Patent Publication Number: US-2018043654-A1

Title: Single foil ribbed sheet, method and apparatus of making same and products produced therewith

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/375,229, filed Aug. 15, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to pre-fabricated, rigid or semi-rigid opposing-foil panels, and more specifically to apparatuses and methods for processing such panels to form ribbed sheets and products produced therewith. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional opposing-foil panels are used to construct various panel products including, for example, collapsible container sleeves for shipping and/or storage of one or more items, single and multi-cell partitions and other panel products. Some such panels may be extruded and include a number of integral, spaced-apart and typically elongated structures interconnecting the opposing foils, wherein the opposing foils and the interconnecting structures are of unitary construction. Other such panels may include a separate, inner foil laminated to and between the opposing foils, wherein the inner foil is typically shaped into a number of spaced-apart interconnecting structures alternatingly affixed to the inner surfaces of the opposing foils. 
     Due, at least in part, to their construction and/or various physical properties, conventional opposing-foil panels are ill-suited for some applications, and in others such panels typically require additional, costly processing and/or fabrication to produce suitable panel products. It is desirable to expand the range of panel products for which conventional opposing-foil panels may be used and/or to reduce the cost, additional processing and/or additional fabrication typically required in order to produce existing panel products. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recited in the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. In a first example aspect, a method for making single-foil ribbed sheets may comprise providing an opposed-foil panel having first and second spaced apart planar foils and a plurality of support members affixed to and between opposed interior surfaces of the spaced apart first and second planar foils such that the plurality of support members define a height between the opposed interior surfaces, positioning at least one of the opposed-foil panel and a cutting tool, including a blade defining a cutting edge, relative to the other such that at least a portion of the blade extends along a blade plane parallel with planes defined by the first and second planar foils and passing through the plurality of support members or an interface between the plurality of support members and one of the first and second planar foils, and moving at least one of the cutting tool and the opposed-foil panel such that the cutting edge of the blade passes through the blade plane to produce at least one single-foil ribbed sheet including one of the first and second planar foils and at least a portion of the height of the support members extending away from the interior surface thereof. 
     A second example aspect includes the subject matter of the first example aspect, and wherein the positioning step comprises positioning the at least one of the opposed-foil panel the cutting tool relative to each other such that the blade plane passes through the interface between the plurality of support members and the second planar foil, and moving the at least one of the cutting tool and the opposed-foil panel produces a single-foil ribbed sheet including the first planar foil and all or most of the height of the plurality of support members extending away from the interior surface thereof. 
     A third example aspect includes the subject matter of the first example aspect, and wherein the positioning step comprises positioning the at least one of the opposed-foil panel and the cutting tool relative to the other such that the blade plane passes through the plurality of support members between the first and second planar foils, and moving the at least one of the cutting tool and the opposed-foil panel produces two single-foil ribbed sheets each including one of the first and second planar foils and at least a portion of the height of the support members extending away from the interior surface thereof. 
     A fourth example aspect includes the subject matter of either of any of the first through third example aspects, and wherein the portion of the blade that extends along the blade plane spans the opposed-foil panel, and moving the at least one of the cutting tool and the opposed-foil panel produces the at least one single-foil ribbed sheet in a single pass of the blade through the blade plane. 
     A fifth example aspect includes the subject matter of either of any of the first through fourth example aspects, and wherein the plurality of support members extend in a machine direction along and between the interior surfaces of the first and second planar foils and are spaced apart along a cross-machine direction normal to the machine direction, and wherein the positioning step comprises positioning the at least one of the opposed-foil panel and the cutting tool relative to the other such that moving the at least one of the cutting tool and the opposed-foil panel causes the at least one of the cutting tool and the opposed-foil panel to move toward the other along the machine direction, and wherein the method further comprises driving the cutting edge of the blade along the blade plane in the cross-machine direction as the cutting edge of the blade passes through the blade plane along the machine direction to produce the at least one single-foil ribbed sheet. 
     In a sixth example aspect, a single-foil ribbed sheet product may comprise a single-foil ribbed sheet formed from an opposed-foil panel having first and second spaced apart planar foils and a plurality of support members affixed to and defining a height between opposed interior surfaces of the spaced apart first and second planar foils, by severing at least the second planar foil from the opposed-foil panel along a plane parallel with a plane defined by the first and second planar foils to produce the single-foil ribbed sheet comprising the first planar foil and some or all of the height of the plurality of support members extending away from the interior surface thereof, and a product made from one or more of the single-foil ribbed sheet. 
     A seventh example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixth example aspect, and wherein the plurality of support members of the single-foil ribbed sheet comprises a plurality of elongated support members extending in a first direction along the interior surface of the first planar foil and spaced apart along a second direction normal to the first direction, and wherein the product is a fluid directing apparatus comprising a body defining a surface with an exterior surface, opposite the interior surface, of the first planar foil mounted thereto such that the some or all of the height of the plurality of support members extending away from the interior surface of the first planar foil define elongated channels between the spaced apart support members to direct fluid flow therethrough along the surface of the body. 
     An eighth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixth example aspect, and wherein the plurality of support members of the single-foil ribbed sheet comprises a plurality of elongated support members extending in a first direction along the interior surface of the first planar foil and spaced apart along a second direction normal to the first direction, each of the plurality of support members extending away from the interior surface of the first planar foil to an exposed terminal surface, and wherein the product is a fluid directing apparatus comprising a body defining a surface with the exposed terminal surfaces of the plurality of elongated support members mounted thereto to define elongated, closed channels between the spaced apart support members, the interior surface of the first planar foil and the surface of the body to direct fluid flow therethrough. 
     A ninth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixth example aspect, and wherein the first planar foil is a flexible planar foil and each of the plurality of support members extend away from the interior surface of the flexible planar foil to an exposed terminal surface, and wherein the product is a flexible packing mat for protecting a cylindrical object during shipping or storage, the flexible packing mat comprising the flexible planar foil sized to wrap about the cylindrical object with the exposed terminal surfaces of the plurality of support members in contact with the cylindrical object such that the flexible planar foil is spaced apart from the cylindrical object by the plurality of support members. 
     A tenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the ninth example aspect, and wherein the flexible planar foil of the flexible packing mat defines a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the first and second sides are joined together at least partially along a length thereof with the flexible packing mat wrapped about the cylindrical object to secure the flexible packing mat about the cylindrical object. 
     An eleventh example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixth example aspect, and wherein the opposed-foil panel from which the single-foil ribbed sheet is formed is made of plastic, and wherein the first planar foil is a flexible planar foil and each of the plurality of support members extend away from the interior surface of the flexible planar foil and wherein the product is a supportable divider for separating items during shipping or storage, the supportable divider comprising the single-foil ribbed sheet folded along a fold line defined along the flexible planar foil to produce opposing flaps on either side of the fold line with each flap having an interior surface defined by the interior surface of a respective portion of the flexible planar foil defining the flap and with the interior surfaces of the opposing flaps facing each other, the interior surfaces of the opposing flaps thermally bonded together at one or more locations leaving an opening adjacent to and along the fold line which extends completely through the folded, single-foil ribbed sheet, the opening sized to receive an elongated support member therethrough for supporting the supportable divider. 
     A twelfth example aspect includes the subject matter of the eleventh example aspect, and wherein the plurality of support members of the single-foil ribbed sheet comprises a plurality of elongated support members extending in a first direction along the interior surface of the first planar foil and spaced apart along a second direction normal to the first direction. 
     A thirteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of either of the eleventh and twelfth example aspects, and wherein the opposing flaps are pressed together in contact at one or more locations thereof such that the plurality of support members extending away from the interior surfaces of each flap interdigitate, the opposing flaps thermally bonded together at the one or more locations by thermally bonding at least corresponding ones of the plurality of interdigitated support members at the one or more locations to the interior surfaces of the opposing flaps. 
     A fourteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the eleventh through thirteenth example aspects, and wherein a length of the divider is defined by cutting opposing ends of the single-foil panel, after folding the single-foil ribbed sheet along the fold line, with a cutting tool which generates sufficient heat during cutting of the opposed flaps together to thermally bond the opposed flaps along at least portions of opposing ends thereof. 
     A fifteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the eleventh through fourteenth example aspects, and further comprising the elongated support member extending through the opening of the supportable divider, the elongated support member supportable at either end thereof or at or near the opposing sides of the divider such that the supportable divider is suspended by the elongated support member. 
     A sixteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixth example aspect, and wherein the opposed-foil panel from which the single-foil ribbed sheet is formed is made of plastic, and wherein the first planar foil is a flexible planar foil and each of the plurality of support members extend away from the interior surface of the flexible planar foil, and wherein the product is an object storage or transport sleeve for supporting items during shipping or storage, the sleeve comprising the single-foil ribbed sheet folded along a first fold line defined along the flexible planar foil and along a second fold line defined along the flexible planar foil and parallel with and spaced apart from the first fold line to form a first flap between the first fold line and one end of the single-foil ribbed sheet and a second flap between the second fold line and an opposite end of the single-foil ribbed sheet, the first flap having an interior surface defined by the interior surface of a portion of the flexible planar foil defining the first flap, the second flap having an interior surface defined by the interior surface of a portion of the flexible planar foil defining the second flap, and with the interior surface of the first flap facing a first portion of the interior surface of the flexible planar foil between the first and second fold lines and the interior surface of the second flap facing a second portion of the interior surface of the flexible planar foil between the first and second fold lines adjacent to the first portion of the interior surface of the flexible planar foil, the interior surfaces of the first flap and the first portion of the flexible planar foil thermally bonded together at one or more locations leaving a first opening adjacent to and along the first fold line which extends completely through the folded single-foil ribbed sheet, the first opening sized to receive a first elongated support member therethrough for supporting the object storage or transport sleeve, and the interior surfaces of the second flap and the second portion of the flexible planar foil thermally bonded together at one or more locations leaving a second opening adjacent to and along the second fold line which extends completely through the folded, single-foil ribbed sheet, the second opening sized to receive a second elongated support member therethrough for supporting the object storage or transport sleeve. 
     A seventeenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixteenth example aspect, and further comprising the first and second elongated support members each extending through a corresponding one of the first and second openings of the object storage or transport sleeve, each of the pair of elongated support members supportable at either end thereof or at or near the opposing sides of the sleeve such that the sleeve is suspended by the pair of elongated support members. 
     An eighteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of either of the sixteenth or seventeenth example aspects, and wherein the first flap and the first portion of the flexible planar foil are pressed together in contact at one or more locations thereof such that the plurality of support members extending away from the interior surfaces thereof interdigitate, the first flap and the first portion of the flexible planar foil thermally bonded together at one or more first locations by thermally bonding at least corresponding ones of the plurality of interdigitated support members at the one or more first locations to the interior surfaces of the first flap and the first portion of the flexible planar foil, and wherein the second flap and the second portion of the flexible planar foil are pressed together in contact at one or more locations thereof such that the plurality of support members extending away from the interior surfaces thereof interdigitate, the second flap and the second portion of the flexible planar foil thermally bonded together at one or more second locations by thermally bonding at least corresponding ones of the plurality of interdigitated support members at the one or more second locations to the interior surfaces of the second flap and the second portion of the flexible planar foil. 
     A nineteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixth example aspect, and wherein the opposed-foil panel from which the single-foil ribbed sheet is formed is made of plastic, and wherein the first planar foil is a flexible planar foil and each of the plurality of support members extend away from the interior surface of the flexible planar foil, and wherein the product is a partition structure for separating items during shipping or storage, the partition structure comprising a first single-foil ribbed sheet folded along a first fold line to produce opposing first flaps on either side of the first fold line with each first flap having an interior surface defined by the interior surface of a respective portion of the flexible planar foil defining the first flap and with the interior surfaces of the opposing first flaps facing each other, the first single-foil ribbed sheet defining an opening therethrough adjacent to the first fold line and a first slot therethrough aligned with and extending toward the opening from opposed free ends of the opposing first flaps, and a second single-foil ribbed sheet folded along a second fold line to produce second opposing flaps on either side of the second fold line with each second flap having an interior surface defined by the interior surface of a respective portion of the flexible planar foil defining the second flap and with the interior surfaces of the opposing second flaps facing each other, the second single-foil ribbed sheet defining a second slot therethrough extending through and from the second fold line toward the opposed free ends of the opposing second flaps, wherein the second slot of the second single-foil ribbed sheet is received within the first slot of first single-foil ribbed sheet such that the opening through the first single-foil ribbed sheet aligns with the interior surfaces of the opposed second flaps of the second single-foil ribbed sheet adjacent to the second fold line, the opening sized to receive therethrough, and also along and within the aligned second single-foil ribbed sheet adjacent to the second fold line, an elongated support member for supporting the partition. 
     A twentieth example aspect includes the subject matter of the nineteenth example aspect, and wherein at least one of the first opposing flaps and the second opposing flaps are not attached to each other such that the at least one of the corresponding first and second single-foil ribbed sheets forms a billowed divider. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a simplified diagram showing a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus for processing an opposing-foil panel to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. 
         FIG. 1B  is a simplified diagram similar to  FIG. 1A  showing the apparatus processing the opposing-foil panel to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the opposing-foil panel of  FIG. 1A  along the section lines  1 A- 1 A. 
         FIG. 2B  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the opposing-foil panel of  FIG. 2A  after processing by the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  to form two single-foil ribbed sheets having substantially identical rib heights. 
         FIG. 2C  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the opposing-foil panel of  FIG. 2A  after processing by the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  to form two single-foil ribbed sheets having different rib heights. 
         FIG. 3A  is a simplified cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of an opposing-foil panel that may be processed by the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. 
         FIG. 3B  is a simplified cross-sectional view of yet another example embodiment of an opposing-foil panel that may be processed by the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. 
         FIG. 3C  is a simplified cross-sectional view of still another example embodiment of an opposing-foil panel that may be processed by the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. 
         FIG. 3D  is a simplified cross-sectional view of a further example embodiment of an opposing-foil panel that may be processed by the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. 
         FIG. 3E  is a simplified cross-sectional view of yet a further example embodiment of an opposing-foil panel that may be processed by the apparatus of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. 
         FIG. 4A  is a simplified cross-sectional view of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  implemented in a first example product. 
         FIG. 4B  is a simplified cross-sectional view of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2C  implemented in a second example product. 
         FIG. 4C  is a simplified cross-sectional view of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  implemented in another example product. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are simplified perspective and end views respectively of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  folded along a line parallel to the ribs. 
         FIG. 5C  is a simplified end view of the single-foil ribbed sheet of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  processed using one embodiment of a sheet bonding apparatus to produce a third example product in the form of a supportable partition. 
         FIGS. 5D and 5E  are simplified elevated side and end views respectively of the single-foil ribbed sheet of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  processed using another embodiment of a sheet bonding apparatus to produce the third example product. 
         FIGS. 5F and 5G  are simplified perspective and end views respectively of the single-foil ribbed sheet of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  processed using yet another embodiment of a sheet bonding apparatus to produce the third example product. 
         FIG. 5H  is a simplified side elevational view of the third example product supported by an elongated support member. 
         FIG. 6A  is a simplified perspective view of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  folded along a line normal to the ribs. 
         FIG. 6B  is a simplified end view of the single-foil ribbed sheet of  FIG. 6A  with the flaps of the sheet on either side of the fold pressed together such that the ribs interdigitate. 
         FIG. 6C  is a simplified side elevational view of the single-foil ribbed sheet of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  processed using any of the embodiments of the sheet bonding apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 5C-5G  to produce a fourth example product in the form of a supportable partition supported by an elongated support member. 
         FIG. 7A  is an end view of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  processed to produce a fifth example product in the form of a supportable sleeve or pocket. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the supportable sleeve or pocket of  FIG. 7A  supported by a pair of elongated support members. 
         FIG. 8A  is a simplified elevated side view of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  folded along a line parallel to the ribs and processed to produce part of a sixth example product in the form of a billowed partition wall. 
         FIG. 8B  is a simplified elevated side view of another one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  folded along a line parallel to the ribs and processed to produce another part of the sixth example product in the form of another billowed partition wall. 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of the sixth example product in the form of a billowed partition with the billowed partition walls of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  coupled together via an elongated coupling member. 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of a seventh example product, similar to the sixth example product, in the form of a partition with the sheets of the partition walls of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  bonded together prior to assembly of the partition. 
         FIG. 9A  is a simplified elevated side view of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  folded along a line parallel to the ribs and processed to produce part of an eighth example product in the form of a partition wall. 
