Robert L Drew

US Patent:

6547926, Apr 15, 2003

Filed:

Dec 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/013337

Inventors:

Robert A. Drew - Dunwoody GA
Frank G. Druecke - Oshkosh WI
Patricia Riedl - London, GB
Peter J. Allen - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B31F 112

US Classification:

162113, 162111, 162117, 162205

Abstract:

A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely effecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of placing a creped base web between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear-inducing roll which creates shear forces and compressive forces that act upon the base web. The shear forces disrupt the web, increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The compressive forces are localized at the areas where the fabric knuckles contact the base web, imparting a unique fabric-imprinted pattern to the web with limited caliper reduction. The shear-inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear-inducing roll may be incorporated into the system.

US Patent:

6939440, Sep 6, 2005

Filed:

Dec 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/323709

Inventors:

Robert A. Drew - Dunwoody GA, US
Frank G. Druecke - Oshkosh WI, US
Patricia Riedl - London, GB
Peter J. Allen - Neenah WI, US

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B31F001/12
D21H027/30

US Classification:

162113, 162109, 162117, 162123, 428153

Abstract:

Paper products, such as wiping products, are disclosed that have a fabric-imprinted pattern in combination with a crepe pattern. In producing paper products according to the invention, a base web containing pulp fibers is formed. Once the base web is substantially dry, the web is creped to form a first pattern. The creped web is then placed between two moving conveyors and guided around one or more compression inducing elements. As the web is guided around the compression inducing element in between the two conveyors, shear forces and compressive forces are imparted to the web that form a fabric-imprinted pattern superimposed on the crepe pattern. In one embodiment, the fabric-imprinted pattern comprises high density troughs.