Apparatus for making a micro-textured web

US8708687B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Richard George Coe · Hamilton, US
• Keith Joseph Stone · Lancaster, US
• Mathias Johannes Hilpert · Mason, US
• James William Busch · Maineville, US
• Kasey Marie Gust · Cincinnati, US
• Rakesh Gummalla · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 26, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 29, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 4, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B31F2201/0741
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus for making micro-textured webs. The apparatus comprises a pair of mated forming structures having a first forming structure, a second forming structure, and a deformation zone; wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions wherein at least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions. The voids of the first forming structure are engagable with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position to form a micro-textured web. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of counter-rotating rollers wherein the first roller comprises grooves having a length, wherein the length of the grooves are oriented at an angle different from the machine direction.