         FIG. 9B  is a simplified elevated side view of another one of the single-foil ribbed sheets of  FIG. 2B  folded along a line parallel to the ribs and processed to produce another part of the eighth example product in the form of another partition wall. 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of the eighth example product in the form of a partition with the partition walls of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  coupled together via one of the partition wall interconnecting slots formed in each. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “opposing-foil panel” is defined a panel of unitary construction, extruded or otherwise, having two opposing planar foils with integral support structures extending between and interconnecting inwardly facing surfaces of the two opposing foils along their length, across their width and periodically spaced apart along at least one of their length or width, or a laminated panel having an inner foil shaped into periodically spaced apart support structures alternatingly affixed to and between inwardly facing surfaces of two opposing foils along their length and across their width. The term “single-foil ribbed sheet” is defined for purposes of this disclosure as a single foil having unitary or laminated structures extending away from one face thereof along its length, across its width and spaced apart along at least one of its length or width. 
     This disclosure is directed to apparatuses and methods for processing opposing-foil panels to produce single-foil ribbed sheets, and also to example products formed using one or more such single-foil ribbed sheets. Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1B , an embodiment is shown of an apparatus  10  for processing such opposing-foil panels to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B , an example opposing-foil panel  30  is shown being processed into two single-foil ribbed sheets  38 A,  38 B, although it will be understood that the apparatus  10  is not limited to processing such panels  30  and that the apparatus  10  may alternatively or additionally process opposing-foil panels of alternate construction, some non-limiting examples of which are illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3F  and will be described below. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the apparatus  10  is illustratively provided in the form of a conventional skiver having a table  12  and a cutting tool  14  at or adjacent to one end of the table  12 . The cutting tool  14  illustratively includes a blade  16  in the form of a belt or loop that is continuously rotationally driven by opposing drums  18 A,  18 B such that the portions of the blade  16  between the drums  18 A,  18 B are planar and substantially parallel with a planar top surface  12 A of the table  12 . In some embodiments, the tool  14  may include a sharpening device  20  in contact with the blade  16  to continuously sharpen a cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  that faces the table  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the drums  18 A,  18 B illustratively rotate in a common direction  22  to thereby the blade  16  linearly in a direction  24  between the two drums  18 A,  18 B, wherein the upper linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  between the drums  18 A,  18 B is used to cut objects as will be described below. It will be understood that in alternate embodiments, the blade  16  may be driven in the opposite direction and/or driven by one or more other conventional blade driving mechanism(s). 
     In one embodiment, the cutting tool  14  is stationary relative to the table  12 , and the table  12  is configured or controlled to move toward the cutting tool  14  in a direction  26  normal to the plane defined by the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  between the two drums  18 A,  18 B. In some alternate embodiments, the table  12  may be stationary relative to the cutting tool  14 , and the cutting tool  14  may be configured or controlled to move in a direction opposite to the direction  26  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , and in other alternate embodiments the table  12  and the cutting tool  14  may be configured to move toward each other along and opposite to the direction  26  respectively. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A  (but omitted in  FIG. 1B  for clarity of illustration), the height of the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  relative to the top, planar surface  12 A of the table  12  is illustratively adjustable and/or the depth of the top, planar surface  12 A of the table  12  relative to the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  is adjustable via a conventional height adjustment mechanism  28  coupled to the drums  18 A,  18 B or to a housing or other structure supporting the drums  18 A,  18 B. In alternate embodiments, the height of the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  relative to the top, planar surface  12 A of the table  12  may be fixed. In any case, the top surface  12 A of the table  12  is configured to receive and support objects thereon, and the relative movement between the table  12  and cutting tool  14  advances the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  relative to the object such that the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  cuts a planar path through the object. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the object processed by the apparatus  10  is an example embodiment of an opposing-foil panel  30 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A , the illustrated embodiment of the opposing-foil panel  30  is an extruded panel having a length, L, between opposite ends  30 A,  30 B thereof and a width, W, between opposing sides  30 C,  30 D thereof. The panel  30  illustratively has opposing, i.e., spaced-apart, planar foils  32 ,  34  and a number of spaced-apart support structures  36  extending perpendicularly between and interconnecting inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the two opposing foils  32 ,  34  along their length L. The extruded panel  30  is of unitary construction with the panel foils  32 ,  34  and the interconnecting support structures  36  being integral structures. The panel  30  is illustratively extruded in the direction of its length, L, and this direction is typically referred to as the “machine direction.” The transverse direction, i.e., along its width, W, is typically referred to as the “cross-machine direction” or the trans-machine direction.” In some alternate embodiments, the panel  30  may be a laminated structure, and in some such embodiments in the support structures  36  may extend along and between the panel foils  32 ,  34  in the machine direction. In other alternate embodiments, the panel  30  may be a laminated structure, and the support structures  36  may extend along and between the panel foils  32 ,  34  in directions other than the machine direction. 
     The exposed, exterior surfaces  32 A,  34 A of the panel foils  32 ,  34  respectively each define major, planar, exterior surfaces of the panel  30  between the width W and the length L thereof, and each panel foil  32 ,  34  has a thickness T 1  as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . In the illustrated embodiment, the interconnecting support structures  36  are elongated, continuous and generally linear support walls, e.g., in the form of linear ribs or flutes, each extending in the machine direction between the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the opposing foils  32 ,  34  along the length L of the panel  30 . The interconnecting support walls  36  each have a height H defining the distance between the opposed, interior faces  32 B,  34 B of the panel foils  32 ,  34  respectively, such that the total height or thickness of the panel  30  is H+2T1=TH. The width or thickness of each support wall  36  is T 2 , and the spacing, S, between the support walls  36  is illustratively uniform along the width, W, of the panel  30 . The dimensions of the foregoing features of the panel  30  are typically selected based on a number of considerations such as the desired performance characteristics of the panel  30 , the weight of the finished panel  30 , the cost of producing the panel  30  (including material cost), and/or the like. As one specific example, the total height or thickness TH of the panel  30  may typically range from 2 mm-5 mm, although it will be understood that panels  30  having total heights or thicknesses outside of this range are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B , the panel  30  is illustratively positioned on the table  12  with the outer planar surface  34 A of the panel  30  resting on the planar surface  12 A of the table  12  and with the end  30 A of the panel  30  facing the cutting tool  14  such that the linear portion  16 A of the blade extends along a blade plane that is parallel with planes defined by the planar foils  32 ,  34  and such that the edges of the outer planar surfaces  32 A,  34 A defining the end  30 A of the panel  30  face the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16 . In embodiments which include the height adjustment mechanism  28 , the mechanism  28  is controlled in a conventional manner to set the desired horizontal position of the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  relative to the total height or thickness TH of the panel  30 . In any case, the table  12  and/or cutting tool  14  is/are moved in and/or against the direction  26  respectively to advance the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  through the panel  30  in the direction opposite of the direction  26  such that the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  passes through the blade plane and severs each of the support walls  36  along the machine direction to thereby separate the foils  32 ,  34  along the blade plane that is parallel with the planar surfaces  32 A,  32 B and  34 A,  34 B of the planar foils  32 ,  34 . The cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  is illustratively a continuous, sharp edge, e.g., a knife edge, which cuts through the support walls  36  without removing any material from the support walls  36 , i.e., without leaving a kerf. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear portion  16 A of the blade spans the width of the opposed-foil panel  30  such that the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  severs each of the support members  36  along their length in a single pass of the blade  16  through the blade plane. In alternate embodiments, one or more other conventional cutting tools may be used in single or multiple passes thereof to sever the support members  36  and completely separate the opposed-foil panel  30  into two separate single-foil ribbed sheets. 
     By suitably adjusting the height of the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  relative to the top surface  12 A of the table  12 , the support walls  36  may be cut at any point along their height H to produce two single-foil ribbed sheets each having resulting support wall portions of desired height. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  is set to bisect the support walls  36 . The resulting single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A thus has support walls  36  of height H/2 between the cut ends  36 A thereof and the inwardly facing surface  32 B of the planar foil  32  and a total height of TH/2 between the outer surface  32 A of the foil  32  and the cut ends  36 A of the support walls  36 , and the resulting single-foil ribbed sheet  38 B likewise has support walls  36  of height H/2 between the cut ends  36 B thereof and the inwardly facing surface  34 B of the planar foil  34  and a total height of TH/2 between the outer surface  34 A of the foil  34  and the cut ends  36 B of the support walls  36 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2C , in contrast, the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  is set closer to the inwardly facing surface  32 B of the foil  32  such that the resulting single-foil ribbed sheet  38 C has support walls  36  of height H/4 between the cut ends  36 C thereof and the inwardly facing surface  32 B of the planar foil  32  and the resulting single-foil ribbed sheet  38 D has support walls  36  of height 3H/4 between the cut ends  36 D thereof and the inwardly facing surface  34 B of the planar foil  34 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the height of the linear portion  16 A of the blade  16  relative to the top surface  12 A of the table  12  may be set to achieve any desired length(s) or ratios of the support walls on the resulting single-foil ribbed sheets, or to achieve one resulting single-foil ribbed sheet having support walls of or near H and another resulting single foil having little or no remaining support walls extending therefrom. 
