Patent Description:
Generally speaking, absorbent sanitary articles essentially comprise a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is usually the layer that is in contact with the wearer, while the backsheet is the outer layer of the article.

Known in the prior are absorbent articles, like the one shown, for example, in document <CIT>, which comprise a topsheet comprising what is known as a three-dimensional layer, with bubble-like protrusions obtained by deforming a web using embossing technology; the bubbles allow improving the comfort of the wearer of the absorbent article.

To ensure that the sheet subjected to embossing keeps the desired shape, the topsheet usually also comprises a second layer or base layer joined to the embossed web.

Document <CIT> discloses an absorbent article which includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core and at least one longitudinally-extending channel that is substantially free of absorbent material.

Document <CIT> discloses a method for producing an absorbent article including: while conveying non-woven fabric to be a top sheet by drawing from the downstream side, forming extruded projections by embossing; placing a material for a second sheet on the back surface of the non-woven fabric with the extruded projections; and joining the non-woven fabric and the material for the second sheet in a joint pattern.

Document <CIT> discloses a disposable absorbent articles including a topsheet; a backsheet; a liquid acquisition layer; and a substantially cellulose free absorbent core; wherein the liquid acquisition layer and the absorbent core are located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the topsheet and liquid acquisition layer include corresponding discrete indented regions and unindented regions.

Document <CIT> discloses an absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates; the absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.

Document <CIT> discloses an absorbent article which has an absorber disposed between a permeable front surface sheet and a rear surface sheet of a non-woven fabric; wherein the front surface sheet is provided with ridged convex portions continuing in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article at a specified interval in the width direction of the absorbent article, and provided with dot-like concave embossments at the right side adjacent position and the left side adjacent position alternately at an interval in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article on the both sides of each of the convex portions, and the concave embossments are arranged in a zigzag pattern as a whole.

Document <CIT> discloses a process of making an absorbent article comprising the steps of providing a liquid permeable topsheet web extending substantially continuously in a machine direction, the topsheet web having a first and second surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet web extending substantially continuously in the machine direction and an acquisition layer having a first and second surface; the process comprises the step of aligning the topsheet web and the acquisition layer in a face to face relationship such that the second surface of the topsheet in in contact with the first surface of the acquisition layer the process comprises the step of simultaneously mechanically deforming and combining the topsheet web together with the acquisition layer.

Document <CIT> discloses a method of forming a composite sheet that is made of a first sheet and a second sheet is disclosed and wherein the first and second sheets are bonded to each other at a number of spaced apart discrete inter-sheet bond locations; the method involves mechanically deforming a precursor nonwoven web to form a first web with deformations therein. Document <CIT> discloses a perforated non-woven fabric formed by overlapping three-dimensional funnel-shaped openings of two perforated non-woven fabric layers and a production method thereof; the first perforated non-woven fabric layer has a protruding portion and a recessed portion and an upper side of the second perforated non-woven fabric layer (is adhered to a lower side of the recessed portion of the first perforated non-woven fabric layer. Document <CIT> discloses methods and apparatuses sensing emitted light caused by fluorescence of adhesive to determine characteristics of absorbent structures during the manufacture of absorbent articles; the inspection system may include a radiation source that illuminates a surface of an absorbent structure with ultraviolet light and a sensor may be adapted to receive light caused by fluorescence of the adhesive while being irradiated with the ultraviolet light.

Document <CIT> discloses a shaped sheet laminate that is adapted for an absorbent article and that has a specific structure to enhance the absorbing effect of the absorbent article, a method for manufacturing the shaped sheet laminate, and a shaping apparatus which includes a first roller having a rolling surface, a plurality of indentations that are indented from the rolling surface, a plurality of annular inner wall surfaces respectively defining the indentations, and a plurality of suction holes that are in air communication the respective indentations.

In state-of-the-art products, the absorbent article comprises a liquid acquisition and distribution layer, known as ADL, applied to the topsheet and disposed between the base layer and the absorbent core, that is to say, applied to the base layer on the side opposite the three-dimensional layer.

The ADL allows receiving the liquids to transfer them and direct them towards the absorbent core, thus making more efficient use of the absorbent core.

Disadvantageously, the production of webs for sanitary articles including a topsheet that comprises a three-dimensional layer, a base layer and an ADL applied to the topsheet involves large amounts of material and high production costs.

There is a need to make webs for sanitary articles that are more economical while still ensuring wearer comfort.

