Method and apparatus for forming cross-directionally extending protrusions in a substrate

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for forming protrusions in a substrate by passing the substrate between recesses and a source of vibration energy. The protrusions may extend from the substrate in a direction transverse to the machine direction. The recesses may be formed via a plurality of inserts, some having one or more cavities defined in their outer surface. Absorbent articles may comprise such a substrate. The absorbent articles may have a central longitudinal axis, a central lateral axis, a substrate produced in a machine direction, a plurality of protrusions integrally formed in the substrate. The machine direction may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis or to the lateral axis and a portion of the plurality of protrusions may extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis or to the lateral axis.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.