Three-dimensional, amorphous-patterned, nesting-resistant sheet materials and method and apparatus for making same
US5965235A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates three-dimensional sheet materials which resist nesting of superimposed layers into one another. More particularly, the present invention provides a three-dimensional, nesting-resistant sheet material having a first side and a second side. The first side comprises at least one region having a plurality of spaced three-dimensional protrusions extending outwardly from the first side which are preferably unitarily formed from the sheet material. To provide the nesting-resistant advantages of the present invention, the protrusions form an amorphous pattern of a plurality of different two-dimensional geometrical shapes. Preferably, the second side comprises a plurality of spaced, three-dimensional hollow depressions corresponding to the protrusions, such that the protrusions are hollow. Of particular interest for certain applications, such as a carrier for an adhesive, the protrusions are separated by an interconnected network of three-dimensional spaces between adjacent protrusions. The three-dimensional, nesting-resistant sheet materials are preferably manufactured in accordance with the present invention utilizing a three-dimensional forming structure com…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.