Patent ID: 8603299
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: B31F

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a web of transversely extensible fibrous material comprising: subjecting a fluid-permeable endless conveyor belt of elastic material, said conveyor belt having a thickness increasing from a longitudinal axis thereof to edges thereof, to at least one localized transverse stretching operation, achieved by temporarily withdrawing at least one longitudinal band of said conveyor belt from a surface on which said conveyor belt slides and maintaining said conveyor belt in contact, in this stretched condition, with at least a part of a surface of at least one support member; depositing a web of pliable fibrous material having a liquid content between 3% and 70% by weight against that portion of said conveyor belt of elastic material which has been transversely stretched; by effect of vacuum, maintaining said web of pliable fibrous material adhering to said conveyor belt of elastic material during a return thereof to an original configuration thereof, such to cause a transverse contraction of said web and a simultaneous partial removal of liquid therefrom; using as said conveyor belt a sleeve of said elastic material mounted on a support member consisting of a roller of substantially rigid material, said roller having a lateral surface that is perforated and provided with at least a circumferential groove, said sleeve being fixed at both edges thereof to ends of said roller; and causing a transverse stretching of said sleeve by temporarily moving a circumferential band thereof, which covers said circumferential groove, in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of said roller.