Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with a side of at least one other tile within the series. Each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

Abstract: A fabric, which can be used more especially as a pierce-proof fabric but also as a decorative fabric, includes a plurality of interconnected scales, which have bores to connect them to one another, and into which connecting members extend. The connecting members are directly formed on the scales. Because the scales overlap one another in the manner of roof tiles (form an imbrication) and because, in order to make a flat connection, the scale itself in the fabric overlaps at least two adjacent scales and is overlapped by at least two additional adjacent scales, the fabric can also meet increased safety requirements in an advantageous manner.

Abstract: A plurality of binder strips (2) are removably arranged successively one after another on a band-shaped carrier film (1), with the lengthwise direction of the binder strips arranged perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the carrier film. Each binder strip (2) includes an adherent portion (3) having an adhesive on a bottom surface thereof, and a non-adherent portion (7) having holes punched therein suitable for being received on a ring binder or prong fastener or the like. The carrier film (1) has registration marks (6) provided thereon, so that the carrier film can be automatically advanced and sharply deflected over a release edge (14) in an apparatus, whereby the successive binder strips (2) are released from the carrier film (1) and adhered onto a page (16) of sheet goods being advanced through an adjacently located sheet folding machine.

Abstract: Paperboard having a water-repellant coating which includes a polymer matrix/wax/pigment mixture and is applied to the paperboard as an aqueous formulation. The polymer matrix includes polymer chains which are ionically cross-linked through pendant carboxylic acid groups to provide, together with the wax and pigment components, a substantially continuous, water-repellant film which more readily breaks down under the alkaline conditions of repulping. The coated board also exhibits low slip and resistance to blocking, and is particularly well-suited in corrugated box constructions used in shipping containers for perishable food items such as meats, poultry, fishery products, fruits and vegetables. The pigmented or unpigmented coating formulations are also used as an overcoat over preprinted paperboard surfaces to simultaneously provide scuff and water resistance.

Abstract: A cushioning pad or mat for protecting a rig surface or alternatively, an article placed on the pad wherein the mat is made of elements which are laminated construction with a base layer of neoprene, or similar materials, and the elements are connected with channels and the top of the elements are connected to the base of the elements using between 2 and 32 rib members, which can be rivets and a method of making such a cushioning pad.

Abstract: A roll towel for use in the drying of hands in the lavatory setting is provided. The roll towel includes at least two segments of textile material which include at least 60 percent polyester fiber. The two segments of textile material are spliced together by an ultrasonically formed seam. The seam is made up of a series of bonding points offset from one another by nonbonded segments.

Abstract: Filling material for percolating filters used in the biological treatment of fluids are provided with strips which are made of plastic and are connected to one another via a transversely directed holding web. The strips are arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in order to increase the strip density. In the filling material according to the invention, the strips are provided with different cross-sections over their length. For example, the strips may be reduced in width in regions adjacent to their connection to the holding web. As a result, the strips can be arranged in one layer with an increased strip density.

Abstract: An integrated micro-ceramic chemical plant having a unitary ceramic body formed from multiple ceramic layers in the green state which are sintered together including the unitary ceramic body defining a mixing chamber and passage means for providing communication with the mixing chamber so that two or more fluids may be delivered to such mixing chamber for mixing or reacting chemicals in the fluids; and the unitary ceramic body including means for delivering the mixed chemicals to exit from the unitary ceramic body.

Abstract: A cargo liner and cargo holder system includes a mat having a plurality of protrusions extending from a base. Locking members include a plurality of engagement members extending from a body and are adapted to engage with the protrusions of the mat. The mat includes a plurality of geometrically-shaped protrusions which can be octagonally shaped or cylindrically shaped. The locking members can be secured to boxes or other objects for securement to the mat. The mat also includes a lip extending around the perimeter of the mat for containment of any liquids therein. The mat also includes two layers, a polyethylene first layer and an olefin-friendly rubber layer. The locking members can be modified and secured to a bag-hanging device. Movable side members can be secured to the locking members for securement of boxes to the mat. Also disclosed is a method for making the mat.

Abstract: A brick which can be laid with other similar bricks for forming a heat-insulating masonry work structure. The brick includes a plurality of webs defining empty inner cavities therebetween, the cavities having heat-insulating properties and further defining inner surfaces and a width of more than 8 mm. A heat-reflecting coating is disposed on the inner surfaces of the cavities. The masonry work structure may include a brick laying material for laying the bricks such that the bricks do not fill with the material and do not clog up with dirt, the brick laying material including one of bonding mortar, thin-bed mortar, mid-bed mortar and fibrous mortar. The coating may be applied to the inner surfaces of the cavities by one of vapor deposition, spraying and bonding on as a thin film, and may further be fired. The coating may further be sprayed, coextruded and spread and thereafter fired.

