Process for making a micro-textured web

US9044353B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Keith Joseph Stone · Lancaster, US
• Richard George Coe · Hamilton, 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: Jun 2, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/753
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Processes for making micro-textured webs. The process comprises providing a precursor web; providing a pair of mated forming structures, including a first forming structure and a second forming structure, wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions; and moving the web through a deformation zone of the mated forming structures, wherein the voids of the first forming structure engage with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position. Discrete three-dimensional elements are formed in the web as the protrusions on the second forming structure engage with the voids on the first mating structure. At least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions.