Patent ID: 8287800

Claim:
A method for making a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a forming drum comprising at least one vacuum chamber; b) providing a forming structure, the forming structure being moveable upon the forming drum and comprising: a. a plurality of forming structure interconnecting members that define a plurality of forming structure apertures, said forming structure apertures permitting fluid communication between opposing first and second surfaces of said forming structure; b. a plurality of protrusions extending from said first surface of said forming structure; wherein said protrusions have an amplitude measured from said first surface of said forming structure to a distal end of said protrusion and are generally columnar forms having a substantially uniform circular cross-section along the amplitude, said protrusions having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1 and an average diameter between about 50 and 142 microns; wherein said protrusions comprise a protrusion sidewall, wherein said protrusion sidewall is generally straight; and wherein said protrusions have a center-to-center spacing of between about 100 microns and about 250 microns; c. extruding a precursor web directly onto the forming structure; d. moving the forming structure adjacent the vacuum chamber; and e. applying vacuum at a sufficient level to induce a sufficient partial pressure to conform the polymeric web to the forming structure, thereby forming the polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof, the polymeric web comprising hair-like fibrils having closed distal ends and an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.