Method and apparatus for preparing textured apertured film
OwnerAlex W. Cabe, Jr., Robert W. Saffel +1inventors
InventorsAlex W. Cabe, Jr., Robert W. Saffel, Arthur J. Sampson
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Abstract
Apertured polymeric films for use as a liquid permeable facing material on absorbent products such as diapers and sanitary napkins is textured by a dual embossing process. The film is preferably embossed first with a pronounced, textile-like pattern, then embossed with a finely engraved finish roll to produce a thin, smooth film with a matte finish while retaining the appearance of the previously embossed pattern. The twice embossed film is soft, conformable, and more comfortable against the skin. The embossing sequence may be reversed for some applications.
Claims34
A process for imparting surface texture and smoothness to an apertured polymeric film comprising:
- a. macro embossing an apertured film having a unit thickness in the Z-direction at an elevated temperature and pressure to expand the film in the Z-direction and impart a pronounced pattern to said film, and
- b. micro embossing said macro embossed film to reduce the thickness of the film in the Z-direction to substantially its original unit thickness while retaining the macro embossed pattern therein.
A process for imparting surface texture and softness to an apertured polymeric film comprising
- a. micro embossing said film at an elevated temperature and pressure with a roll having a surface texture sufficient to impart a low reflectance matte finish surface to said film, and
- b. macro embossing said micro embossed film to expand the film in the Z-direction and impart a pronounced pattern to said film while retaining the micro embossed matte finish thereon
Apparatus for imparting surface texture and smoothness to apertured polymeric films comprising:
- a. macro embossing means comprising a steel embossing roll and a resilient anvil roll, the surface of said macro embossing roll being provided with a prominent pattern of raised projections;
- b. micro embossing means comprising a steel embossing roll and a nonresilient anvil roll, the surface of said micro embossing roll being provided with a surface texture sufficient to impart a matte finish to said polymeric film, and
- c. means for passing said apertured polymeric film through said micro and macro embossing means and for thereafter collecting said film.
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said resilient anvil roll has a rubber surface and a Shore A hardness of about 60 degrees.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.