Abstract: The invention relates to concrete form panel sheeting comprising a resinous polymer core defining a concrete-form face and an opposite face, and a concrete-facing surface layer attached to the concrete-form face, the concrete-facing surface layer being adapted to be contacted by fresh concrete and to release from the concrete after curing thereof, to facilitate reuse of the concrete form panel sheeting. The invention further relates to concrete forms and form networks having the inventive concrete form panel sheeting as a component therein. The invention also relates to applications using the sheeting and forms to pour concrete.

Abstract: A wood flooring product for assembly into a wood floor is disclosed. The flooring product includes a top, decorative layer, an intermediate layer bonded to the top layer, and a base layer bonded to the intermediate layer. The top, intermediate and base layers are bonded in registration to define a laminated elongate wood flooring strip. A tongue and a groove are formed on respective side edges of the flooring strip. The tongue and groove extend along the length of the flooring strip, and lock adjacent flooring strips together side-to-side to form an assembled wood floor. The base layer has a multiplicity of closely spaced-apart scores cut transverse to the length of the flooring strip along substantially the entire length of the flooring strip. The scores relieve stress and increase flexibility in the wood strip for more closely adhering to irregularities of a sub-floor.

Abstract: A wear and shock resistant ceramic-cored composite panel (11) for use in equipment exposed to heavy abrasive materials comprising a plurality of commensurately shaped generally planar layers. The layers are comprised of and sequentially arranged in the following order: a ceramic layer (12); a first fiberglass reinforced plastic composite layer (13); a resilient core layer for absorbing impact energy imparted indirectly thereto by the heavy abrasive materials (14); and a second fiberglass reinforced plastic composite layer (16), wherein the layers are consecutively bonded together in the order set out above by an adhesive, then secured to various sites of wear inside equipment by known types of attachment or utilized as structural members themselves.

Abstract: A furniture protector for protecting the fabric of upholstered furniture such as sofas and easy arm chairs and the like, from damage by pet dogs includes one or more rigid panels having a width to span a predetermined portion of the front to back seating space and a length to span the seating spaces. The rigid panels leave no comfortable space for pet dogs to rest. The panels have decorative surfaces and fabrics which can be color coordinated with the fabric of the upholstered furniture. Handles are provided and various arrangements for compacting the panels for storage are disclosed.

Abstract: An entrance grating for office buildings is comprised of a series of closely spaced tread rail elements, forming the upper surface of the grating, and a plurality of support elements underneath the tread rail elements and tightly secured thereto at right angles. The tread rails are of extruded construction and include a hollow, tubular spine section for high strength and rigidity per unit of weight. The underlying support elements, also of extruded construction, are in the form of downwardly opening channel-shaped elements. High strength, expandable wall, blind fasteners are employed to secure the support elements to the tread rail elements at each of the crossing points to provide a strong, rigid assembly. The open bottoms of the channel-shaped supports may be closed by plastic pad strips providing resilient support and noise reduction.

Abstract: A release film for a part with a pressure-sensitive adhesive attached to the part, in which the part with a pressure-sensitive adhesive attached has adequate adhesion to the release film within the temperature range from normal temperature to a low atmospheric temperature in the winter season is provided. A release film for a part with a pressure-sensitive adhesive attached to the part, which has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer with a Tg value ranging from -50.degree. C. to -20.degree. C. and a thickness ranging from 3 .mu.m to 50 .mu.m, on a base material, is provided.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a starch-bound cellular matrix reinforced with substantially uniformly dispersed fibers. High strength articles that have adequate flexibility and toughness immediately or very shortly after being demolded without the need for subsequent conditioning are molded from compositions having a starch-based binder and fibers that are uniformly dispersed by means of a high yield stress fluid fraction within the starch-based composition. In a two-step mixing process, a preblended mixture is formed by gelating a portion of the starch-based binder or other thickening agent in water to form a liquid phase having high yield stress into which the fibers are substantially uniformly dispersed. The fibers preferably have an average length of at least about 2 mm and an aspect ratio of at least about 25:1.

