Abstract: A sandwich-type, structural, composite component having a cut-out feature with a substantially hidden core, assembly utilizing same and panel for use in a vehicle load floor assembly are disclosed. The component includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. An interior portion of the component enclosed by the rest of the component is locally crushed by the press molding to form at least one depression. A cut-out extends completely through the component at the interior portion of the component. Side surfaces of the at least one depression substantially hide the core at the cut-out without compromising the structural integrity of the component.

Abstract: An assembly includes a top cushion layer made of first EVA material defining a flat top surface formed with a non-skid pattern and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface. Also included is a resilient middle cushion layer made of second EVA material softer than the first EVA material. The middle cushion layer defines a top surface supporting the bottom surface of the top cushion layer and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface of the middle cushion layer. The assembly includes a bottom cushion layer made of EVA material and defining a top surface supporting the bottom surface of the middle cushion layer and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface of the bottom cushion layer. The bottom surface of the bottom cushion layer includes at least one fastener configured to removably engage and disengage a complementarily configured fastener substrate on a deck by hand.

Abstract: A laminated touch fastener is made in a continuous process on a mold roll. Flowable resin is pressed against the mold roll in limited areas to form projections extending from resin layers that are laminated to a flexible substrate while carried on the mold roll. In one example a continuous channel about the mold roll is positioned such that the resin at least partially fills the channel as the layers are formed, thereby forming in the channel a raised portion in which the resin layer is of a greater thickness than at a point between the projections and the raised portion. In another example, grooves in the mold roll receive ribs of a pressure applicator during forming of the layers, the ribs blocking lateral flow of the resin to form a desired edge profile.

Abstract: A magnetic latch blocker comprises an oblong flexible strip, one side of which is magnetized so that the strip will magnetically adhere to a metallic door jamb and cover the strike plate of a door. The magnetic strip has a sufficient width to cover the strike plate but not protrude much beyond the door jamb when the door is closed. In practice, the magnetic latch blocker strip would ordinarily remain fastened over the strike plate of the door, which would be left in the locked configuration. When the room was in use, the door would be closed with the locking latch blocked by the magnetic strip. Upon a “lock down” order being issued, someone within the room would partially open the door and pull out the magnetic strip, thereby releasing the latch and locking the door by pulling it fully closed.

Abstract: The decorative fastener includes a base fitted with eyes or receptacles on the underside of the base and one or two straps that protrude from the lower portion of the base underside and which are fitted with hooks on their exposed ends. The straps wrap back over themselves, around any particular item of wear, and fasten using the hooks on the straps and the eyes on the underside of the base. The decorative fastener may also include a plurality of interchangeable decorative disc options, or removable strap options, thus allowing the wearer to change decorations easily and inexpensively.

Abstract: Described is a fencing ornament that is easily installed and removable. A fencing ornament to be secured to a fence structure includes first and second parallel elongate members and a cross member. The fencing ornament comprises a body portion having first, second, third, and fourth side members, and ornamentation within the body portion. Resilient first and second locking members are received in first and second recesses in the third side member adjacent ends thereof. A lug is provided on the fourth side member. Protrusions provided on each of the first and second locking members are moveable by compressing the locking member such that the lug is received in a hole in the cross member and the protrusions are received in a holes in the elongate members.

Abstract: A beam (20) comprising first and second flanges (23, 24), the beam (20) having a first region (28, 30) extending between the flanges (23, 24) and a second region (26) extending between the flanges. The first region (28, 30) is designed to support an applied concentrated shear load and the second region (26) is designed to support a predominantly bending load. The first region comprises a fan-shaped truss comprising a hub (36) adjacent the first flange and a plurality of struts (37) which extend substantially radially from the hub (36), and the second region (26) comprises either a truss structure which is substantially regular in the longitudinal beam direction or a shear web. The beam may, for example, be used as a floor beam for an aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: A folded sheet panel assembly includes a gap formed in a corner region which is filled with a corner insert member. A retention clip is attached to the corner insert to retain the corner insert once installed in the gap. The retention clip includes outwardly flaring wing portions which press upon inner surfaces of the sheet panel to fix the installed position of the corner insert. The corner insert includes a locking device which engages a surface of the retention clip to limit or prevent movement of the corner insert relative to the retention clip.

Abstract: A decorative cover for therapeutic mats comprising a rectangular fabric piece having four straps, each strap attached at one end proximal to one side of a corner with the other end attached proximal to the other side of the corner is presented. Another cover embodiment is a rectangular fabric piece having pockets formed by a second piece of fabric on each short side of the device. A third embodiment is a rectangular fabric piece having pockets formed by a second piece of fabric on each corner of the device.

