Patent ID: 8557169
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: A61F,B26F,B29C,B29K,B29L,B31F,B32B

Abstract:
1. A process for making a polymeric embossed film web, the process comprising: feeding a precursor polymeric film web between a first pressure source and a first forming structure comprising a plurality of first forming elements; applying pressure from the first pressure source against the precursor web opposite the first forming structure creating a pressure differential across the precursor web sufficient to conform the precursor web to the first forming elements of the first forming structure, thereby forming a first embossed web comprising a plurality of first discrete extended elements having open proximal ends; feeding the first embossed web between a second pressure source and a second forming structure comprising a plurality of second forming elements; and applying pressure from the second pressure source against the first embossed web opposite the second forming structure creating a pressure differential across the first embossed web sufficient to conform the first embossed web to the second forming elements of the second forming structure, thereby forming a second embossed web comprising a plurality of second discrete extended having open proximal ends, wherein the first and second forming elements are selected, from the group consisting of discrete protruded elements, discrete apertures, discrete depressions, and combinations thereof, the discrete protruded elements having a height and the discrete apertures and discrete depressions having a depth, the height and the depth being at least substantially equal to a thickness of the precursor web, wherein at least one of the first and second pressure sources is a static gas pressure plenum, and wherein the first and second pressure sources are not velocity pressure sources, and wherein the precursor polymeric film web is free of cellulose.