Abstract: A floor covering comprises a plurality of tread strips of substantially resilient material, each tread strip having a wear layer of a material which provides a fibrous tread surface, and a plurality of spacer strips of substantially rigid material arranged interposed between the tread strips whereby each successive pair of tread strips is spaced apart by an assembly of at least two, typically three of said spacer strips arranged to lie side-by-side with connecting means passing through aligned apertures in the strips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a playing card (12) comprising a base layer (22) of a paper stock material. The base layer (22) is coated on opposite sides with opaque paper coatings (36, 38). The coatings (36, 38) are printed with graphics (18, 20). The base layer (22) is then laminated with top and bottom clear, plastic films (24, 26) on top of the printed coatings (36, 38). The films are high or medium gloss fills and provide a Tappi gloss in the range of about 85.degree. to 105.degree.. The films are mechanically embossed with embossments (48). The embossments (48) provide a static slip in the range of about 7.degree. to about 15.degree. and a Tappi gloss in the range of 50.degree. to 85.degree.. The embossments (48) reduce gloss without significant loss in ink density, color, or image distinctness.

Abstract: Structural elements of great thickness are provided by having limited extent ribbing projecting from each surface structure coupled by junctions having extents which combined with the ribbing extents bridges the distance between the surface structures of the structural elements.

Abstract: A modular floor cover for a garage floor, made of a plurality of strips of impermeable ribbed matting. The strips are laterally joined to one-another by elongated moldings. A first series of elongated joiners encloses common bordering edges of adjacent strips of ribbed matting, raising the longitudinal edges by a thickness of a sole member of these moldings. A second series of joiners is placed under all transversal edges of the strips, thereby raising the transversal edges. A basin is formed in a central region of the floor cover to retain water, slush and other fluids falling off a vehicle parked over this floor cover.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The sterilization indicators comprise at least one backing strip, preferably water-dispersible, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. A sterilization indicator strip is affixed to the backing strip and is easily removable from the sterilization indicator. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the sterilization indicator strip is easily removed, and the adhesives coating the sterilization indicators, and preferably also the backing strips, disperse an aqueous alkali solution, such as are found in commercial laundries.

Abstract: Structural elements such as baffles are formed from spaced, laterally disposed, longitudinally extended structures having longitudinally distributed ribbing, and rib segments fixed to the structure ribbing normal to the structure to form closed figures in a laterally and longitudinally extended pattern.

Abstract: A thermal walkway cover comprises at least three laminated layers including a middle layer of electrically conductive carbonized rubber, a durable, waterproof, UV-resistant top layer, and an insulating, waterproof bottom layer. Means are provided in to form of electrically conductive strips embedded in the middle layer to heat the middle layer. Connections are provided to a power source. The cover may have one or more edges of a dovetail construction so that cover sections or modules may be connected together to cover a desired walkway area, in which case electrical connections are provided between individual modules.

Abstract: A structural element suitable for walls, tanks and bulkhead structures comprising opposed, axially extended surface structures and ribbing interposed therebetween in freely movable relation responsive to a temporary first relative dimensional condition of the surface structures and ribbing, and in blocking relation against separation of the surface structures responsive to a persistent second relative dimensional condition of the surface structures and ribbing.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: A floor covering suitable as an entrance mat comprises a plurality of tread strips of substantially resilient and flexible material, each tread strip having a wear layer of fibrous or fibrous like material whereby said tread strips provide a fibrous tread surface, and a plurality of spacer strips of substantially rigid material arranged interposed between the tread strips whereby each successive pair of tread strips is spaced apart by at least two of said spacer strips, and the pluralities of strips being secured together in side by side relationship by connecting means which pass through aligned apertures in the strips, each spacer strip comprising a pair of longitudinally extending and co-planar abutment faces to bear against and provide lateral support to a side face of a tread strip, the maximum spacing of extreme edges of said abutment faces as viewed in cross-section being less than the height of the side face of the tread strip whereby said pairs of spacer strips provide a recess region between a succe

Abstract: A waterproof connection device is provided for use with a garment having optionally many detachable liners including a functional layer insert having a water vapor permeable functional layer.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and then passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be cut, rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued to fashion articles from the sheets.

Abstract: A structural element comprising opposed first and second, laterally and longitudinally extended, generally planar surface structures each having a closed figure pattern of ribbing projecting therefrom toward the opposite surface structure, a third structure disposed between the first and second surface structures in ribbing-engaging relation therewith, the opposed ribbing being interlocked across the third structure in registered, mating relation.