This invention therefore has for an aim to meet the above mentioned need.

At least the aim specified is achieved by a composite web, an absorbent sanitary article comprising the composite web, a method for the production of and a unit for forming the composite web in accordance with the independent claims.

The dependent claims correspond to possible different embodiments of the invention.

According to an aspect, the disclosure relates to a composite web, in particular a composite web used to make absorbent sanitary articles such as, for example, nappies and the like.

According to an aspect, the composite web comprises a first web having a first face and a second face.

According to an aspect, the first face of the composite web is the face that will be in contact with the wearer (for example, when the composite web to make an absorbent sanitary product such as a nappy).

According to an aspect, the first web comprises at least one portion with a pattern stamped on it so that it has at least one protrusion on the first face. Hereinafter, the portion with a pattern stamped on it is also called "moulded portion" or "contoured portion". In practice, the contoured portion is a portion of the first web with the aforesaid pattern moulded on it.

According to an aspect, the protrusion is at least partly delimited by a base portion.

In broad terms, the protrusion protrudes, relative to the base portion, from the first face towards the wearer to enhance the comfort of the absorbent article which incorporates the composite web.

According to an aspect, the composite web comprises a segment of a second web joined to the second face of the first web at least at the base portion.

According to an aspect, the composite web has at least one cavity delimited by the first web and by the segment of second web at the contoured portion.

According to an aspect, with the protrusion, the segment delimits a cavity in the composite web.

Advantageously, the segment of the second web keeps the moulded portion in the deformed state by fixing the first web at least at the moulded portion itself.

According to an aspect, the first web is made from non-woven fabric. According to an aspect, the segment of second web is a liquid acquisition and distribution layer (ADL).

According to an aspect, the segment of second web is made from non-woven fabric.

By "non-woven fabric" is meant a material whose fibres are randomly oriented.

The segment of second web may be made, for example, from: carded fibres, non-woven fabrics, cellulose fibres, viscose, polyester, cotton, polyamide and microfibre.

Advantageously, the segment of second web applied to the first web allows keeping the shape imparted to the first layer. Advantageously, keeping the shape of the first web using segments of second web instead of a second continuous web allows reducing the amount of material used.

Advantageously, reducing the amount of material used allows lowering production costs.

Advantageously, the presence of an ADL allows acquiring and distributing the liquids that permeate from the first web.

According to an aspect, the moulded portion, on its first, face, has a multiplicity of protrusions delimited by base portions.

According to an aspect, the composite web comprises a segment of a second web joined to the second face of the first web at least at the multiplicity of base portions.

According to an aspect, the composite web has a multiplicity of cavities delimited by the first web and by the segment at the moulded portion.

Advantageously, the presence of protrusions allows ensuring the wearer's comfort.

According to an aspect, the multiplicity of protrusions defines a motif. In other words, the multiplicity of protrusions defines a pattern on the first web.

According to an aspect, the first web has mouldings along its full length. The segments of second web joined to the first web keep the motif or pattern moulded on the first web in shape at the segments themselves.

According to an aspect, the first web is moulded using embossing technology.

According to an aspect, the composite web comprises a discrete succession of segments of second web.

According to an aspect, the protrusion may have different shapes.

In an example, the protrusion has a bubble shape.

In another example, the protrusion has a wavy shape.

Other examples of shapes that the protrusion may have are the following: circular, diamond, oval, teardrop, elliptical, heart, triangular. According to an aspect, the moulded portion of the first web and the segment of the second web are joined by welding.

For example, welding may be performed using ultrasounds. According to an aspect, the composite web comprises an adhesive layer to join together the first and the second web.

According to an aspect, the adhesive layer is interposed between the moulded portion of the first web and the segment of the second web. According to an aspect, the segment of the second web has plan dimensions that correspond to the plan dimensions of the moulded portion so that the first web keeps the shape or the pattern imparted to it at least in the moulded portion.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the segment are determined on the basis of the dimensions of the moulded portion.

According to an aspect, the description regards an absorbent article essentially comprising: a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

According to an aspect, the topsheet comprises a segment of a composite web according to one or more of the aspects set out above.

According to an aspect, the segment of the second web is disposed between the first web and the absorbent core.

For example, the first web may be made in the form of what is known as a bubble topsheet, that is to say, a topsheet with bubbles on it to enhance the comfort of the wearer.