Abstract: A self-sticking fabric structure includes loop-like fabric structure, which is fabricated by the yarns of the conjugate fiber and split thereafter to recover smaller fibers, substantially all of the fibers forming loop-like fastening elements between the intersection of interlacing or interlooping, and a hook fabric structure, which is fabricated by the yarns of staple fibers for enabling the ends of the staple fibers to protrude over the surface of the fabric and to form a layer of fiber flock type hook-like fastening elements. The fabrication of the self-sticking fabric does not require any further brushing or pile-raising processing process, saving the manufacturing cost, reducing the fabric thickness, and widening the application of the fabric.

Abstract: A vapor retarder system includes a vapor retarder sheet. At least one and typically a plurality of parallel spaced-apart tie-straps are located adjacent an inner surface of the sheet, and the tie-strap extend across a width of the sheet and are connected to the sheet at multiple connection locations that are spaced from each other along a length of the tie strap. The sheet includes drape regions where the sheet is disconnected from the tie straps between successive connection locations. The tie-straps and drape regions ensure that the vapor retarder sheet is installed over roof purlins with the proper drape between the purlins to obtain the required insulation R-values. A fall-protection net or sheet can also be constructed and/or installed in the same manner.

Abstract: A set of pads, such as rubber pads, can be used with an extension ladder to reduce slipping and prevent damage to the structure on which it is placed. The rubber pads can be attached to the side rails of the extension ladder at a predetermined height. When the ladder is placed against an eave or gutter of the structure, the rubber pads provide a slip resistant protective barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel comprising a carrier layer, a wear layer made of a soft/resilient material, and at least two opposite pairs of locking edges, where at least the locking edges of one pair are designed as form-fitting edges and in such a way that two floor panels can be connected by means of these formfitting edges, and where the form-fitting edges each display a horizontal locking surface which, in connected state, together counteract separation of the floor panels in a direction lying in the floor plane and perpendicular to the form-fitting edges, where each form-fitting edge displays a joint-sealing area in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer, and where the horizontal locking surfaces and the joint-sealing areas are coordinated in such a way that, in connected state of two floor panels, initial compression of the joint-sealing areas against each other can be produced and, as a result, a tightly sealed joint in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer.

Abstract: Shields that attenuate ionizing radiation (e.g., x-rays, gamma rays, etc.) include outer layers that minimize soiling. Removable shells that minimize soiling of shields for attenuating ionizing radiation are also disclosed. The soil-minimizing outer layers and shells may be formed from materials that resist soiling, that counteract soiling, or from which soiling may be readily removed. Methods for minimizing soiling of radio-opaque shields are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aligned carbon nanotube-polymer composite materials, systems and methods include a substrate that carries an adhesive coating thereon. A plurality of carbon nanostructures are adhered to the substrate by the adhesive coating, such that the nanostructures are formed into a predetermined architecture, such that the architecture of the nanostructures defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanostructures, and defies the approximate spacing between the nanostructures and/or groups of nanostructures. The adherence of the carbon nanostructures in the adhesive coating stabilizes the predetermined architecture of the nanostructures, such that the architecture renders the composite material superhydrophobic.

Abstract: A flexible, breathable, stretchable fabric laminate is formed from two knit pile fabrics, one having exposed hook-engageable fiber loops and the other providing a skin contact surface. The grounds of both knits include elastomeric yarns, and the fabrics are bonded together at their technical faces, with adhesive in contact with both pile yarns and elastomeric ground yarns of each knit fabric but covering only portions of the laminate to leave other portions air-permeable.

Abstract: A composite article may comprise a plurality of fibers. Each one of the fibers may have upper, lower and side surfaces. The fibers may be embedded within a matrix. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces of at least one of the fibers may include a notch region and a pair of side regions on opposite sides of the notch region. The plurality of fibers may be arranged in layers. At least one of the fibers of one of the layers may be received within the notch region of at least one of the fibers of another one of the layers.

Abstract: A bath spout cover is provided that includes a body structure having an upper portion, two opposing side portions, and a front portion; a receiving area defined between the upper portion, the two opposing side portions, and the front portion; a strap spanning the two opposing side portions, said strap being adjustable on at least one of the side portions of the body structure; and at least one aperture defined by one of the side portions of the body structure, said aperture for receiving an end of the strap. Further provided are methods for securing a bath spout cover to a bath spout.