Abstract: A panel (10) for use as a space divider (100) or to be attached to furniture (102) is described. The panel has a molded polystyrene beads (STYROFOAM.TM.) bead board core (12) encased in a plastic film layer (14) which stabilizes the panel and allows the panel to be used as a tack board. A decorative outer cover (18) is provided over the core and plastic layer to increase the aesthetic quality and versatility of the panel. Support plates (26) are provided along the edges (12C) of the core underneath the plastic layer to increase the structural strength of the panel and to enable attachment of the panels to each other or to other furniture. Attachment rails (20) are provided on the outside of the panel to protect the edges of the panel and enable a connector hinge (22) to be attached to the panel for connecting two panels together.

Abstract: Decorative panel for automobile interiors including method and apparatus of a compression press, and a groove in stationary platen die and a movable platen die with a metal blade edging mounted therein, and the blade edging having a perimeter matching the outer wall of the groove in the stationary platen die section, and the contour of the movable platen die to match the contour of the stationary die and a formed decorative panel with down turned edges of the same perimeter as the groove imbedded in mounting panel stock on closing of the compression press.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling a flexible high energy coaxial cable wherein cooling fluid is circulated along the cable and through a heat exchanger to dissipate the cable heat generated by the high energy transferred by the cable. The cable has inner and outer concentric conductors separated by an inner dielectric layer and surrounded by an outer dielectric layer. Channels in the two dielectric layers provide for the fluid flow along the cable which carries away the heat.

Abstract: This invention is directed to substantially strain-free, shaped, sintered ceramic fabric preform segments, to the production of the sintered preform segments from novel fixtured, shaped, green ceramic fabric preforms, and to sintered ceramic fiber-reinforced composite articles prepared from the sintered preforms and characterized in that the reinforcement phase is substantially free of mechanical strain, and the fiber in the fabric can exhibit a very small bending radius.

Abstract: The invention provides an ornamental film comprising a laminate structure consisting of two biaxially oriented films and a thermally fusible polyolefin layer interposed between the films, characterized in that the biaxially oriented film has a decorative layer either on a face side or on a reverse side, that the thermally fusible polyolefin layer has a thickness corresponding to 25.about.70% of the total thickness of the laminate structure, and that the bond strength between the biaxially oriented film and thermally fusible polyolefin layer has been controlled at 20.about.170 g/15 mm. This ornamental film is advantageous in that when formed with slits or cutouts and expanded three-dimensionally, it is protected against tear propagation, that it lends itself well to vapor deposition, that it can be incinerated for disposal, and that it is comparatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A set of thin, flat stencil plates are stacked together face-to-face to form a three-dimensional article shaped as a decorative article. The stencil plates are held together in the three-dimensional form by a connecting member or by frictionally interlocking them to one another. The stencil plates each contain one or more apertures of unique shapes, so the plates can be disassembled from the three-dimensional form and used individually as separate stencils. The stencil plates have peripheral outer surfaces which cooperate to form the three-dimensional shape of a selected design figure when the plates are assembled in a particular sequence, and the article, in its assembled form, conceals the stencils contained inside the finished three-dimensional article. The invention has use as a puzzle in stacking together the stencil plates in the proper sequence, and the finished article can be an art object or a toy, for example.

Abstract: A flexible article of manufacture especially suitable for use as a ballistic resistant body armor which comprises one or more composite layers, at least one of said composite layers comprising a base layer having a plurality of planar bodies positioned between two sandwiching flexible layers out of contact with each other and a plurality of planar bodies positioned on a surface of said base layer out of contact with each other and in disalignment with the sandwiched planar bodies.

Abstract: A structural member formed from a plurality of layers of interwoven fibrous material. The plurality of layers intersect and join each other along lines of contact. The lines of contact form axes of the member. A hollow central portion having a perimeter is defined by the plurality of intersecting layers and the lines of contact. A plurality of points are formed on the perimeter of the hollow central portion defined by the lines of contact formed by the axes. At least one flange extends outwardly of the hollow central portion at each of the points, wherein each of the plurality of layers extends beyond the axes of the member to define the flanges.

Abstract: An all-composite article comprising two composite parts pivotally joined by a composite hinge which is fabricated integrally therewith. The method of making such an all-composite article.

Abstract: Sandwich elements in the form of slabs, shells and the like, consisting of facings and a rigid polyurethane foam core can be joined together in an airtight and watertight manner when they are provided with edge profiles which are cast from casting materials forming flexible polyurethane foam and which have a groove and a tongue.

Abstract: A puzzle towel/mat for bath, beach and kitchen is provided which consists of a plurality of irregularly shaped pieces having interlocking sides to match up with each other, so as to form one complete unit when fitted together. A mechanism is for retaining the interlocking sides of the plurality of irregularly shaped pieces together when matched up with each other, so as to keep the one complete unit together to be utilized.