     It will be appreciated that the use of a moving cutting blade, such as the cutting blade  16  illustrated and described above, avoids material loss since such a blade cuts through and separates the support walls  36  from each other without removing material as would otherwise occur when using conventional abrasive cutting instruments such as a saw or grinder. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, as the cutting tool  14  drives the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  in the cross-machine direction and the and the table  12  and/or the cutting tool  14  are advanced toward each other along the machine direction  26 , the cutting edge  17  of the blade  16  cuts through the support walls  36  without removing any material from the support walls  36 , i.e., without leaving a kerf. When using a skiver  10  or other driven cutting blade, it is desirable to orient the blade and/or the opposing-foil panel such that the blade cuts through the interconnecting support structures along the machine direction so as to maintain substantially constant pressure on and along the blade during the cutting process, although it will be understood that alternate orientations of the blade and/or the opposing-foil panel are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The processes and techniques described herein are not limited to the use of moving cutting blades or to the use of conventional skivers as described above. Rather, any suitable machine-driven or manually actuated tool(s) for cutting, grinding, sawing or the like may be alternatively used to separate opposing-foil panels into single-foil ribbed sheets as illustrated and described herein, and it will be understood that an such other tool(s) is/are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Separation of opposing-foil panels into single-foil ribbed sheets as described herein is not limited to separation of opposing-foil panels having interconnecting support structures in the form of spaced-apart ribs or flutes extending longitudinally along the machine direction, such as the support walls  36  of the opposing-foil panels  30  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-2C . Rather, it will be understood that the panels  30  having ribbed or fluted interconnecting support walls  36  represent only one non-limiting example embodiment of such opposing-foil panels, and that this disclosure contemplates embodiments in which opposing-foil panels having myriad other forms of interconnecting support structures are separated as described above. As one example,  FIG. 3A  shows a first alternative embodiment of an opposing-foil panel  30 ′ having opposing foils  32 ,  34  interconnected by a number of spaced-apart support structures in the form of ribs or flutes  36  extending perpendicularly between and interconnecting inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the two opposing foils  32 ,  34  along their length L as described above with respect to the opposing-foil panel  30 . Additionally, the opposing foils  32 ,  34  are interconnected by a number of cylindrical support structures  40 , each disposed in a space between two adjacent ribs or flutes  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical support structures  40  are elongated structures each extending in the machine direction between the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the opposing foils  32 ,  34  along the length of the panel  30 ′. The example panel  30 ′ is illustratively an extruded panel and is therefore of unitary construction with the panel foils  32 ,  34  and the interconnecting support structures  36 ,  40  being integral structures. In some alternate embodiments, the panel  30 ′ may be a laminated structure, and/or the ribs or flutes  36  and the cylindrical support structures  40  may extend in directions other than the machine direction. In other alternate embodiments, whether of unitary or laminated construction, one or more of the interconnecting support structures  36  may be omitted from the panel  30 ′, and the cylindrical support structures  40  may be suitable spaced apart along the cross-machine direction of the panel  30 ′. In any case, the dashed line  42  illustratively represents a plane through which the blade  16  of the cutting tool  14  may pass to bisect the panel  30 ′ into two single-foil sheets as described above with respect to  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 3B  shows a second alternative embodiment of an opposing-foil panel  30 ″ having opposing foils  32 ,  34  interconnected by a number of spaced-apart support structures in the form of ribs or flutes  36  extending perpendicularly between and interconnecting inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the two opposing foils  32 ,  34  along their length L as described above with respect to the opposing-foil panel  30 . Additionally, the opposing foils  32 ,  34  are interconnected by a number of X-shaped support structures  44 , each disposed in a space between two adjacent ribs or flutes  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the X-shaped support structures  44  are elongated structures having a first leg  44 A extending in the machine direction and along a first diagonal between the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the opposing foils  32 ,  34  along the length of the panel  30 ″, and a second leg  44 B also extending in the machine direction and along a second diagonal, crossing the first diagonal, between the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the opposing foils  32 ,  34  along the length of the panel  30 ″. The example panel  30 ″ is illustratively an extruded panel and is therefore of unitary construction with the panel foils  32 ,  34  and the interconnecting support structures  36 ,  44  being integral structures. In some alternate embodiments, the panel  30 ″ may be a laminated structure, and/or the ribs or flutes  36  and the X-shaped support structures  44  may extend in directions other than the machine direction. In other alternate embodiments, whether of unitary or laminated construction, one or more of the interconnecting support structures  36  may be omitted from the panel  30 ″, and the cylindrical support structures  44  may be suitable spaced apart along the cross-machine direction of the panel  30 ″. In any case, the dashed line  42  illustratively represents a plane through which the blade  16  of the cutting tool  14  may pass to bisect the panel  30 ″ into two single-foil sheets as described above with respect to  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 3C  shows a third alternative embodiment of an opposing-foil panel  30 ′″ having opposing foils  32 ,  34  interconnected by a number of spaced-apart support structures in the form of back-to-back, arcuate structures  46 A,  46 B extending between and interconnecting the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the two opposing foils  32 ,  34  along their length L. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate support structures  46 A are elongated structures each having a pair of legs extending toward each other in an arc from the inwardly facing surface  32 B of the foil  32  along the cross-machine direction with the zenith of the arcuate structure  46 A facing away from the inwardly facing surface  32 B. The arcuate support structures  46 B are likewise elongated structures each having a pair of legs extending toward each other in an arc from the inwardly facing surface  34 B of the foil  34  along the cross-machine direction with the zenith of the arcuate structure  46 B facing away from the inwardly facing surface  34 B. The zeniths of the arcuate structures  46 A are aligned with the zeniths of corresponding ones of the arcuate structures  46 B. The example panel  30 ′″ is illustratively an extruded panel and is therefore of unitary construction with the panel foils  32 ,  34  and the interconnecting arcuate support structures  46 A,  46 B being integral structures such that the zeniths of arcuate structures  46 A merge with the zeniths of aligned ones of the arcuate structures  46 B. In some alternate embodiments, the panel  30 ′″ may be a laminated structure, and/or the interconnecting arcuate support structures  46 A,  46 B may extend in directions other than the machine direction. In other alternate embodiments, whether of unitary or laminated construction, interconnecting support structures  36 , as described above, may be interposed between every Nth set of arcuate structures  46 A,  46 B, wherein N may be any positive integer. In any case, the dashed line  42  illustratively represents a plane through which the blade  16  of the cutting tool  14  may pass to bisect the panel  30 ′″ into two single-foil sheets as described above with respect to  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 3D  shows a fourth alternative embodiment of an opposing-foil panel  30   IV  having opposing foils  32 ,  34  interconnected by an inner foil  48  in the form of a serpentine or corrugated structure extending between and interconnecting the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the two opposing foils  32 ,  34  along their length L. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner foil  48  includes planar or partially planar sections  52  affixed to the inwardly facing surface  32 B of the foil  32  and planar or partially planar sections  54  affixed to the inwardly facing surface  34 B of the foil  34 , wherein the planar or partially planar sections  52 ,  54  alternate along the cross-machine direction and are interconnected at their edges by interconnecting sections  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, the interconnecting sections  50  are orientated perpendicularly to the planes defined by the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B, although in other embodiments the interconnecting sections  50  may be oriented diagonally or with some other shape. The example panel  30   IV  is illustratively a laminated panel with the inner foil  48  affixed to the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the foils  32 ,  34  respectively in a conventional manner, e.g., via heat bonding, adhesive attachment or the like. In some alternate embodiments, the panel  30   IV  may be an extruded panel of unitary construction with the panel foils  32 ,  34  and the inner foil  48  being integral structures. In any case, the serpentine or corrugated structure of the inner foil  48  may extend in directions other than the machine direction. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3D , the dashed line  42  illustratively represents a plane through which the blade  16  of the cutting tool  14  may pass to bisect the panel  30   IV  into two single-foil sheets as described above with respect to  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 3E  shows a fifth alternative embodiment of an opposing-foil panel  30   V  having opposing foils  32 ,  34  interconnected by an inner foil  56  in the form of an alternating cup structure extending between and interconnecting the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the two opposing foils  32 ,  34  along their length L. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner foil  56  includes a plurality of cups  58  each having a planar or partially planar section  58 A affixed to the inwardly facing surface  32 B of the foil  32  and another plurality of cups  60  each having a planar or partially planar section  60 A affixed to the inwardly facing surface  34 B of the foil  34 . Wall sections of the cups  58  and  60  are interconnected by planar or partially planar sections  62  extending between the wall sections of the cups  58 ,  60 , and the cups  58 ,  60  illustratively alternate in a diagonal direction relative to the machine direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the interconnecting sections  62  are orientated parallel to the planes defined by the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B, although in other embodiments the interconnecting sections  62  may be oriented diagonally or with some other shape. The example panel  30   V  is illustratively a laminated panel with the inner foil  56  affixed to the inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the foils  32 ,  34  respectively in a conventional manner, e.g., via heat bonding, adhesive attachment or the like. In some alternate embodiments, the panel  30   V  may be an extruded panel of unitary construction with the panel foils  32 ,  34  and the inner foil  56  being integral structures. In any case, the cups  58 ,  60  of the inner foil  56  may extend in directions other than diagonal to the machine direction. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3E , the dashed line  42  illustratively represents a plane through which the blade  16  of the cutting tool  14  may pass to bisect the panel  30   V  into two single-foil sheets as described above with respect to  FIG. 2B . 
     It will be understood that the various panel embodiments  30 - 30   V  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-3E  are provided only by way of example, and should not be considered to be limiting in any way. Those skilled in the art will recognize other linear, piece-wise linear, non-linear or a combination of linear/piece-wise linear and non-linear structures that may be interconnected in any combination between the opposed, inwardly facing surfaces  32 B,  34 B of the panel foils  32 ,  34  to form a unitary or laminated structure, and it will be understood that any such structures and resulting panel embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In embodiments in which opposing-foil panels are of unitary construction, e.g., any of panels  30 - 30   III , such panels are illustratively provided in the form of polymer structures fabricated in accordance with one or more conventional extrusion processes. In some such embodiments, the polymer may be a thermoplastic polyolefin, examples of which may be or include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylpentene, and/or polybutene-1. In embodiments in which opposing-foil panels are laminated structures, e.g., either of panels  30   IV ,  30   V , such panels are likewise illustratively provided in the form of laminated polymer structures. It will be understood, however, that opposing-foil panels, whether of unitary construction or laminated, are not limited to polymers, and in alternate embodiments opposing-foil panels may be formed, in whole or in part, from one or more non-polymer materials, and/or may be formed using one or more processes other than, or in addition to, a conventional extrusion process and/or a conventional lamination process, and it will be understood that any such alternate panel stock material(s) and/or formation process(es) is/are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Single-foil ribbed sheets of the type produced by separating opposing-foil panels as described above have a number of physical properties, characteristics and/or attributes which suit them to implementation in a wide range of products. Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a first example product is shown in the form of a fluid guiding device  70 . In the illustrated embodiment, the device  70  includes one of the single-foil ribbed sheets, e.g., the single foil ribbed sheet  38 B of  FIG. 2B , positioned with the exterior surface  34 A of the foil  34  facing downwardly such that the opposite surface  34 B of the foil  34 , and thus the support walls  36 , face upwardly. So oriented, the upstanding support walls  36  are operable to guide liquid through channels defined therebetween, and the device  70  may illustratively be implemented in this capacity as a drainboard, a floor mat for automotive, home or business use, roofing material, or other liquid guiding device or apparatus for directing liquid flow along a structural surface  74  through the channels. In some embodiments, a substrate  72  may be affixed or attached to the exterior surface  34 A of the foil  34 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , e.g., for rigidity or support. In still other embodiments, the substrate  72  (or the surface  34 A of the foil  34 ) may be affixed or attached to the structural support surface  74 . In any of the above and/or further embodiments, the upwardly facing cut surfaces  36 B of the upstanding support walls  36  may be affixed or attached to a substrate  76 , and in such embodiments the utility of the device  70  is not limited to guiding the flow of liquids but may also be operable to guide fluid flow generally. In still other embodiments, the substrate  76  (or the cut surfaces  36 B of the upstanding support walls  36 ) may be affixed or attached to a stationary support surface  78 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a second example product is shown in the form of another fluid guiding device  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, the device  80  includes one of the single-foil ribbed sheets, e.g., the single foil ribbed sheet  38 D of  FIG. 2C , positioned with the exterior surface  34 A of the foil  34  facing upwardly such that the opposite surface  34 B of the foil  34 , and thus the support walls  36 , face downwardly. So oriented, the downwardly extending support walls  36  are operable to guide fluid flow through channels defined therebetween while the solid foil  34  is operable to confine the fluid below the surface  34 B thereof. Such a device  80  may illustratively be implemented in this capacity as a fluid cooling device for confining and directing a liquid or other fluid through the channels defined between the support walls  36  to cool a structure or structural surface  84  located below the terminal faces  36 D of the support walls  36 . Alternatively or additionally, the device  80  may be implemented in the form of a ventilation device in which the foil  34  confines ventilating fluid below the surface  34 B thereof and the support walls  36  operate to guide the flow of ventilating fluid along the channels defined therebetween. Such a ventilation device may be implemented, for example, as a ridge vent in residential and/or commercial roofing applications, as a moisture directing/drying and/or ventilation layer in residential or commercial flooring and/or sub-flooring applications, or the like. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the cut surfaces  36 D of the support walls  36  are in contact with a substrate  82 . In some embodiments, the substrate  82  may represent a single sheet or layer to which the cut surfaces  36 D are affixed, attached, mounted or otherwise coupled. In other embodiments, the substrate  82  may represent a sheet or layer of a multi-layer structure to which the cut surfaces  36 D of the support walls  36  are affixed, attached, mounted or otherwise coupled. In still other embodiments, the substrate  82  may represent a surface of a structure which the cut surfaces  36 D of the support walls  36  abut but to which the cut surfaces  36 D are not affixed, attached, mounted or otherwise coupled. In further embodiments, the substrate  82  (or the cut surfaces  36 D of the support structures  36 ) may be affixed or attached to, or abut, the structural support surface  84 . In any of the foregoing and/or further embodiments, the surface  34 A of the foil  34  may be affixed or attached to a substrate  86 . In some such embodiments, the substrate  86  (or the surface  34 A of the foil  34 ) may be affixed or attached to a stationary support surface  88 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , a third example product is shown in the form of a flexible packing mat  83  that may be wrapped about an exterior surface of an object, or a portion thereof, to protect the object during shipping and/or storage. In the illustrated embodiment, the object is a cylinder  85 , e.g., an electrical coil, glassware, etc., although it will be understood that the object, or portion thereof, about which the flexible packing mat  83  may be wrapped is not limited to cylindrical objects and may be used with objects of other external shapes or profiles. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 4C , the flexible packing mat  83  is provided in the form of one of the single-foil ribbed sheets, e.g., the single foil ribbed sheet  38 A of  FIG. 2B , wrapped about the object  85  and oriented such that the free or cut ends  36 A of the support walls  36  are in contact with the exterior surface of the object  85  about its outer periphery so that the flexible foil  32  is spaced apart from the outer surface of the cylindrical object  85  by the support walls  36 . Opposing sides of the mat  83  are illustratively overlapped, and optionally affixed or otherwise joined to each other in a conventional manner, e.g., to form a seam  87 . The single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A provides for a light weight, flexible packing mat  83  with inherent cushioning provided by the support walls  36  separating the exterior surface of the cylinder  85  from the protective foil  32  for protection of the exterior surface of the object  85  from contact by other objects. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5H , a third example product is shown in the form of a supportable divider that may be used on its own or as part of an array or matrix of such supportable dividers for separating objects, e.g., during shipping and/or storage. Referring specifically to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , an embodiment of a supportable divider is shown which begins with a single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., the single foil ribbed sheet  38 A of  FIG. 2B , folded along a fold line  90  that is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated support structures  36 , i.e., folded along the machine direction of the sheet  38 A. The resulting folded sheet has a sheet section or flap  96 A defined between the fold  90 , one free end  92 A and opposite sides  94 A,  94 B of the sheet  38 A, and another opposing sheet section or flap  96 B defined between the fold  90 , an opposite free end  92 B and the opposite sides  94 A,  94 B. The opposing sheet sections or flaps  96 A,  96 B are illustratively bonded, affixed or otherwise attached to each other in a manner that defines an opening through and between the opposed flaps  96 A,  96 B adjacent to the fold  90  which is bounded by one or more bonded portions of the flaps  96 A,  96 B and the inner surface  32 B of the sheet  38 A defining the opening. The resulting folded and bonded sheet  38 A forms a supportable divider, and the opening defined therethrough is illustratively sized to receive therein an elongated support member, e.g., a bar, rod or bracket, suitable for supporting the supportable divider between spaced-apart support structures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , one example supportable divider  100  is shown which is formed by bonding together the opposing flaps  96 A,  96 B using a conventional heating unit  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the heating unit  102  illustratively includes two opposed linear or planar sides  102 A,  102 B, either or both of which may be heated in a conventional manner. The opposed flaps  96 A,  96 B are illustratively drawn together such that the support structures  36 A extending from the inner surface  32 B of the flap  96 A interdigitate with the support structures  36 B extending from the inner surface  32 B of the opposing flap  96 B as illustrated in  FIG. 5C . As the two opposing sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  are brought together with the drawn-together flaps  96 A,  96 B positioned therebetween, heat from the heating unit  102  illustratively causes the foil  32 , the support structures  36 A extending from the inner surface  32 B of the flap  96 A and the support structures  36 B extending from the inner surface  32 B of the flap  96 B to at least partially melt or otherwise be raised to a sufficiently high temperature such that the free ends of the support structures  36 A thermally bond to the inner surface  32 B of the flap  96 B and the support structures  36 B thermally bond to the inner surface  32 B of the flap  96 A. In some alternate embodiments, the temperature of the heating unit  102  may be controlled to melt the support structures  36 A,  36 B such that the opposed inner surfaces  32 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B bond together via the melted support structures  36 A,  36 B as the opposing sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  are forced together. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the temperature of the heating unit  102  may be controlled to at least partially melt the opposed inner surfaces  32 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B or one or more portions thereof so that such inner surfaces  32 B or one more portions thereof bond together as the opposing sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  are forced together. 
