Patent ID: 6312640
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: B26F,D04H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for producing an apertured web, said method comprising the steps of:providinga support structure having at least one outwardly facing support surface;a forming member mounted on said support structure and having a mounting surface on one side facing toward said one support surface of said support structure and having a web-engaging forming surface on the other side, said web-engaging forming surface including recesses, said forming member defining drain holes extending from said recesses through said forming member to said mounting surface, at least one of said drain holes extending at least partly over said one support surface of said support structure; anda porous structure that is disposed between said support structure and said forming member mounting surface and that defines at least one open area which is located at least partly between said one support surface and said one drain hole and which extends laterally beyond said one support surface to accommodate fluid flow from said one drain hole past said one support surface;supporting a starting web of material on said web-engaging forming surface;directing fluid against said starting web to cause portions of said starting web to be deformed into said recesses and to cause the formation of apertures through said starting web to define said apertured web as said fluid flows through said apertures;draining at least some of said fluid at least (a) through said one drain hole, (b) through said one open area, and (c) past said one support surface; andremoving said apertured web from said forming surface.