Abstract: A decorative object to be decorative may include a first section having a first body member and a first neck member, a second section having a second body member and a second neck member being connected to the first section, a third section having a third body member and a third neck member being connected to the first section. The first section may be looped and the second section may be looped over the first section. The third section may be looped over the second section. The first section may include a hanging extending projection to hang the decorative object.

Abstract: A functional element having a head part with a flange and a section projecting away from a first side of the flange which is punching into a sheet metal part without piercing the sheet metal part and also having a shaft part with a longitudinal axis which satisfies a function and which projects away from the side from the flange opposite to the first side. The flange and the section are arranged at least substantially coaxial to the shaft part, with the section, which is formed as a hollow cylinder having ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal direction at its outer jacket surface. At the inner side the section has a diverging truncated cone shape which substantially runs out at the free end, with the truncated cone shape serving for the dilation of the section during punching into the sheet metal part. A component assembly and a method of manufacturing it are also claimed.

Abstract: An interlockable floor construction runner provides temporary protection of floor surfaces. The runner utilizes interlockable structures to reduce hazardous bunching, slipping, or other unintended movement of the runner structure. The floor runner structure includes a runner having a first end, a second end, a first layer and a second layer. A first fastener is coupled to the first layer proximate the first end of the runner. A second fastener is coupled to the second layer proximate the second end of the runner. The second fastener is complimentary to the first fastener such that the second fastener is selectively couplable to an adjacently positioned first fastener of a second runner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hook and loop fastener element having an electrically non-conductive carrier (4), preferably made of a plastic material, defining a gripping surface (6) from which gripping elements (8) extend that can engage with counter-elements for forming a hook and loop closure, at least one electrical conductor (14) being present within the gripping surface (6), characterized in that the carrier is provided in the form of a carrier band defining a longitudinal axis, and that said band is wrapped by the at least one conductor over at least part of the length thereof.

Abstract: A reusable decal system for use with building bricks, toys, and accessories made of plastic or other similar substance, which includes flexible cling decals and a non-porous backing sheet and a system for customizably designing and printing images on the cling decals. The cling decals are cut in a plurality of shapes and printed with a plurality of designs as to form windows, doors, signs, vehicle parts, animals, people, letters, numbers and symbols for the purpose of creating customized play sets, building brick creations, toys, and accessories. In use, the cling decals are peeled from a backing sheet and applied to the plastic building bricks, toys, or accessories in a variety of configurations. The cling decals can be reused in different or changed plastic building brick creations, other plastic toys, or other plastic accessories.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing products made of composite materials is disclosed which includes the steps: screwing at least one insert provided with a threaded hole on the outer thread of at least one pin partially inserted in a removable manner in a mould; arranging on the mould one or more fiber layers provided with at least one opening in which the insert is arranged; curing resin with the layers arranged on the mould, so as to obtain a product made of a composite material which incorporates the insert and the layers; rotating the pin in the insert for removing it from the mould. The present invention also relates to a mould, devices and a kit which can be employed for carrying out the process, as well as to products manufactured with this process and/or these means.

Abstract: Provided is a composite material structure enabled to be reduced in weight. The composite material structure includes a front section (3a) extending in one direction and formed as a composite material made of fiber reinforced plastics, a rear section (3c) separated from the front section (3a) by a predetermined space, extending in the one direction, and formed as a composite material made of fiber reinforced plastics, and access panels (5) provided between the front section (3a) and the rear section (3c) and having a dimension in the one direction shorter than the front section (3a) and the rear section (3c). The access panels (5) are fixed to the front section (3a) and the rear section (3c) in an orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the one direction and set to be displaceable in the one direction and are removable.

Abstract: A decorative floor tile including at least one decorative layer and a backing layer having an array of resilient annular projections. Each annular projection includes a concave top surface, an outside wall surface, and an inside wall surface. The inside wall surface defines a central, blind passageway area. When the decorative floor tile is installed over an underlying surface, and pressure is applied to the decorative floor tile, a vacuum is created within the blind passageway and the underlying surface. The vacuum increases the amount of frictional drag between the surface covering and the underlying surface, and thus allows the surface covering to remain in place without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A molded male surface fastener includes resin invasion preventing walls, which prevent an invasion of a molding foamable resin material of a cushion body, on right and left edge portions along a longitudinal direction of a surface of a flat base member made of a thermoplastic resin, a plurality of engaging elements provided between left and right resin invasion preventing walls, and a linear sealing body that is continuously disposed in the longitudinal direction of the base member along a peripheral portion of a top portion of each resin invasion preventing wall. When an engaging element forming surface of the surface fastener is placed on a concavo-convex surface of foaming body molding cavities of a foaming mold, if the mold has the same magnetic force as that in the related art, the linear sealing body is well adhered along the concavo-convex surface.