     In one embodiment, the sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  are planar and extend across the widths of the flaps  96 A,  96 B from the sides  94 A to the sides  94 B, and extend upwardly from the ends  92 A,  92 B toward the fold  90 , leaving a section near the fold  90  in which the flaps  92 A,  92 B are not bonded to each other, thereby forming an opening  98  through the folded and bonded flaps  96 A,  96 B. The opening  98  illustratively extends between and through the flaps  96 A,  96 B and is bounded by the inner surface  32 B of the sheet  38 A and the bonded portion thereof. In some alternate embodiments, the sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  may be planar but define a planar area therebetween that is less than the width of the flaps  96 A,  96 B and/or less than a height defined between the ends  92 A,  92 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B and the opening  98 . In such embodiments, the flaps  96 A,  96 B may be bonded together at one or more locations. 
     In other alternate embodiments, the sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  may be linear and extend in a direction parallel with the ends  92 A,  92 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B. In some such embodiments, the lengths linear sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  may extend from one side  94 A of the flaps  96 A,  96 B to the other, and in other embodiments the lengths of the linear sides  102 A,  102 B may be less than the width of the flaps  96 A,  96 B between the sides  94 A,  94 B. In any case, the heating unit  102  may be operated in a conventional manner to form any number of linear thermal bonds between the sides  94 A,  94 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B and/or between the ends  92 A,  92 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B and the opening  98 . In still other alternate embodiments, the sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  may be linear and extend in a direction parallel with the sides  94 A,  94 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B. In some such embodiments, the lengths linear sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  may extend from the ends  92 A,  92 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B to the opening  98 , and in other embodiments the lengths of the linear sides  102 A,  102 B may be less than the height between the ends  92 A,  92 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B and the opening  98 . In any case, the heating unit  102  may be operated in a conventional manner to form any number of linear thermal bonds between the ends  92 A,  92 B and the opening  98  and/or between the sides  94 A,  94 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B. In still further alternate embodiments, the sides  102 A,  102 B of the heating unit  102  may be non-linear or piecewise linear, and the heating unit  102  may be operated in a conventional manner to form any number of non-linear or piecewise linear thermal bonds between the ends  92 A,  92 B and the opening  98  and/or between the sides  94 A,  94 B of the flaps  96 A,  96 B. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5D and 5E , another example supportable divider  100 ′ is shown which is formed by bonding together the opposing flaps  96 A,  96 B of a single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., sheet  38 A, at a number of different discrete points using a conventional heating unit  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the heating unit  110  illustratively includes two opposed probes or tips  110 A,  110 B, either or both of which may be heated in a conventional manner. The opposed flaps  96 A,  96 B are illustratively drawn together such that the support structures  36 A extending from the inner surface  32 B of the flap  96 A interdigitate with the support structures  36 B extending from the inner surface  32 B of the opposing flap  96 B as described above. As the two opposing tips  110 A,  110 B of the heating unit  110  are brought together with the drawn-together flaps  96 A,  96 B positioned therebetween, heat from the heating unit  110  illustratively causes the corresponding opposing portions of the inner surface  32 B of the foil  32  and/or support structure(s)  36 A and/or  36 B trapped therebetween to at least partially melt or otherwise be raised to a sufficiently high temperature to thermally bond to each other. The heating unit  110  may be used to form any number of such “point bonds” between corresponding opposed portions of the flaps  96 A,  96 B and an example unfinished pattern of several such point bonds is illustrated in  FIG. 5D . It will be understood that one or more such point bonds may be formed using the heating unit  110  to form a resulting supportable divider  100 ′ with a section near the fold  90  in which the flaps  92 A,  92 B are not bonded to each other, thereby forming an opening  98 ′ through the folded and bonded flaps  96 A,  96 B. The opening  98 ′ illustratively extends between and through the flaps  96 A,  96 B and is bounded by the inner surface  32 B of the sheet  38 A and at least part of the bonded portion thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5F and 5G , yet another example supportable divider  100 ″ is shown which is formed by bonding together the opposing flaps  96 A,  96 B of a single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., sheet  38 A, at and at least partially long one or more of the ends  92 A,  92 B and sides  94 A,  92 B thereof using a conventional cutting tool which generates sufficient heat during the process of cutting the combination of the opposing flaps  96 A,  96 B to thermally bond the opposing flaps  96 A,  96 B together at and/or near the location(s) of the cut(s). In the illustrated embodiment, a conventional saw blade  120  is used to cut the supportable divider  100 ″ from the sheet  38 A, and combination of the moving saw blade  120  in contact with the sheet  38 A illustratively generates sufficient heat to bond together the flaps  96 A,  96 B along the cut edges  122 A,  122 B as illustrated in  FIG. 5F . The opposed flaps  96 A,  96 B are illustratively drawn together such that the support structures  36 A extending from the inner surface  32 B of the flap  96 A interdigitate with the support structures  36 B extending from the inner surface  32 B of the opposing flap  96 B as described above and as shown in  FIG. 5G . As the saw blade  120  cuts through the opposing flaps  96 A,  96 B to form two opposing cut edges  122 A,  122 B, heat generated by the cutting action of the saw blade  120  illustratively causes the corresponding opposing portions of the inner surface  32 B of the foil  32  and the support structure(s)  36 A and/or  36 B to at least partially melt or otherwise be raised to a sufficiently high temperature to thermally bond to each other along the cut edges  122 A,  122 B. In some embodiments, such heat generated by the cutting action of the saw blade  120  may alternatively or additionally cause portions  124 A,  124 B of the foil  32  along the edges  122 A,  122 B to overlap and thermally bond together as illustrated in  FIG. 5G . It will be understood that heat generated by the cutting action of such a saw blade  120  may be used to form such edge bonds at least partially along the ends  92 A,  92 B and/or at least partially along either or both of the sides  94 A,  94 B of the sheet  38 A to form a resulting supportable divider  100 ″ with a section near the fold  90  in which the flaps  92 A,  92 B are not bonded to each other, thereby forming an opening  98 ″ through the folded and bonded flaps  96 A,  96 B. The opening  98 ″ illustratively extends between and through the flaps  96 A,  96 B and is bounded by the inner surface  32 B of the sheet  38 A and at least part of the bonded portion thereof. In embodiments in which both sides  94 A,  94 B are thermally bonded together using the saw blade  120 , the opening  98 ″ may be formed by stopping the saw blade  120  at the boundary of the opening  98 ″ and cutting the remainder of the sides  94 A,  94 B using a cutting tool, e.g., a knife, so as not to bond the sides  94 A,  94 B over the opening. Alternatively, the opening  98 ″ may be formed by separating the flaps  96 A,  96 B at the sides  94 A,  94 B near the fold  90  to form the opening  98 ″. Those skilled in the art will recognize other cutting tools that may be used in place of the saw blade  120  which generate sufficient heat during cutting to thermally bond the flaps  96 A,  96 B together as just described, and it will be understood that any such other cutting tool(s) are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5H , a supported divider  130  is shown in which the supportable divider  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ is illustratively supported by an elongated support member  132 , e.g., in the form of a rod, bar or bracket, passing through the opening  98 ,  98 ′,  98 ″. The rod, bar or bracket  132  is illustratively supported at either end thereof, or at or near either side of the divider  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″, such that the supportable divider  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ is suspended by the rod, bar or bracket  132 . 
