An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure may also prevent any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber that is substantially impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.

A fencing material includes a border material including a first polymer and having an interior surface; and a mesh material having a front and a back, a portion of at least one of the front and the back being bonded to the interior surface of the border material.

An insulated cooler comprises a body and a lid at least partially connected to the body, where each is comprised of soft thermoplastic material. The body includes a base comprising rigid plastic connected to the body via a first thermoplastic sealing strip heat welded to the bottom edges of the body, and sewn to top edges of the base. The lid includes a top comprising rigid plastic connected to top edges of the lid via a second thermoplastic sealing strip heat welded to the top edges of the lid, and sewn to bottom edges of the top. The cooler also includes a waterproof liner disposed along inner surfaces of the body and the lid, insulation disposed between the liner and the body and lid, and a zipper closing the lid to the body. A method of manufacturing an insulated cooler is also disclosed. This is helpful for transporting cooler conveniently and increasing the capabilities of the cooler.

An insulated cooler comprises a body and a lid at least partially connected to the body, where each is comprised of soft thermoplastic material. The body includes a base comprising rigid plastic connected to the body via a first thermoplastic sealing strip heat welded to the bottom edges of the body, and sewn to top edges of the base. The lid includes a top comprising rigid plastic connected to top edges of the lid via a second thermoplastic sealing strip heat welded to the top edges of the lid, and sewn to bottom edges of the top. The cooler also includes a waterproof liner disposed along inner surfaces of the body and the lid, insulation disposed between the liner and the body and lid, and a zipper closing the lid to the body. A method of manufacturing an insulated cooler is also disclosed. This is helpful for transporting cooler conveniently and increasing the capabilities of the cooler.

A fiber preform for use in a composite material molding process is provided that includes a fiber bundle containing reinforcing fibers. The fiber bundle arranged in parallel switchbacks forming a first layer of the fiber preform. The parallel switchbacks define a principal orientation. A roving is provided that contains reinforcing fibers in a coating. The roving forms stitches on the fiber bundle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the switchbacks so the stitches join the fiber bundle to itself. A method of forming such a fiber preform includes the fiber bundle in the parallel switchbacks being arranged to form the first layer of the fiber preform. The roving forms stitches on the fiber bundle in a direction perpendicular to the switchbacks to join the fiber bundle to itself.

A fiber preform for use in a composite material molding process is provided that includes a fiber bundle containing reinforcing fibers. The fiber bundle arranged in parallel switchbacks forming a first layer of the fiber preform. The parallel switchbacks define a principal orientation. A roving is provided that contains reinforcing fibers in a coating. The roving forms stitches on the fiber bundle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the switchbacks so the stitches join the fiber bundle to itself. A method of forming such a fiber preform includes the fiber bundle in the parallel switchbacks being arranged to form the first layer of the fiber preform. The roving forms stitches on the fiber bundle in a direction perpendicular to the switchbacks to join the fiber bundle to itself.

An addition to additive manufacturing sews a number of printed substrate sheets together using industrial sewing machine technology. Portions of the final 3D object that will be solid are sewn together into bundles of the object with a needle protruding through the top of the bundle via a sewing machine with a looping mechanism connecting the thread loops under each bundle of printed substrate sheet layers. This will result in many well connected stack bundles that are then stacked in alignment to form the final stack. During heat and compression, the stitch thread may bunch together and become entangled with the cooled plastic of the final solid 3D object. Removal of the excess substrate may proceed as usual, since the sewing is applied only in the solid portions of the final object. The end result will be a part with much higher strength in the Z axis.

An addition to additive manufacturing sews a number of printed substrate sheets together using industrial sewing machine technology. Portions of the final 3D object that will be solid are sewn together into bundles of the object with a needle protruding through the top of the bundle via a sewing machine with a looping mechanism connecting the thread loops under each bundle of printed substrate sheet layers. This will result in many well connected stack bundles that are then stacked in alignment to form the final stack. During heat and compression, the stitch thread may bunch together and become entangled with the cooled plastic of the final solid 3D object. Removal of the excess substrate may proceed as usual, since the sewing is applied only in the solid portions of the final object. The end result will be a part with much higher strength in the Z axis.

The invention relates to a method by which stitch openings in the area of a seam in a plastic skin (10), in particular a PVC or TPU skin, are sealed, said PVC or TPU skin being provided for a foamed part. Foamed parts of this type are used especially as interior fitting parts, e.g. as a dashboard, in the field of automobile manufacturing. The invention further relates to a PVC or TPU skin comprising a seam of said type.

A composite structure is fabricated using a preform comprising a stack of unidirectional prepreg plies that are stitched together. During curing of the prepreg, the stitches melt and dissolve.