Abstract: A zipper assembly is described wherein the facing tapes having interlocking teeth along facing edges each have a plurality of eyelets distributed longitudinally therein. The eyelets permit the receipt of zip ties therethrough for securing the assembly to an opening in a net. When installed a user may selectively open and close the opening by zipping and unzipping the zipper assembly.

Abstract: A complex, three-dimensional lattice made of previously impregnated fiber strands is laid over nodes, thus forming the main body of the component to be produced. The composite wound rod structure, comprising a skeleton of ribs that are formed of impregnated fiber strands in a continuous winding and laying process, is characterized in that the ribs are solid ribs, or lattice structure ribs prefabricated from fiber strands, which contain nodes, over which the impregnated fiber strands are alternately, and incrementally, placed diagonally, horizontally and vertically, until the desired strand thickness has been reached, and the wound rod structure can be segmented as needed. The solid ribs are made of fiber composites, aluminum, or other lightweight materials.

Abstract: An exemplary reinforcement includes a carrier having an array of cylinders. The carrier is configured to be disposed in a structure, and each of the cylinders defines an axis aligned with a structural load applied to the structure. The axes defined by the cylinders are parallel to one another and define a plane. A bonding material is disposed on the carrier and is configured to connect the carrier to the structure.

Abstract: A mounting system and method to elastically attach an object to a support structure with an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane allows the object attached thereto to elastically extend in a direction away from the support structure as force is exerted on the object. The elastic membrane includes two surface areas, the first surface area extending peripherally along a perimeter a bottom surface of the elastic membrane and a remaining second surface area. The first surface area being thermally bonded to the support structure, while the second surface area remaining separable from the support structure.

Abstract: A wear-resistant assembly, including: a surface; a base; and a plurality of wear-resistant attachments removably coupled to the base, each of the plurality of wear-resistant attachments including an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion of each of the plurality of wear-resistant attachments is coupled to the outer portion of at least one other wear-resistant attachment so that a plurality of coupled wear-resistant attachments include a substantially continuous surface, the substantially continuous surface including at least a portion of the surface of the wear-resistant assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a fastening strap for used in a foam article.

Abstract: A protective sheathing apparatus comprising an elongated flexible member, first fastening elements, second fastening elements, an attachment section, and one or more third fastening elements is provided. The first fastening elements and the second fastening elements are affixed in proximity to a first lengthwise edge and a second lengthwise edge of the elongated flexible member respectively. The affixed second fastening elements detachably engage with the affixed first fastening elements for defining a generally cylindrical lengthwise channel within the elongated flexible member for accommodating one or more longitudinal objects. The attachment section is attached to and extends outwardly from a first widthwise edge and/or a second widthwise edge of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable engagement with another protective sheathing apparatus.

Abstract: A corner plate for connecting pieces of duct that facilitates automatic feeding and provides horizontal stack stabilization. The corner plate includes sled features that provide regular and even vertical spacing when stacked. The sled features also interact with an adjacent corner plate allowing motion in a feed direction to facilitate automatic feeding while resisting lateral motion in a non-feeding direction to stabilize the stack of corner plates in a horizontal direction. The corner plate also includes tabs that prevent nesting and facilitate automatic feeding.

Abstract: A step mat and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a fabric material; averaging tension of the fabric material by stretching; increasing a density of the fabric material by pressing; removing water from the fabric material by thermal illumination; providing a middle layer material; applying a layer of a colloid paste onto the middle layer material to adhere the middle layer material to the fabric material; foaming the colloid paste by thermal baking; cooling the colloid paste, which is foamed by the thermal baking, together with the middle layer material and the fabric material, so that a layer of a glue pad covered with the middle layer material is formed on the fabric material; pressing the glue pad and fabric material to perform thickness correction and form a semi-facture of the step mat; and combining suckers with the glue pad.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: A protective film including at least one surface which serves as a protective barrier that releaseably covers at least a portion of an object.

Abstract: A woven tape for a slide fastener comprising an element mounting portion and a tape main portion, wherein the tape portion includes warp having a fineness of 30-100 dTex and a weaving density of 100-220 yarns/inch (2.54 cm), weft having a fineness of 60-180 dTex and a weaving density of 30-80 yarns/inch (2.54 cm), and a ratio of the number of yarns in the warp constituting a plain weave structure to the total number of yarns in the warp in the tape main portion is at least 40%. The woven tape for a slide fastener has a low weight and yet a high strength.