Advantageously, making an absorbent article whose topsheet has the above mentioned aspects allows reducing the amount of material needed to produce the article. In effect, the segment of web used for the topsheet comprises a moulded portion and the ADL at the moulded portion to keep it in the desired shape.

Advantageously, reducing the amount of material needed to make the article allows reducing production costs.

According to an aspect, the description regards a method for the production of a composite web (for absorbent sanitary articles). According to an aspect, the method comprises a step of feeding a first continuous web.

According to an aspect, the method comprises a step of moulding the first continuous web to obtain at least one protrusion, delimited at least partly by a base portion.

Advantageously, moulding the first web allows making protrusions that improve the comfort of the wearer of the end product comprising the contoured (moulded) web.

According to an aspect, the first web can be moulded to obtain protrusions with a different shape.

According to an aspect, the first web can be moulded to obtain a pattern of protrusions.

According to an aspect, moulding is performed using embossing technology.

For example, moulding the protrusions can be performed using a first roller that is provided with a plurality of suction hollows on its outer peripheral surface, and a second roller that is peripherally provided with a plurality of teeth that are substantially shaped to match the suction hollows.

According to an aspect, the method comprises a step of joining at least one segment of a second web to the first continuous web at the base portion or base portions on the moulded portion.

Advantageously, joining segments of second web to the base portion of the protrusion allows ensuring that the protrusion remains in place.

Advantageously, joining segments of second web to the base portion of the protrusion allows ensuring that the protrusion keeps the shape imparted to the first web at least at the segments of the second web.

According to an aspect, joining at least one segment of second web to the first web allows delimiting at least one cavity between the first continuous web and the segment at the segments of second web.

Advantageously, joining segments of second web allows reducing the amount of material needed for production.

Advantageously, using a smaller amount of material allows reducing production costs.

According to an aspect, the method comprises a step of feeding, cutting and spacing a second continuous web to obtain segments of second web.

According to an aspect, the step of cutting to obtain segments of second web is performed using, for example, the slip and cut method.

According to an aspect, the step of joining at least one segment of a second web to the first continuous web comprises a step of welding at least one segment of second web to the first continuous web. Welding may be, for example, ultrasound welding.

According to an aspect, the step of joining at least one segment of a second web to the first continuous web comprises a step of disposing an adhesive layer between the at least one segment of second web and the first continuous web.

Joining the segments of the second web to the first web allows fixing and keeping, at least at the segments, the 3D pattern that has been imparted to the first web.

This description also relates to a forming unit for making composite webs according to one or more of the above mentioned aspects.

According to an aspect, the forming unit comprises a moulding device for moulding a three-dimensional (3D) pattern on a first web. The moulding device is, for example, an embossing device.

According to an aspect, the moulding device comprises a first roller, or drum, rotatable about a respective axis, for example, anticlockwise, and a second roller, or drum, rotatable about a respective axis, for example, clockwise.

The drums of the moulding device are positioned relative to each other to define a gap through which the first web passes and their axes are parallel.

According to an aspect, the drums of the moulding device are provided, on their outside surfaces, with male and female portions shaped to match each other and to impart to the web the aforementioned 3D pattern or motif when the web passes through the gap.

According to an aspect, the web is moulded by conveying it between the drums of the moulding device.

The male and female portions are shaped according to the shape which the protrusions on the continuous web should have.

According to an aspect, the forming unit comprises an applicator device for applying the segments to the second web.

According to an aspect, the applicator device comprises a cutting device for cutting the segments from a continuous web.

According to an aspect, the applicator device comprises an anvil and a knife acting in conjunction with the anvil for cutting the segments from a continuous web.

According to an aspect, the knife cuts the second continuous web to form the segments.

According to an aspect, the segments are spaced, for example, using a slip and cut method on the anvil itself.

According to an aspect, the applicator device comprises a joining device for joining the segments downstream of the cutting device.

According to an aspect, the joining device comprises a welding drum, tangent to one of the drums of the moulding device, to join the segments to the continuous web.

In an example, the segments pass from the anvil of the cutting device onto one of the drums of the moulding device and are then welded by the welding drum.

In another example, the welding drum receives the segments from the cutting device, for example, retaining them by suction, and applies them to the continuous web.

According to an aspect, the welding drum and the drum of the moulding device are configured to weld the segments to the continuous web, for example, by thermal welding.

The main features of the invention are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention purely by way of non-limiting example, and in which:.

With reference to the accompanying drawings and, in particular, <FIG>, the numeral <NUM> denotes a composite web according to the description.

