of the second peripheral edge part and the central part from the opposite ends of the side.

Abstract: A riveted union arrangement between parts of composite material in which, in the area of the union, at least one of the parts (11) is a strengthened directionally part whose lay-up comprises ply packets (13, 13?, 13?) with the optimum direction for carrying out the load transmission in the union inserted between at least one continuous ply (15) along said union area, where each of those ply packets (13, 13?, 13?) has a different length, so that said directionally strengthened part (11) be structured in the area of the union in stretches (17, 17?, 17?) with a different number of ply packets (13, 13?, 13?).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a synthetic ice surface system comprising a first synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface having at least one expansion groove having a length dimension and a height dimension, a second synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface having at least one expansion nub having a length dimension and a height dimension, wherein the expansion groove is disposed along the side surface of the first synthetic ice panel so as to engage with the expansion nub on the side surface of the second synthetic ice panel such that the movement of the first synthetic ice panel relative to the second synthetic ice panel is inhibited.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for increasing durability of adhesively bonded joints in a sandwich structure. Such systems, methods, and apparatus includes an first face sheet and an second face sheet as well as an insert structure, the insert structure having a first insert face sheet, a second insert face sheet, and an insert core material. In addition, sandwich core material is arranged between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. A primary bondline may be coupled to the face sheet(s) and the splice. Further, systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure advantageously reduce the load, provide a redundant path, reduce structural fatigue, and/or increase fatigue life.

Abstract: A thermo-forming foil or plate made of a thermoplastic elastomer for the production of dental splints. To integrate reinforcements for various applications into individual areas of the splint, the thermo-forming foil or plate is made of segments comprised of different materials and lying side by side in the plane of the thermo-forming foil or plate, these materials having different Shore hardness.

Abstract: A flooring system comprising a carrying panel with edges, said edges being provided with means for joining. The carrying panel is further being provided with an upper side and a lower side. The flooring system comprises a plurality of panels where each panel is provided with an upper decorative surface. The flooring system comprises panels with at least two of decorative surface selected from the group consisting of a thermosetting composite, a thermoplastic composite, an elastomeric foil, a thermoplastic foil, a metal sheet, a fabric, a mineral and a mineral composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite structure with enhanced toughness, which incorporates features mimicked from nacre (mother of pearl). The structure can be used in many industrial and clinical applications, including aeronautics (aircraft skin), the defense industry (armor materials); orthopedics and medical devices (tough, biocompatible coatings on prostheses) and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS; increased reliability for critical components).

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly and method for providing a reflective decoration assembly that includes a frame having a pair of opposing frame edges and a plurality of first frame supports, where each frame support is arranged in a plane with at least two other first frame supports, is arranged in a plane defined by the pair of opposing frame edges, has a portion between the pair of opposing frame edges, and is substantially parallel to at least one other first frame support. The reflective decoration assembly also features a plurality of second frame supports, each being arranged in an intersecting configuration with at least two of the first frame supports. Disc attachment posts have a first end attached to the frame and a second end separated from the first end, the second end having a disc retaining head thereat.

Abstract: A shell purfling strip has sufficient flexibility to be placed within a curved configuration. The purfling strips are sufficiently flexible to be placed, as a single unit, in curved channels which require the strip to bend. The flexibility results from a laminated structure comprising a layer of binding material overlain by an organic shell layer, with a bonding agent attaching the layers together. The organic shell layer comprises a plurality of precisely placed breaks along its length. The binding material retains the individual fragments of the shell layer in the strip, but because the binding material comprises a flexible material, such as rubber, the layer of binding material is sufficiently flexible to allow the purfling strip to flex longitudinally and transversely. The shell purfling strips may be attached in parallel relationship to other perfling components such that the perfling components can be installed as a unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing a system for improved portable thermal lining systems. More particularly, this invention relates to providing systems for improved fire training facilities utilizing thermal protective elements of the above-noted portable thermal lining system.

Abstract: A method of forming a mesh by a moulding a link element around other link elements to form a mesh in which the interlinking link elements are formed as continuous unjoined loops by a moulding process. An apparatus for forming a mesh including a plurality of first cavities for accommodating first link elements and a plurality of second cavities for forming interlinking link elements. The method and apparatus allow the continuous production of mesh formed of a range of materials including plastics materials.