       FIGS. 5C-5G  illustrate a number of different devices and techniques for thermally bonding one or more support structures  36 A to an opposing inner surface  32 B of a flap  96 B of a folded single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., sheet  38 A, thermally bonding one or more support structures  36 B to an opposing inner surface  32 B of a flap  96 A of the folded single-foil sheet, and/or thermally bonding together one or more portions of opposing inner surfaces  32 B of the single-foil ribbed sheet. Those skilled in the art will recognize alternate devices, apparatuses and/or techniques for accomplishing any such thermal bonding, and it will be understood that any such alternate devices, apparatuses and/or techniques are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. It will be further understood that any such thermal bonding devices, apparatuses and/or techniques may be supplemented or supplanted by one or more conventional attachment media, devices and/or techniques, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, one or more curable or non-curing bonding media, one or more adhesives or adhesive layers, one or more adhesive-backed tapes, one or more hook-and-loop combinations, one or more conventional mechanical attachment structures, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a fourth example product is shown in the form of another supportable divider  150  that may be used on its own or as part of an array or matrix of such supportable dividers for separating objects, e.g., during shipping and/or storage. Referring specifically to  FIG. 6A , the example a supportable divider  150  illustratively begins with a single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., the single foil ribbed sheet  38 A of  FIG. 2B , folded along a fold line  140  that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated support structures  36 , i.e., folded along the cross-machine direction of the sheet  38 A. The resulting folded sheet has a sheet section or flap  146 A defined between the fold  140 , one free end  142 A and opposite sides  144 A,  144 B of the sheet  38 A, and another opposing sheet section or flap  146 B defined between the fold  140 , an opposite free end  142 B and the opposite sides  144 A,  144 B. The opposing sheet sections or flaps  146 A,  146 B are illustratively bonded, affixed or otherwise attached to each other in any manner described above with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5H  so as to define an opening  148  through and between the opposed flaps  146 A,  146 B adjacent to the fold  140  which is bounded by one or more bonded portions of the flaps  146 A,  146 B and the inner surface  32 B of the sheet  38 A defining the opening  140 . The resulting folded and bonded sheet  38 A forms a supportable divider  150 , and the opening  148  defined therethrough is illustratively sized to receive therein an elongated support member, e.g., a bar, rod or bracket, suitable for supporting the supportable divider  150  between spaced-apart support structures. Referring specifically to  FIG. 6B , a supported divider  160  is shown in which the supportable divider  150  is illustratively supported by a rod, bar or bracket  132  passing through the opening  148 . The rod, bar or bracket  132  is illustratively supported at either end thereof such that the supportable divider  150  is suspended by the rod, bar or bracket  132 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a fifth example product is shown in the form of an object storage and/or transport sleeve or pocket  170  that may be used on its own or as part of an array or matrix of such pockets for supporting, separating and/or protecting objects, e.g., during storage and/or shipping. The illustrated embodiment begins with an elongated, single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., the single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A of  FIG. 2B , folded along a pair of parallel fold lines  174 A,  174 B to define an elongated section  172  between the folds  174 A,  174 B in and along which the support structures  36  are interdigitated with each other as described above, and openings  176 A,  176 B at either end of the pocket  170  adjacent to the fold lines  174 A,  174 B respectively. The interior surfaces  32 B of the flexible planar foil  32  face each other between the fold lines  174 A,  174 B, and the single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A is thermally bonded together at one or more locations between the fold lines  174 A,  174 B leaving an opening  176 A adjacent to and along the fold line  174 A which extends completely through the folded, single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A and another opening  176 B adjacent to and along the fold line  174 B which extends completely through the folded, single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fold lines  174 A,  174 B are illustratively parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated support structures  36 , i.e., parallel with the machine direction of the sheet  38 A as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , although in other embodiments the fold lines  174 A,  17 B may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated support structures  36 , e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , such that the fold lines  174 A,  174 B are parallel with the cross-machine direction of the sheet  38 A. The sheet  38 A is illustratively bonded to itself along the elongated section  172 , e.g., using any one or more of the thermal bonding or other attachment techniques described hereinabove. Opposing ends of the sheet  38 A are illustratively overlapped, and optionally joined together in a conventional manner, to form a seam  178 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 7B , a supported pocket or sleeve  180  is shown in which the object storage and/or transport pocket  170  is illustratively supported by a pair of elongated support members  182 A,  182 B, e.g., rods, bars or brackets, passing through the openings  176 A,  176 B respectively. The rods, bars or brackets  182 A,  182 B are each illustratively supported at either end thereof and/or at or near the opposed sides of the sleeve  170 , such that the object storage and/or transport pocket  170  is suspended by the rods, bars or brackets  182 A,  182 B to form an object supporting/transporting pocket area  184  between the openings  176 A,  176 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the seam  187  is positioned on the underside of the pocket  170  so as not to interfere with or abrade objects being carried by the pocket  170 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8C , a sixth example product is shown in the form of a partition structure  210  that may be used on its own or as part of an array or matrix of such partition structures for separating and/or protecting objects, e.g., during storage and/or shipping. Referring specifically to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the partition structure  210  illustrated in  FIG. 8C  is a combination of two supportable dividers  190 ,  210  each illustratively formed from a single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., a single foil ribbed sheet  38 A of  FIG. 2B . The divider  190  illustrated in  FIG. 8A  is initially formed as illustrated and described with respect to  FIG. 5A , e.g., by folding the single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A along a fold line  90  that is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated support structures  36 , i.e., folded along the machine direction of the sheet  38 A. As described with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the folded sheet illustrated in  FIG. 8A  has a sheet section or flap  96 A defined between the fold  90 , one free end  92 A and opposite sides  94 A,  94 B of the sheet  38 A, and another opposing sheet section or flap  96 B defined between the fold  90 , an opposite free end  92 B and the opposite sides  94 A,  94 B. The divider  200  illustrated in  FIG. 8B  is likewise initially formed as illustrated and described with respect to  FIG. 5A , e.g., by folding the single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A along a fold line  90 ′ parallel with the machine direction of the sheet  38 A, and the folded sheet likewise has a sheet section or flap  96 A′ defined between the fold  90 ′, one free end  92 A′ and opposite sides  94 A′,  94 B′ of the sheet  38 A, and another opposing sheet section or flap  96 B′ defined between the fold  90 ′, an opposite free end  92 B′ and the opposite sides  94 A′,  94 B′. 
     The divider  190  illustratively defines an aligned channel or slot  192  through each flap  96 A,  96 B which extends upwardly toward the fold  90  from the free ends  92 A,  92 B of the sheet  38 A and terminates at a channel end  196  between the fold  90  and the free ends  92 A,  92 B. In some embodiments, the channel  192  may include angled cutouts  194 A,  194 B at the free ends  92 A,  92 B of the sheet  38 A for facilitating assembly of the partition  210 . In any case, the divider  190  further defines an aligned opening  198  through each flap  96 A,  96   b  just below the fold  90  and which is illustratively aligned with the channel or slot  192 . 
