03.30.04
A patent has been issued for a bonded composite uased as a first thin-section element, a first layer of thin-section sheet material and a second thin-section element bonded to the first thin-section element by bonds defining a tear-resistant bond pattern. The tear-resistant bond pattern has a length represented by the first and second ends and a width represented by first and second side edges of the bond pattern. The bond pattern forms an array of separate, and longitudinally spaced, interlocking arcuate bond elements affixed to the first and second thin-section elements to each other. Each bond element, away from the first and second ends, operates as a leading bond element with respect to the bond element next to the second end. Each operates as a trailing bond element with the bond element next to the first end. Each bond element, away from the first and second ends, has corresponding leading and trailing ends that interlock by the trailing end of a leading bond element trailing a leading end of the respective trailing bond element. Each bond element has spaced first and second end portions that correspond to the leading and trailing ends and an arcuate intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. Portions of the arcuate intermediate portions of selected bond elements are disposed toward the respective first and second side edges of the bond pattern, and all of the ends of the respective bond elements are disposed inwardly of the side edges.