Abstract: The structural component and fabrication to form a cable, cords or other structural component may be formed by mechanically cutting, waste-reinforced used tires, waste-reinforced used fan belts, waste-reinforced used conveyor belts into strips and attaching them end to end with metal staples or a bonding agent to create a reinforced rubber cable or cord. To be used as structural strength when encapsulated with virgin and or recycled thermoplastics, or rubber. Said strips would be used as reinforcement in concrete, cement, adobe or asphalt. The process when used with thermoplastics or rubber will incorporate an extruder to obtain a molten state of the thermoplastics or rubber to form the structural component thru a crosshead die or molds for injection molding. The process when using concrete, cement, adobe or asphalt to create a structural component will use the waste-reinforced rubber strips placed into forms, or molds for reinforcement when drying has occurred.

Abstract: A water resistant floor board comprises a top layer, a tongue connector, a groove connector, a body, and a bottom layer. The body is made from a man-made material and placed between the tongue connector and the groove connector, and the top layer is placed above the body, the tongue connector, and the groove connector. The bottom layer is a moisture resistant aluminum foil covering the body, the tongue connector, and the groove connector. The tongue and groove connectors are made from moisture resistant solid wood, and the body is made from man-made material. The top layer has a moisture resistant coating.

Abstract: A paper honeycomb core composite panel includes a face plate, a bottom plate, a paper honeycomb core sandwiched between the face plate and the bottom plate, e pieces of interior spacer disposed between the face plate and the bottom plate and extended entirely or partly around the periphery of the paper honeycomb core, and a edge sealing band which is bonded to the pieces of interior spacer or bonded to the pieces of interior spacer and the paper honeycomb core. The reinforcing frame of the composite panel makes use of the pieces of interior spacer including the pipe pieces or extrusive section material and so on. The edge sealing band or the pieces of interior spacer form the fringe of the composite panel.

Abstract: An antimicrobial product and a method for using the same display and/or store a first food product and/or a second food product. The antimicrobial product has a base layer having a first side and a second side for contacting and/or for abutting the first food product and/or the second food product. A first water resistant layer is connected to the first side of the base layer. A first antimicrobial layer is connected to the first water resistant layer. A second water resistant layer is connected to the second side of the base layer. The base layer and/or the first water resistant layer is colored and/or displays a first color and/or a second color. The second water resistant layer and/or the first antimicrobial layer is transparent to expose and/or to display the first color of the base layer and/or the second color of the first water resistant layer. A second antimicrobial layer is connected to the second water resistant layer.

Abstract: In the case of a floor covering that consists of at least one layer of a thermoplastic material, sections of the surface of the floor covering are composed of stone tiles or a natural material, according to the invention, whereby these sections are disposed spaced apart from one another, in each instance, or to lie against one another, in each instance. By means of the effect of heat during production of the floor covering, the stone tiles or the natural material become integral with the thermoplastic material and are wetted from the underside by the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A device includes at least one built-in flexible portion (1) between two stiffer portions (10) that are made of a stiff composite material, the flexible portion (11) being suitable for forming a flexible hinge and made of a flexible material including a reinforcing armature that includes at least one connecting layer (13) common to the material(s) forming each stiff portion (10). The device has end surfaces (20) that oppose each other when extended, the opposing end surfaces being arranged to be suited to serve as a longitudinal compression abutment while enabling the thus-made hinge to fold back at least in a direction away from the extended state.

Abstract: A laminated anti-fatigue area rug comprises a bottom laminate of anti-fatigue material being rubber or vinyl having anti-slip properties for stability, a top laminate of cork with an upper wearing surface having a polyurethane coating and a middle bonding laminate of fiberglass cloth and adhesive material to bond the layers together. There resulting rug is sufficiently flexible that it may be rolled for storage without cracking the cork or delaminating.

Abstract: A coupled portion of mutual laminate films sufficiently contributes to the formation of a packaging bag in that the coupled portion itself has excellent air tightness and liquid tightness. The tensile strength required for the laminate film is given to the coupled portion, whereby a temporary stop of a packaging apparatus is useless when a connecting portion of the laminate film is passed through the apparatus, thereby enhancing the operation efficiency and improving the yield of the material. Oriented base film layers are joined in a mitre form at the coupled portion between a rear end portion and a front end portion of laminate films comprising oriented base film layers and sealant layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound flooring material. The compound flooring such as thermoplastic/wood compound flooring is produced by adhering two layers through adhesive cementing. According to an embodiment, a first sheet is a high quality wood veneer and the second sheet is a low foaming, environment friendly, UPVC board. The sheets are bonded by incorporating a high quality polyvinyl acetate polymer adhesive that contains no formaldehyde, thus providing a strong, safe, odorless product. The UPVC/wood compound flooring has a very low shrinking and swelling rate and is convenient and accurate to install.

