Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
213 words
In a method of forming a nonwoven fibrous sheet suitable for use as a replacement for conventional textile fabrics, said method comprising the sequential steps of: (a) dry-forming a fibrous web having a basis weight of from about 30 grams per square meter to about 170 grams per square meter and having a density of less than about 0.100 grams per cubic centimeter; (b) embossing the dry-formed web in a manner for providing spaced-apart densified areas and high loft areas over the planar extent of the web, said densified areas covering from about 15% to about 40% of the planar area of the web and having a density greater than about 0.150 grams per cubic centimeter; said high loft regions having a density of less than about 0.100 grams per cubic centimeter, said embossing forming an embossed pattern and providing a differential density in said web; (c) stabilizing the embossed pattern by including a binder in the embossed web for retaining the differential density within the embossed web during subsequent process steps; and (d) creping the embossed web by adhering a surface of the embossed web to a creping surface, after the embossed pattern has been stabilized, and foreshortening the web by removing it from the creping surface with a creping doctor blade.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
213 words
In a method of forming a nonwoven fibrous sheet suitable for use as a replacement for conventional textile fabrics, said method comprising the sequential steps of: (a) dry-forming a fibrous web having a basis weight of from about 30 grams per square meter to about 170 grams per square meter and having a density of less than about 0.100 grams per cubic centimeter; (b) embossing the dry-formed web in a manner for providing spaced-apart densified areas and high loft areas over the planar extent of the web, said densified areas covering from about 15% to about 40% of the planar area of the web and having a density greater than about 0.150 grams per cubic centimeter; said high loft regions having a density of less than about 0.100 grams per cubic centimeter, said embossing forming an embossed pattern and providing a differential density in said web; (c) stabilizing the embossed pattern by including a binder in the embossed web for retaining the differential density within the embossed web during subsequent process steps; and (d) creping the embossed web by adhering a surface of the embossed web to a creping surface, after the embossed pattern has been stabilized, and foreshortening the web by removing it from the creping surface with a creping doctor blade.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is performed by including a permanent binder in the web and setting said permanent binder for maintaining the integrity of the fibrous web after creping.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein step (d) includes the step of applying a second binder to the embossed web for adhering said web to the creping surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 3, including applying said second binder to only one surface of the embossed web.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein step (d) is performed by applying a second permanent binder to the embossed web for adhering said web to the creping surface, including the step of setting the second binder for aiding in maintaining the integrity of the nonwoven sheet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein step (d) is performed by applying a second temporary binder to the embossed web for adhering said web to a creping surface, including the step of breaking bonds formed by the temporary binder as said web is removed from the creping surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is performed by applying a permanent binder on opposed surfaces of the embossed web in a manner to form adhesive networks extending completely through the web in the densified areas.