Process for increasing the softness of base webs and products made therefrom
US6547926B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24479
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely effecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of placing a creped base web between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear-inducing roll which creates shear forces and compressive forces that act upon the base web. The shear forces disrupt the web, increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The compressive forces are localized at the areas where the fabric knuckles contact the base web, imparting a unique fabric-imprinted pattern to the web with limited caliper reduction. The shear-inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear-inducing roll may be incorporated into the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.