The composite web <NUM> is preferably intended for the production of absorbent sanitary articles such as nappies, an example of which, labelled <NUM>, is illustrated in <FIG>.

The composite web <NUM>, as explained in more detail below, allows making what are known as three-dimensional or 3D topsheets for absorbent sanitary articles such as nappies.

The composite web <NUM> comprises a first continuous web <NUM> having a first face 2A and a second face 2B.

As illustrated, the first web <NUM> comprises at least one moulded or contoured portion <NUM>; in the example of <FIG>, two moulded portions <NUM> are shown.

The contoured portion <NUM> is a web portion on which a pattern is stamped, that is, a portion of the first web with the moulded pattern on it.

The moulded portion <NUM> has at least one protrusion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is at least partly delimited by a base portion <NUM>, outside the protrusion <NUM>.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the moulded portions <NUM> are greatly scaled up in the illustrations so as to make it easier to understand the description.

The contoured portions <NUM> will constitute the 3D portions of the topsheet, provided normally to improve the comfort of the nappy. The composite web <NUM> comprises a segment <NUM> of a second continuous web <NUM> joined to the second face 2B of the first web <NUM> at least at the base portion <NUM>.

The composite web <NUM> has at least one cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is delimited by the first web <NUM> and by the segment <NUM> at the moulded portion <NUM>.

In other words, the cavity <NUM> is delimited by the second face 2B of the first web <NUM> at the protrusion <NUM> and by the segment <NUM> of second web <NUM>.

When the composite web <NUM> is used in an absorbent sanitary product, the wearer is in contact with the first face 2A of the first web <NUM>. Advantageously, the moulded portion <NUM> allows ensuring the comfort of the wearer who comes into contact at least with the protrusion <NUM> present on the first face 2A.

The segment <NUM> keeps the moulded portion <NUM> in the required shape.

In an embodiment, the first web <NUM> comprises non-woven fabric.

In an embodiment, the first web <NUM> comprises polymer fibres.

In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> comprises non-woven fabric.

In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> is a liquid acquisition and distribution layer (ADL).

Advantageously, applying an ADL allows acquiring the liquids from the upper layers and directing them towards an absorbent core, thereby increasing the efficiency of the absorbent sanitary product.

In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> comprises a layer of carded fibres. In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> comprises cellulose fibres.

In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> is airlaid material.

In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> is spunlace material.

In an embodiment, the moulded portion <NUM>, on its first face 2A has a multiplicity of protrusions <NUM>, delimited by a respective multiplicity of base portions <NUM> surrounding the protrusions <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the composite web <NUM> comprises a segment <NUM> of a second web joined to the second face 2B of the first web <NUM> at least at the multiplicity of base portions <NUM>. In this embodiment, the composite web <NUM> has a multiplicity of cavities <NUM>, delimited by the first web <NUM> and the segment <NUM> at the moulded portion <NUM>.

The multiplicity of protrusions <NUM> defines a motif M. In other words, the multiplicity of protrusions <NUM> defines a pattern that will constitute the three-dimensional (3D) portion of the topsheet.

In an embodiment, the first web <NUM> is contoured, or moulded along its full length.

In an embodiment, the composite web <NUM> comprises a discrete succession of segments <NUM> of second web <NUM>.

The segments <NUM> keep the first web <NUM> in its moulded shape at least at the segments <NUM> themselves.

The composite web <NUM> has a succession of moulded portions <NUM>, each kept in the required shape by the corresponding segment <NUM>.

The first web <NUM> may lose the shape derived from moulding in the zones where the segment <NUM> is not present. With reference to <FIG>, the first web <NUM> is shown without protrusions at the ends of it.

In an absorbent article <NUM> which uses a segment of the composite web <NUM> as topsheet, this segment will have a moulded portion <NUM> for the wearer's comfort, where the segment <NUM> is disposed and where this segment simultaneously keeps the moulded portion <NUM> in the required shape and defines an ADL.

In an embodiment, the protrusions <NUM> of the first web <NUM> have a bubble shape, illustrated, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the protrusions <NUM> of the first web <NUM> have a wavy shape, illustrated, for example, in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the waves moulded on the first web <NUM> comprise waves with crests parallel to the main direction of extension of the first web <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the waves moulded on the first web <NUM> comprise waves with crests transverse to the main direction of extension of the first web <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM> of the first web <NUM> may have different shapes: for example, diamond, heart, oval, teardrop, elliptic, shamrock.

