Patent ID: 6287425
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: D21F

Abstract:
An apparatus for increasing bulk of a foreshortened web comprising crepe, the apparatus comprising:a working surface designed to receive a foreshortened web thereon and having a plurality of fluid-permeable expansion conduits therethrough, wherein the plurality of expansion conduits comprises a substantially continuous orifice encompassing discrete areas comprising the working surface;a means for disposing the foreshortened web on the working surface;a means for adding moisture to at least selected portions of the foreshortened web, such that when the web is disposed on the working surface the selected portions of the web correspond to the expansion conduits of the working surface, and surface-contacting portions of the web correspond to the working surface; anda means for retaining the crepe in the surface-contacting portions of the web such that when the web is disposed on the working surface the moisture added to at least the selected portions causes the crepe in the selected portions to relax and the'selected portions to expand through the expansion conduits of the working surface, while the surface-contacting portions retain the crepe therein.