Abstract: The plurality of pieces of low density cellular material, such as foam plastics, form a core panel having opposite side surfaces and with adjacent pieces having opposing edge surfaces extending between the side surfaces. Sheets of flexible material, such as veils or mats or scrim, are adhesively attached to the side surfaces, and portions of one sheet extend between the opposing adjacent edge surfaces for limiting flexing of the panel. The pieces may be tapered, and portions of the one sheet may project between the edge surfaces either partially or fully to form double wall webs. The webs may have flanges adhesively attached to the other sheet on the opposite side. One sheet may also be stretchable in areas not adhesively attached to the pieces to provide for curving the panel from a planar position maintained by the sheet on the opposite side.

Abstract: A thermal bulb seal has a bulb portion and a tab portion that is configured to allow welding or other attachment of the bulb seal to the end surface of an insulating structure. Most preferably, the tab portion comprises an angled portion so allow welding of the bulb seal to another insulating structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a synthetic ice surface system comprising a first synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface having at least one expansion groove having a length dimension and a height dimension, a second synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface having at least one expansion nub having a length dimension and a height dimension, wherein the expansion groove is disposed along the side surface of the first synthetic ice panel so as to engage with the expansion nub on the side surface of the second synthetic ice panel such that the movement of the first synthetic ice panel relative to the second synthetic ice panel is inhibited.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fabric seam in a fabric for use as papermachine clothing, the fabric having loops at each of the fabric's transverse ends adapted for interconnection by way of a pintle to make the fabric endless, including the steps of bringing the ends into end-to-end disposition in order to interdigitate the loops, inserting a pintle in the interdigitated loops, heat setting to fix base yarns and the loops of the fabric in place, inserting at least one stuffer yarn, at least a part of which includes a low melt component, into selected void areas in the loops adjacent the pintle, adhering at least one batt layer to the seam by needling, and further heat setting to at least partially melt the stuffer yarn such that it deforms to substantially take on the shape of the void areas at the pintle joint, to bind fibers of the batt needled into the void areas and to bind adjacent yarns of the fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface covering panel including a first edge with a groove inclusive first coupling means, a second opposite edge with a tongue inclusive second coupling means, the coupling means enabling coupling of two panels, a mechanical locking means integrated into at least one of the coupling means which, when two panels are coupled, is configured to prevent these panels from moving apart, the coupling means being designed for coupling essentially without elastic deformation, wherein at least one part of the surface of at least one of the coupling means includes a repositionable adhesive configured to create bonds between the coupling means that are multiply breakable and re-bondable, wherein a breaking of the bonds on disassembly of the panels results in a chemical click designed to indicate decoupling to a user.

Abstract: A synthetic board is made from a plastic film ply 4, 6 adhered or welded to a parallel array of thin-walled plastic tubes 2. In some versions, the tubes are spaced from each other. In others the tubes are contiguous. This allows the board to curl up more or less depending on the tube packing about the tubes axes but to resist bowing between the ends of the tubes. The board is useful for packaging, display, cladding and insulation. In some versions, a second parallel array 7 lies at 90° to the first and the board is free to fold about the boundary between the two arrays. In this way, runs of cruciform carton blanks can be manufactured. The tubes can contain particulate or gel filling.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a frame having a plurality of elongate members formed of a first polymer. A plurality of links is formed of a second polymer, with a portion of each link co-molded about a portion of at least one elongate member, and at least one link movable with respect to a corresponding elongate member.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: Flexlock non-textile fabrics use intimately linked elements that are formed from formable, preferably solid phase forgeable materials into generally triangular shapes with hinging connection features along edges of a generally triangular overall shape. These hinging connection portions permit other elements to rotate about axes that intersect at intersections. Buttressing portions are located near these intersections and include cylindrical or conical shapes that abut the buttressing portions of adjacent formed elements. This abutting can occur even when adjacent elements are rotated or twisted out of a common plane. Connection portions include direct formed engagements with knuckles of the other elements. These connection portions and the engaged knuckles can include headed pintles, axles, or oppositely facing conical protrusions, and may be configured to permit the non-textile fabric to bend on itself within its own thickness without undue strain on the connection features.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reticular contact body element includes the process of manufacturing a rotating circular reticulate contact body element 4 by cutting and processing a synthetic resin fiber block that is formed by gluing the intersections of fiber yarn formed in the shape of a three-dimensional reticulum, cutting the synthetic resin fiber block to form fan shapes, making through holes 20 in the fan-shaped reticulate contact body element precursor, forming compression sections 25 by compressing the periphery 21 of the reticulate contact body element precursor and the circumferences of the through holes 20 with a hot press machine, hot-pressing the whole face of the reticulate contact body element precursor except its periphery 21 and the circumferences of the through holes 20 with the hot press machine at temperatures of 90-140° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermoplastic elastomer composition and a composite molded body. Specifically disclosed is a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing the following component (A1), component (B1) and component (C1). Component (A1): 70-90% by weight of a propylene polymer unit (?1) obtained in a first step by polymerizing a monomer mainly composed of propylene, and an ethylene copolymer unit obtained in a second step by copolymerizing ethylene with propylene and/or an ?-olefin having 4 or more carbon atoms Component (B1): an ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 125° C.) of 20-100 and a weight ratio between the monomer unit derived from ethylene and the monomer unit derived from propylene of from 30/70 to 75/25 Component (C1): an ethylene copolymer as a copolymer of ethylene and an ?-olefin having 4 or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: The device for dispensing a volatile insecticide or repellent includes a sheet impregnated with an insecticidal/repellent component which volatilizes at an ordinary temperature; a flat box for detachably holding the sheet, the flat box having a sheet-exposing aperture for volatilizing the insecticidal component from the held impregnated sheet; and a suspension cord for three-dimensionally assembling a plurality of the flat box.

Abstract: A support coil for radially supporting an elastically expanded tube material includes an extruded profile body consisting of a plurality of windings wound about a longitudinal axis of the support coil. Each of the windings has opposing end faces. A ratchet arrangement joins the end faces of the adjacent windings with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support coil. A tongue and groove arrangement joins the end faces of the adjacent windings with respect to a radial direction of the support coil. The tongue and groove arrangement is spatially separated from the ratchet arrangement.

Abstract: Thermoplastic sealants and methods for forming a joint, such as a weld joint, between one or more structural members using thermoplastic sealants are provided. The thermoplastic sealants have melting temperatures lower than the melting temperature of at least one of the structural members. The thermoplastic sealants may further include fillers, and are disposed between faying surfaces of the structural members. The sealants can fill the spaces between the structural members to prevent the entry of chemicals, moisture, debris and other substances.

Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing and reinforcing a corner in an object made from a sandwich structure, having a thermoplastic core layer (18), which is arranged between two cover layers (16), at least one of which is a plastic cover layer, which method includes the steps of: producing an object including a corner between two object parts; positioning a thermoplastic core part (24) and an additional fibre-reinforced thermoplastic layer (26) in the corner, which thermoplastic core part has a shape adapted to the corner, in such a manner that the additional fibre-reinforced thermoplastic layer (26) substantially covers the exposed surface of the core part (24); and connecting a cover layer (16) of the sandwich structure to the additional fibre-reinforced thermoplastic layer (26).

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece made of composite material with areas of different thickness manufactured from a stack of composite material fabrics comprising at least two adjacent areas (11, 15) of different thickness and a transition area (13) between both configured with a single slope (17), in which the stack is structured by: a first and a fourth section formed by at least two continuous fabrics (21, 21?; 29, 29?) extending along the three mentioned areas (11, 13, 15); a second section formed by one or more symmetrical and balanced fabric packets (23) ending in the transition area (13) placed among one or more continuous fabrics (25); a third section formed by a symmetrical and balanced fabric packet (27) extending along the three mentioned areas (11, 13, 15) placed among one or more continuous fabrics (25).

Abstract: A paper honeycomb core composite panel consists of a face plate (11), a bottom plate (12), a paper honeycomb core (13) which sandwiched between the face plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), some pieces of inside lining (151,152,153) disposed between the face plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) and extended entirety or partly around the periphery of the paper honeycomb core (13), and a edge closeout laminate (14) which is bonded to the pieces of inside lining or bonded to the pieces of inside lining and the paper honeycomb core (13). The reinforcing frame of the composite panel makes use of the pieces of inside lining comprising the pipe pieces or extrusive section material and so on. The edge closeout laminate or the pieces of inside lining constitute the fringe of the composite panel.

Abstract: A laminate has alternating metal layers and at least one plastic bonding layer. The metal layers each comprise at least two metal layer sections that have mutually overlapping edges bonded to one another. To even out the differences in thickness, a fill is provided which has at least a thickness such that at the location of the fill the laminate has a thickness equal to the thickness at the location of the overlapping edges.