The first web <NUM> and the segments <NUM> of the second web <NUM> are joined, for example, by welding and/or adhesive.

In an embodiment, the moulded portion <NUM> of the first web <NUM> and the segment <NUM> of the second web <NUM> are joined by welding, in particular, thermal welding or thermomechanical welding.

In an embodiment, the moulded portion <NUM> of the first web <NUM> and the segment <NUM> of the second web <NUM> are joined by ultrasound welding.

In an embodiment, the composite web <NUM> comprises a layer of adhesive <NUM>, visible, for example, in <FIG>.

The layer of adhesive <NUM> is disposed between the web <NUM> and the segments <NUM>, in particular, between the base portion <NUM> of the moulded portions <NUM> of the first web <NUM> and the segment <NUM> of the second web <NUM>. This description also has for an object an absorbent article illustrated, for example, in <FIG> and denoted by the reference numeral <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM>, described only insofar as necessary for understanding this invention, essentially comprises: a topsheet <NUM>, an impermeable backsheet <NUM> and an absorbent core <NUM> disposed between the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>.

The topsheet <NUM> is the part of the article <NUM> which, in use, is in contact with the wearer.

The topsheet <NUM> comprises a segment of a composite web <NUM> according to the features described above.

The composite web <NUM> is cut to make a segment of composite web to be assembled in the article <NUM>.

The segment of composite web comprises a segment of the first web <NUM> and at least one segment <NUM> of second web <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> of second web <NUM> is smaller in length than the segment of first web <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the segment <NUM> of second web <NUM> is smaller in width than the segment of first web <NUM>.

As illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, the segment <NUM> of second web <NUM>, included in the composite web <NUM>, is disposed between the first web <NUM> (included in the composite web <NUM>) and the absorbent core <NUM>. This description has for an object a method for the production of a composite web <NUM>. The composite web <NUM> is preferably used for making absorbent sanitary articles such as, for example, the article <NUM>.

The method comprises a step of feeding a first continuous web <NUM>.

The method comprises a step of moulding at least one portion of the first continuous web <NUM> to obtain at least one moulded portion <NUM> having at least one protrusion <NUM>, delimited at least partly by a base portion <NUM>.

Preferably, the method, in particular, the step of moulding, comprises a step of embossing the first continuous web <NUM> along its entire length. By "embossing" is meant stamping or moulding a 3D pattern on the first web <NUM>.

The method used to mould the first web <NUM> is commonly known as embossing.

Advantageously, making protrusions <NUM> on the first web <NUM> allows enhancing the comfort of the wearer in contact with the first web <NUM>.

The method comprises a step of joining at least one segment <NUM> of a second web <NUM> to the first continuous web <NUM> at least at the base portion <NUM> to delimit at least one cavity <NUM> between the first continuous web <NUM> and the segment <NUM> at the at least one moulded portion <NUM>.

The segment <NUM> is joined to the first web <NUM> at the base portions <NUM> on the side opposite the protrusions <NUM> so as to also define the cavities <NUM>. In an embodiment the method comprises a step of feeding, cutting and spacing a second continuous web <NUM> to obtain segments <NUM> of second web <NUM>.

The web segments can be cut and spaced from each other to obtain discrete components using a method known as slip and cut, whereby the segments are cut and allowed to slide.

In an embodiment, the step of joining at least one segment <NUM> of a second web <NUM> to the first continuous web <NUM> comprises a step of welding the segments <NUM> of second web <NUM> to the first continuous web <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the step of welding the segment <NUM> to the first web <NUM> is performed by ultrasound welding.

In an embodiment, the step of joining at least one segment <NUM> of a second web <NUM> to the first continuous web <NUM> comprises a step of disposing a layer of adhesive <NUM> between the segments <NUM> of the second web and the first web <NUM>.

Joining the segments <NUM> of the second web <NUM> to the first web <NUM> allows fixing and keeping, at least at the segments <NUM>, the 3D pattern that has been imparted to the first web <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the first web <NUM> is moulded with the pattern M along its full length and a succession of suitably sized and spaced segments <NUM> is then applied to it. The segments <NUM> are applied at the base portions <NUM> on the side opposite the protrusions <NUM> in a zone in which the moulded portion <NUM> is defined and where the second segment <NUM> is and preferably defines an acquisition and distribution layer.

This description has for an object a forming unit <NUM> for making, for example, composite webs like the web <NUM>.