     The divider  200  illustratively defines an aligned channel or slot  202  through each flap  96 A′,  96 B′ which extends downwardly from the fold  90 ′ toward the free ends  92 A′,  92 B′ of the sheet  38 A and terminates at a channel end  206  between the fold  90  and the free ends  92 A′,  92 B′. In some embodiments, the channel  202  may include angled cutouts  204 A,  204 B at the fold  90 ′ of the sheet  38 A for facilitating assembly of the partition  210 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 8C , the partition structure  210  is illustratively assembled by inserting the slot  202  of the divider  200  into the slot  192  of the divider  190 . The fold  90 ′ of the divider  200  is then advanced toward the fold  90  of the divider  190  until the area of the divider  200  under the fold  90 ′ is aligned with the opening  198  defined through the divider  190 . An elongated support rod, bar or bracket  212  is then advanced into one side  94 A′,  94 B′ of the divider  200  beneath the fold  90 ′, then through the opening  198  in the divider  190  and out the other side  94 A′,  94 B′ of the divider  200 . The opposing ends of the support rod, bar or bracket  212  are illustratively supported by a suitable support structure such that the partition structure  210  is suspended by the rod, bar or bracket  212 . 
     It will be understood that the partition structure  210 , illustrated and described as including a single divider  190  defining a single slot  192  and opening  198 , and a single divider  200  defining a single slot  202 , represents only one example partition structure and should not be considered to be limiting in any way. In some alternative embodiments, the divider  190  may define one or more additional slots  192  and aligned openings  198  to accommodate mounting thereto of more than one divider  200  and rod, bar or bracket  212  combinations. Alternatively or additionally, the divider  200  may define one or more additional slots  202  to accommodate mounting thereto of more than one divider  190  and rod, bar or bracket  212  combinations. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8C , the flaps  96 A,  96 B of the divider  190  are not bonded together or otherwise attached to each other, and the flaps  96 A′,  96 B′ of the divider  200  are likewise not bonded together or otherwise attached to each other. The flaps  96 A,  96 B of the resulting divider  190  are thus billowed, as are the flaps  96 A′,  96 B′ of the resulting divider  200 . In such embodiments, the billowed dividers  190 ,  200  illustratively provide for increased cushioning and/or secure fit of objects carried between and in contact with the divider walls. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8D , a seventh example product is shown in the form of another partition structure  210 ′ that may be used on its own or as part of an array or matrix of such partition structures for separating and/or protecting objects, e.g., during storage and/or shipping. The partition structure  210 ′ is identical to the partition structure  210  illustrated in  FIG. 8C  except that at least one or more portions of the flaps  96 A,  96 B of the divider  190 ′ are bonded together and at least one or more portions of the flaps  96 A′,  96 B′ of the divider  200 ′ are likewise bonded together, e.g., using any one or more of the bonding apparatus and/or techniques illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 5C-5G . Openings and a corresponding passageway are illustratively provided near the fold  90 ′ of the divider  200 ′ to accommodate receipt therein of a rod, bar or bracket  212 . While such openings and a corresponding passageway near the fold  90  of the divider  190  are not strictly necessary in this embodiment, such may be provided for consistency with the external profile of the divider  200 ′. In a variant of the partition structures  210 ,  210 ′ illustrated in  FIGS. 8C and 8D , only one or the other of the dividers  190 ,  200  of the partition structure  210  may be replaced with a corresponding one of the dividers  190 ′,  200 ′ of the partition structure  210 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9C , an eighth example product is shown in the form of yet another partition structure  290  that may be used on its own or as part of an array or matrix of such partition structures for separating and/or protecting objects, e.g., during storage and/or shipping. Referring specifically to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the partition structure  290  illustrated in  FIG. 9C  is a combination of two supportable dividers  220 ,  250  each illustratively formed from a single-foil ribbed sheet, e.g., a single foil ribbed sheet  38 A of  FIG. 2B . The divider  220  illustrated in  FIG. 9A  is initially formed as illustrated and described with respect to  FIG. 5A , e.g., by folding the single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A along a fold line  222  that is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated support structures  36 , i.e., folded along the machine direction of the sheet  38 A. The folded sheet illustrated in  FIG. 8A  has a sheet section or flap  228 A defined between the fold  22 , one free end  226 A and opposite sides  224 A,  224 B of the sheet  38 A, and another opposing sheet section or flap  228 B defined between the fold  222 , an opposite free end  226 B and the opposite sides  224 A,  224 B. The divider  250  illustrated in  FIG. 9B  is likewise initially formed as illustrated and described with respect to  FIG. 5A , e.g., by folding the single-foil ribbed sheet  38 A along a fold line  222 ′ parallel with the machine direction of the sheet  38 A, and the folded sheet likewise has a sheet section or flap  228 A′ defined between the fold  222 ′, one free end  226 A′ and opposite sides  224 A′,  224 B′ of the sheet  38 A, and another opposing sheet section or flap  228 B′ defined between the fold  222 ′, an opposite free end  226 B′ and the opposite sides  224 A′,  224 B′. 
     The divider  220  illustratively defines a number, e.g., three shown in  FIG. 9A , of aligned and spaced apart channels or slots  230 ,  238 ,  244  through each flap  228 A,  228 B, each of which extends upwardly toward the fold  222  from the free ends  226 A,  226 B of the sheet  38 A and terminates at a channel end  236 ,  242 ,  248  respectively between the fold  222  and the free ends  226 A,  226 B. In some embodiments, one or more of the channels  230 ,  238 ,  244  may include angled cutouts  232 A,  232 B,  240 A,  240 B and  246 A,  246 B respectively at the free ends  226 A,  226 B of the sheet  38 A for facilitating assembly of the partition  290 . 
     The  250  illustratively defines a number, e.g., three shown in  FIG. 9B , of aligned and spaced apart channels or slots  260 ,  270 ,  280 , through each flap  228 A′,  228 B′, each of which extends downwardly from the fold  222 ′ toward the free ends  226 A′,  226 B′ of the sheet  38 A and terminates at a channel end  264 ,  274 ,  284  respectively between the fold  222 ′ and the free ends  226 A′,  226 B′. In some embodiments, one or more of the channels  260 ,  270 ,  280  may include angled cutouts  262 A,  262 B,  272 A,  272 B and  282 A,  282 B respectively at the free ends  226 A′,  226 B′ of the sheet  38 A for facilitating assembly of the partition  290 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 9C , at least a portion of the flaps  228 A,  228 B of the divider  220  are illustratively bonded together or otherwise attached to each other, at least a portion of the flaps  228 A′,  228 B′ of the divider  250  are likewise illustratively bonded together or otherwise attached to each other e.g., using any one or more of the bonding apparatus and/or techniques illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 5C-5G . In this regard, the channels  230 ,  238 ,  244  defined through the divider  220  need not begin at the ends  226 A,  226 B of the sheet  38 A and may alternatively begin at the fold  222 , and/or the channels  260 ,  270 ,  280  defined through the divider  250  need not begin at the fold  222 ′ and may alternatively being at the ends  226 A′,  226 B′ of the sheet  38 A. In any case, the partition structure  290  is illustratively assembled by inserting one of the slots of the divider  250 , e.g., the slot  260 , into one of the slots of the divider  220 , e.g., the slot  230 . The terminal end  264  of the slot  260  is then advanced toward the terminal end  236  of the slot  230  until the folds  222 ,  222 ′ and/or ends  226 A,  226 B,  226 A′,  226 B′ are aligned. 
     It will be understood that the partition structure  290 , illustrated and described as including a single divider  220  and another single divider  250 , represents only one example partition structure and should not be considered to be limiting in any way. In some alternative embodiments, additional dividers  250  may be coupled to the divider  220  and/or additional dividers  220  may be coupled to the divider  250 . Alternatively or additionally, the divider  220  may define one or more additional slots to accommodate mounting thereto of one or more additional dividers  250 , and/or the divider  250  may define one or more additional slots to accommodate mounting thereto of one or more additional dividers  220 . 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. For example, while a number of example products have been illustrated and described herein as using one or more single-foil ribbed sheets folded in and along the machine direction, it will be understood that one or more of the single-foil ribbed sheets in any example product described herein may alternatively be folded in and along the cross-machine direction or along some angle relative to the machine or cross-machine direction. As another example, while a number of example products have been illustrated and described herein as using one or more particular single-foil ribbed sheets, e.g., one or more of the single-foil ribbed sheets  38 A,  38 B,  38 C or  38 D illustrated in  FIGS. 2B-2C , it will be understood that any example product described herein may be implemented using any single-foil ribbed sheet illustrated and/or described herein.