Abstract: A method for producing a manufactured wood product using less desirable or discarded natural wood and a manufactured wood product produced by the described method. This inventive method comprises utilizing less desirable or discarded natural wood pieces by slicing the wood pieces into elongated strips that are then partially separated into elongate sections that maintain fibrous connectivity between the elongate sections. The elongate sections are dried and covered or impregnated with an adhesive. A second drying follows the adhesive application and the elongated strips are then arranged lengthwise in a mold for cold or hot pressing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing bamboo mats which also relates to the use of such bamboo mats including bamboo mats and products manufactured from such bamboo mats. This method is found to produce bamboo mats with an improved form-retention and durability compared to known bamboo mats made of strips obtained directly from the ‘wet’ bamboo stem. The bamboo mats can be used in interior construction, for instance for furniture or the covering of floors, walls and ceiling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of panel-type components (1) having at least three layers of boards (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) disposed parallel to the plane of the component (1), with the boards being connected to one another without glue by dowels (3) extending substantially transversely to the plane of the component (1), with firstly a plurality of layers of boards (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) being disposed on top of each other in different orientations, a plurality of bores (5) being provided in these boards (b 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) which penetrate the layers, and the dowels (3) thereafter being pressed into the bores (5). An especially high strength is achieved in such a way that the layers of the boards (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f), during drilling and insertion of the dowels (3), are tensioned against each other by applying compressive forces and that the dowels (3) are preferably compacted in the radial direction before insertion.

Abstract: Glue-laminated bamboo furniture articles include a main panel (1) and plural panel supports (2). The panel (1) includes a main framework (11), a main plate (12) disposed on the main framework (11) and outer framework (13) covering the main framework (11). The main framework (11) is formed by joining corresponding ends of a plurality of frame borders (111). The main plate (12) corresponds in shape to a plane enclosed by the main framework (11) and includes slopes on interfacial edges (121) thereof. The outer framework (13) is formed by joining corresponding ends of sealing plates (131). Sloped upper ends (1311) of the sealing plates match the slopes on the interfacial edges (121) of the main plate (12). The resulting gluelam bamboo furniture has a trim aesthetic appearance, exhibits the beautiful natural texture of bamboo, effectively prevents the furniture from warping, has great durability, conserves materials and effectively reduces production costs.

Abstract: A bumper extending from a portable information handling system chassis aligns with a recess on a lid of the information handling system to maintain the lid in position when the lid closes against the chassis, such as in a closed position or a tablet position. The bumper has a rigid material that couples to the chassis covered at the exposed portion of the bumper by a non-rigid material that interacts with the lid. The non-rigid material absorbs shocks translated through the lid and chassis, and reduces the risk of damage to lid cosmetic features. The rigid portion provides a secure coupling of the bumper to the chassis.

Abstract: A skinned, resin-molded article includes a base material having a recessed part, a skin material having an insertion portion inserted along a sidewall of the base material, and a foam material filled in the recessed part. The insertion portion has a planar part held in contact with the sidewall, and a groove disposed toward a distal end thereof. The sidewall has a projection lockingly tightly engaged in the groove, thereby positioning the skin material in place.

Abstract: A method for welding together two layers or workpieces within a multi-layer assembly in which laser light is directed through an outer layer of the assembly, allowing transmission of the laser light from its outer surface to at least within the vicinity of its inner surface substantially without any absorption of energy from the laser light. The laser light is directed towards a layer having an absorbent component, corresponding to a portion thereof, capable of absorbing laser light within a given wavelength range thereby creating a welded area between a surface of the layer having the absorbent component and a surface of a layer facing the layer having the absorbent component. The absorbent component can be provided either within the bulk of a layer or it can be provided as a separate surface layer on one or both surfaces of a layer.

Abstract: Non-textile fabric panels (FIG. 17) are either formed, formed and joined, or joined by using plates or elements 1, 2, 51, 52 having edges with connection structures of complementary shaped and spaced knuckles 54, 55, 58 that interfit with one another. The knuckles include surfaces 57, 56, 59, that interfit and engage similar structures on adjacent elements or plates. Aligned, interfitting connection structures or knuckles can hinge along major bending axes, giving the non-textile fabric made thereby the ability to flex and bend like textile fabric or leather. Buttressing surfaces 7, 57 between connected knuckles help prevent early disengagement of intermitting surfaces when the non-textile fabric is subjected to strong tensile forces. Elements 51, 52 having the overall shape of a right isoscoles triangle in the plane of the non-textile fabric formed therefrom thus provide four major bending axes for superior flexible strength.