Abstract: A longitudinal laminate board of binder fixed mineral wool. The laminate board consists of adjacently disposed longitudinally directed pieces, whose fibre planes form a right angle to the plane of the laminate board. The length of the pieces is less than half of that of the laminate board and they are jointed to each other. None of the joints is immediately next to any of the ends of the laminate board or to any of the supports for the board.

Abstract: A protective garment material is constructed with a matrix of cells with protrusions. These cells are linked with polygonal connecting plates, which have cuts at the corners to form a section of a complete frame for the protrusions. The linkage is formed with aligned semicylindrical flanges extended from the edges of the connecting plate and semicydrical grooves aligned in a different direction serving as sockets for the semicylindrical flanges from a neighboring connecting plate, so that any two neighboring plate can be rotated with respect to each other. The connecting plate also serves as a protective layer for the inner cell in the unprotruded area. The protrusions dirert any frontal thrust sidewise to prevent penetration.

Abstract: A wood flooring product for assembly into a wood floor is disclosed. The flooring product includes a top, decorative layer, an intermediate layer bonded to the top layer, and a base layer bonded to the intermediate layer. The top, intermediate and base layers are bonded in registration to define a laminated elongate wood flooring strip. A tongue and a groove are formed on respective side edges of the flooring strip. The tongue and groove extend along the length of the flooring strip, and lock adjacent flooring strips together side-to-side to form an assembled wood floor. The base layer has a multiplicity of closely spaced-apart scores cut transverse to the length of the flooring strip along substantially the entire length of the flooring strip. The scores relieve stress and increase flexibility in the wood strip for more closely adhering to irregularities of a sub-floor.

Abstract: The present invention provides high quality laminated veneer lumber as a material for such uses as in architecture and furniture, and a method of mass production thereof using veneer which is flattened in advance. A sheet of veneer is obtained by cutting a log with a rotary lathe or the like, and flattening and cutting the same into a predetermined length. Sheets of veneer thus obtained are cut on both edges in the grain direction to form symmetrically diagonal end faces and bonded with one another at said end faces with their grain directions aligned to form an elongated sheet of veneer. The resultant elongated sheet of veneer is cut into a predetermined length to form a laminated veneer material having seams a. Plural sheets of thus formed laminated veneer material are laminated and bonded with their grain directions aligned to form laminated veneer core 3. The laminated veneer core 3 is either directly used as a laminated veneer lumber, or is covered with another sheet of seamless veneer 4 on its surface.

Abstract: An image producing and transfer apparatus which utilizes a base sheet covered with a tacky adhesive which in turn is covered with a liner sheet composed of a plurality of individually removeable liner segments. Part of the apparatus includes a plurality of break-away members which are manufactured at the same time as the apparatus and of the same material of construction and the same die cutting process to become a tool in the method of this invention. Each break-away member includes a tacky adhesive surface which, when applied to the outer surface of one of the liner segments, facilitates the removal of that liner segment thereby exposing an area of the tacky adhesive which can now be covered with a particulate matter. All liner segments are removed in this manner. When all liner segments have been removed and the particulate matter applied, there remains a border segment. A liquid glue is coated onto the completed image of this particulate matter with some of this glue coating the border segment.

Abstract: A structural element comprising opposed first and second, laterally and longitudinally extended, generally planar surface structures each having a closed figure pattern of ribbing projecting therefrom toward the opposite surface structure, the ribbing being of respective heights to bridge the space between the surface structures, the opposed ribbing being interlocked in registered, mating relation.

Abstract: A sandwich panel element comprises a core of fibrous material arranged between first and second parallel outer skins of generally planar sheet material. The core material consists of a plurality of elongate strips arranged in side-by-side and end-to-end abutting relationship. The strips are formed so that the fibers are in a direction generally transverse to the planes of the sheet material. The strips are individually shorter than the length or width of the panel element and the mutually abutting ends of the strips are staggered with respect to rows of adjacent strips. The ends also may be chamfered at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the strips to allow the ends to overlap.

Abstract: A process for applying to fabric a plastic, metallic appearing, decorative article having on its surface decorative objects such as stones. The article comprises mylar layered upon a transparent polyvinyl chloride supporting layer. The article is designed to be formed either by a hot or a cold press and to be attached to fabric by simple processes such as sewing or employing hand or foot presses and known attaching fixtures for the decorative objects. Jewelry articles made from the plastic material are also part of the invention. In one embodiment a transparent adhesive is used between the plastic layers so that the decorative layer can be seen through the supporting layer.