Patent ID: 6036909
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B29C,B31F

Abstract:
A method for introducing an embossed pattern into a cellulosic web material, comprising the steps of:passing the web material into a nip path formed between a rotatable roll and a continuous rotatable flexible belt, said rotatable roll having a cylindrical outer surface, said belt having a belt surface facing the cylindrical outer surface of said rotatable roll;pressing a press shoe towards said rotatable roll with said flexible belt therebetween, said press shoe disposed on the side of the belt opposite said rotatable roll surface, said press shoe having a concave surface substantially matching the radius of said cylindrical outer surface of said rotatable roll, such that said belt conforms to the cylindrical outer surface of said rotatable roll, pressing said web material into surface conforming contact such that an embossing pattern is introduced into the web material, said embossing pattern defined by embossing elements wherein the number of embossing elements per square centimeter is about 1 to 5 elements, said nip path having a dwell time which is sufficient to impart a retained embossing pattern on said cellulosic web and which is defined by the angle of arc through which the rotatable roll contacts the belt, said angle of roll arc being between 10 degrees and 60 degrees;driving the surface of the rotatable roll and the surface of the flexible belt at a speed substantially equal to the speed of the web material travel; andremoving the embossed cellulosic web material from said nip path.