The unit <NUM> comprises a moulding device <NUM> for moulding the 3D pattern on the first web <NUM>. The device <NUM> is of a type substantially known in the trade and is also called embossing device.

In the examples illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the device <NUM> comprises a first roller or drum <NUM>, rotatable about an axis a2 in anticlockwise direction, and a second roller or drum <NUM>, rotatable about an axis a3, parallel to a2, in clockwise direction, positioned relative to each other to define a gap <NUM> through which the first web <NUM> passes; for simplicity, the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> are considered to be substantially tangent.

In an embodiment, the drum <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are provided, on their cylindrical outer surfaces, with male and female portions, respectively, which are shaped to match each other and to impart the aforementioned 3D pattern or motif to the first web <NUM>.

The first web <NUM> is moulded by conveying it between the drums <NUM>, <NUM>.

The male - female portions allow making the protrusions <NUM> on the first web <NUM>.

The male and female portions are shaped according to the shape which the protrusion <NUM> should have.

In <FIG>, for example, the drums <NUM> and <NUM> are shaped to impart to the first web <NUM> wavy protrusions <NUM> where the crests 4A are parallel to the main directions of extension of the first web <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the drum <NUM> is patterned and the drum <NUM> acts as anvil.

The first web <NUM> advances in a direction V2 through the gap <NUM> in such a way that the outside surfaces of the drums <NUM>, <NUM> act in conjunction to engage the first web <NUM> and to impart the 3D pattern thereto.

Downstream of the moulding device <NUM>, the forming unit comprises an applicator device <NUM> for applying the segments <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the applicator device <NUM> comprises a cutting device <NUM> to obtain the segments <NUM> from a continuous web <NUM>.

The cutting device <NUM> comprises an anvil <NUM>, preferably in the form of a drum that is rotatable clockwise about an axis a6, and a rotary knife <NUM> that is rotatable anticlockwise about an axis a7, as illustrated in the example of <FIG>, and acting in conjunction with the anvil <NUM> to cut the segments <NUM> from a web <NUM>.

The knife <NUM> cuts the second continuous web <NUM> to form the segments <NUM> which are suitably spaced, for example on the drum <NUM> itself with a known slip and cut method not further described.

In an embodiment, illustrated in the example of <FIG>, the drum <NUM> is tangent to the drum <NUM> to transfer the segments <NUM> onto the web <NUM> being fed by the drum <NUM>.

The segments <NUM> are, for example, held by suction on the web <NUM> being fed by the drum <NUM>.

The applicator device <NUM> comprises a joining device for joining the segments <NUM> to the web <NUM>.

The joining device comprises a welder which, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, comprises a welding drum <NUM> that is rotatable about an axis a8, clockwise in the example illustrated, disposed downstream of the drum <NUM> in the feed direction V16 of the web <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> is tangent to the drum <NUM> and allows carrying out the step of joining the segments <NUM> to the first web <NUM>, that is to say, joining the segments <NUM> to the base portions <NUM>, as illustrated schematically in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the drum <NUM> and the drum <NUM> are configured to weld the segments <NUM> to the web <NUM>, for example by ultrasound welding.

In another embodiment, illustrated in the example of <FIG>, the drum <NUM> is tangent to the drum <NUM>. The segments <NUM> are, in this case, transferred by the drum <NUM> to the drum <NUM> and welded onto the web <NUM> being fed by the drum <NUM> tangent to the drum <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the applicator device comprises an adhesive dispenser <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A composite web comprising a first continuous web (<NUM>) having a first face (2A) and a second face (2B), the first continuous web (<NUM>) comprising at least one moulded portion (<NUM>) having at least one protrusion (<NUM>), the protrusion (<NUM>) being at least partly delimited by a base portion (<NUM>),
the composite web comprising a segment (<NUM>) of a second continuous web (<NUM>) joined to the second face (2B) of the first continuous web (<NUM>) at least at the base portion (<NUM>),
the composite web having at least one cavity (<NUM>) that is delimited by the first continuous web (<NUM>) and the segment (<NUM>) at the moulded portion (<NUM>),
the first continuous web (<NUM>) being moulded along its full length andthe segment (<NUM>) defining the moulded portion (<NUM>) of the composite web,
the composite web comprising a discrete succession of segments (<NUM>) of second continuous web (<NUM>) joined to the first continuous web (<NUM>), each segment (<NUM>) defining a corresponding moulded portion (<NUM>) of the composite web.