Abstract: A folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached. A first pivotal support brace includes a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace includes a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. In addition, the support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, and each support leg of the first and second support pedestals may be laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A panel assembly comprising: a panel (11); a stiffener (12) having a foot (12a), an upstanding web (12b) and a run-out region at one end; and a fitting (13), wherein the stiffener foot is bonded to the panel, and wherein the fitting is attached to the stiffener web and to the panel outboard of the end of the stiffener foot. The outboard end of the web may overhang an outboard end of the foot in the run-out region, of the stiffener.

Abstract: Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such gear has reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict fishing gear has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use gear that will lose the ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating a degradable apparatus into such gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable components are described herein.

Abstract: Certain embodiments utilize carpet tiles of varying sizes and/or shapes that are connected together using connectors to form a carpet tile installation. In some instances, the carpet tiles used in the carpet tile installation have different colors, patterns, shapes, and/or styles. In some embodiments, carpet tiles of a standard size and shape, such as one-half square meter carpet tiles, are partitioned into carpet tile fractions. In certain embodiments, these carpet tile fractions are used in conjunction with larger carpet tiles in a carpet tile installation. In other embodiments, these carpet tile fractions may be connected to other carpet tile fractions to form a combination carpet tile that is then used in a carpet tile installation. Among other things, the use of different sized and/or shaped carpet tiles increases the randomness or diversity and/or improves other aspects of the appearance of the floor coverings formed by the carpet tile installations.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, selectively attachable under-bezel tabs include an adhering portion and a securing portion. An adhesive may be used to secure the adhering portion adjacent the edge of a display cover. The securing portion may be secured between a display surface and a display bezel. Accordingly, one or more under-bezel tabs may be adhered to a display cover in order to secure the display cover in front of a display. The display cover may be configured to protect or enhance the display. For example, a display cover may be configured to reduce glare or provide a privacy screen. The selectively attachable under-bezel tabs may be adhered to any of a wide variety of universal display covers, thereby adapting the universal display cover for use with displays configured with slotted bezels adapted to receive specialized display covers.

Abstract: A protective bumper device for attachment to an upright member, the device including a flexible base having a first surface for receipt against an upright member and an opposing second surface carries at least one elongated bumper member having a first end and a second end. An aperture extends through the elongated bumper member from the first end to the second end. A strap member extends through the aperture a first end and a second end extending beyond the ends of the elongated bumper member. A fastening mechanism including an engagement element and a complemental engagement element is attached to the ends of the strap member for releasable engagement.

Abstract: A strap for fastening an accessory to a photographic flash unit may have a stretchable substrate; an outer fastener strip attached to the stretchable substrate, the outer fastener strip having one of hook fastener material and loop fastener material; and an inner fastener strip attached to the stretchable substrate, the inner fastener strip having the other of hook fastener material and loop fastener material; wherein the outer fastener strip has at least one slack region having an amount of slack when the stretchable substrate is in an undeflected condition.

Abstract: In order to ensure that upon destruction of a brittle article, in particular such as a ceramics element in the form of a frame receiving an apparatus, if possible no free fragments at all become detached therefrom, according to the invention the frame itself or a plate that is integrally moulded therewith and extends over the frame opening remote from view behind the apparatus is non-positively or positively connected at discrete points or in continuous segments in different regions to a connecting part injection-moulded from tough-elastic material. In turn, the connecting part can simultaneously be configured for detachably fastening the ceramics element to the apparatus or to an alternative construction part.

Abstract: A structured film of a semi-crystalline polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent is disclosed. The structured film has a backing and upstanding posts attached to the backing. At least a portion of the film typically includes beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the backing is microporous while the upstanding posts have lower porosity. A method of making a structured film is also disclosed. The method includes extruding a melt of a polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent in the presence of a tool to provide the structured film having upstanding posts on a backing and cooling at least a portion of the structured film to a temperature sufficient to form beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the method further includes stretching the structured film containing beta-spherulites to provide micropores in the backing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adhesive decal for use with the facemasks of helmets. The adhesive decal is capable of adhering to at least one of a plurality of posts that make up the facemasks. The sides of the adhesive decal are cut to form a series of repeated patterns. The cut of the adhesive decals allows the decal to adhere to the circumference of the posts without causing or significantly reducing any dimpling or puckering of the adhesive decal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for applying weight to a table linen to make it less susceptible of blowing in windy environments. In one embodiment, a bead chain is placed within one or more hems on the perimeter of the linen.