In at least some aspects, an auxetic structure includes a first sheet defining therein a plurality of a plurality of structural elements projecting from the first sheet, the plurality of structural elements being arranged to provide a negative Poisson's ratio, and a second sheet disposed adjacent the first sheet to define a first internal cavity between the first sheet and the second sheet. In yet other aspects, one or more additional sheets may be advantageously provided to provide a multi-layered structure having auxetic properties.

Apparatus and methods for forming three dimensional structures from a sheet of material of a desired medium are described. Examples described include an apparatus for folding a sheet of material to create a folded structure, the apparatus having a first and second array of creasing elements, and at least one actuator for causing relative movement of the first and second array of creasing elements from a first position to a second position.

Shipping pallets 10 that may be constructed, at least in part, from structural members 100 that are largely fabricated from paper and paper based materials are disclosed. One or more of the structural members 100 may include a wrapper 60 secured in tension to a core 20. The core 20 may include one or more laminated fiberboard sheets 40. Because of the use of paper and paper based materials, the one or more aspects of shipping pallets 10 in accordance with the present inventions may be recycled.

The aim of the invention is to shape a flat web material (12) into a constant three-dimensional structure with a plurality of folds along differently oriented folding lines and with elevations and depressions. This is achieved in that the flat web material is inserted between a lower holding die (20b) and an upper holding die (20a), which are largely flat, consist of a flat material, and have pre-shaped bending lines that lie over one another in a precise manner when lying against the flat web material. A lower (30b) and an upper molding die (30a) are then guided thereto and brought into position, said molding dies consisting of a flat material with specified folding lines which oppose one another in a precise manner. The molding dies (30a, 30b) have a shape corresponding to the three-dimensional structure to be produced, and the molding die folding lines oriented towards the holding dies or pointing towards the holding dies match the bending lines of the holding dies, wherein the folding lines can lie against the holding dies.

Expandable layered product are presented including: a first layer including, a first number of support tabs each defined by a continuous cut, where each of the first number of support tabs include a fold-line disposed along a longitudinal edge of the support tab, and where each of the first number of support tabs includes attachment points disposed along each end of the number of support tabs on a top surface of the first layer; and a second layer including, a second number of support tabs each defined by a continuous cut, where each of the second number of support tabs includes a second fold-line disposed along a longitudinal edge of the support tab, where each of the second number of support tabs includes attachment points along each end of the support tab on a bottom surface of the second layer.