Patent ID: 8491979

Claim:
A formed element from which a non-textile fabric can be made from an assemblage of many other formed elements, the element having at least three sides, at least one connection structure at each side that permits hinging connection with at least one hinge knuckle of another element of the non-textile fabric, each connection structure defining a hinging axis about which the hinge knuckle of the other element may rotate relative to the formed element, an overall shape of the formed element defined in part by intersecting lines drawn through the hinging axes of each connection structure, buttressing portions sized and positioned to abut similar buttressing portions of adjacent other elements and positioned near the intersections of such lines, the buttressing portions further having protruding surfaces that act as pintles for the hinging connection with the at least one other element of the non-textile fabric, the hinging connection providing the connection structure with substantially no gaps or spaces.