US4839216A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Formed material produced by solid-state formation with a high-pressure liquid stream
Assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
•
Filing: 1987-06-01
•
Granted: 1989-06-13
•
Expires: 2007-06-01
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides for a process for transforming a substantially continuous web of substantially planar, deformable material having an indefinite length, a first surface, and a second surface into a formed material. The material has a transformation temperature range. The process comprises the following steps: (a) The web of material is provided on a forming structure with the first surface of the web of material proximate a forming surface of the forming structure. The forming surface moves in a direction of the length of the web of material and carries the web of material in that direction. (b) A liquid stream is applied to the second surface of the web of material. The liquid stream has sufficient force and mass flux to cause the web of material to be deformed toward the forming surface, such that the material acquires a substantial three-dimensional conformation. (c) The temperature of the web of material is controlled such that it remains below the transformation temperature range of the material throughout the process.
Inventors
- 👤 John J. Curro
- 👤 Alan J. Trusty
- 👤 George M. Vernon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:40
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C51/00; B29C51/26; B29C51/263; A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/15577; A61F13/15707; A61F13/15731; A61F13/45; A61F13/47; A61F13/51; A61F13/511; A61F13/51121; A61F13/512; A61F13/513; B26; B26F; B26F1/00; B26F1/26; B29C59/00; B29C59/02; B29C67/00; A61F2013/15821; A61F2013/15829; B29C59/022; B29C2059/023; B29C59/04; B29K; B29K2023/00; B29K2995/00; B29K2995/0037; B29K2995/0072; B29K2995/0074; B29L; B29L2007/00; B29L2007/008; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/48; B29L2031/4871; B29L2031/4878; G; G05; G05B; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/49; G05B2219/49015; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/913; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24149; Y10T428/24273; Y10T428/24298; Y10T428/24322; Y10T428/24331; Y10T428/31504; Y10T428/31855; Y10T428/31938
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
274 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film exhibiting a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and lower surfaces of said land area, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having a cross-sectional area such that a circle of diameter D can be inscribed therein; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane, said film exhibiting said surface roughness on at least one of said inner and outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane, said film exhibiting a surface smoothness on both said inner and outer surfaces of said sidewall adjacent said second aperture; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
274 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film exhibiting a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and lower surfaces of said land area, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having a cross-sectional area such that a circle of diameter D can be inscribed therein; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane, said film exhibiting said surface roughness on at least one of said inner and outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane, said film exhibiting a surface smoothness on both said inner and outer surfaces of said sidewall adjacent said second aperture; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 1 wherein said ratio of L/T is at least about 10.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 1 wherein said ratio of L/T is at least about 15.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 1 wherein said ratio of L/D is at least about 0.7.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 2 wherein said ratio of L/D is at least about 1.0.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 1 wherein said film exhibits said surface roughness on at least one of said inner and outer surfaces of said sidewall to a depth of at least about L/2 from said plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The debossed and perforated material of Claim 34 wherein said polymeric film is a thermoplastic film selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes and polypropylenes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 2 wherein said polymeric film is a thermoplastic film selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes and polypropylenes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 7 wherein said film has a thickness of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.04 mm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 8 wherein said film has a thickness of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.04 mm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
256 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film exhibiting a surface roughness on said lower surface of said land area, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having a cross-sectional area such that a circle of diameter D and be inscribed therein; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane, said film exhibiting said surface roughness on said outer surface of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane, said film exhibiting a surface smoothness on the entire inner surface of said sidewall; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
256 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film exhibiting a surface roughness on said lower surface of said land area, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having a cross-sectional area such that a circle of diameter D and be inscribed therein; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane, said film exhibiting said surface roughness on said outer surface of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane, said film exhibiting a surface smoothness on the entire inner surface of said sidewall; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
221 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having a cross-sectional area such that a circle of diameter D can be inscribed therein; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5; said film having adjacent perforated protuberances having D's which differ by a factor of at least about 2.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
221 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having a cross-sectional area such that a circle of diameter D can be inscribed therein; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5; said film having adjacent perforated protuberances having D's which differ by a factor of at least about 2.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 12 wherein said film has adjacent perforated protuberances having D's which differ by a factor of at least about 5.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 12 wherein said film has adjacent perforated protuberances having D's which differ by a factor of at least about 10.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 12 wherein said film has adjacent perforated protuberances having D's which differ by a factor of at least about 20.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 12 wherein said ratio of L/T is at least about 10.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 14 wherein said ratio of L/T is at least about 10.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 12 wherein said polymeric film is a thermoplastic film selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes and polypropylenes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 17 wherein said polymeric film is a thermoplastic film selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes and polypropylenes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 18 wherein said film has a thickness of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.04 mm.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 19 wherein said film has a thickness of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.04 mm.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
56 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 12 wherein said film exhibits a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and said lower surfaces of said land area, and on at least one of said inner and outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
57 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 20 wherein said film exhibits a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and said lower surfaces of said land area, and on at least one of said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
57 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 21 wherein said film exhibits a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and said lower surfaces of said land area, and on at least one of said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 23 wherein said film exhibits a surface smoothness on both said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall adjacent said second aperture.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 24 wherein said film exhibits a surface smoothness on both said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall adjacent said second aperture.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
229 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having an irregular-shaped cross-sectional area such that at least two circles of diameters D can be inscribed therein such that said two circles do not overlap, said two circles having D's which differ by a factor of at least about 2; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
229 words
A debossed and perforated material comprising a polymeric film having a first surface and a second surface separated by a maximum thickness T, said material comprising a land area which has an upper surface which defines a plane and comprises a portion of said second surface of said film and a lower surface which comprises a portion of said first surface of said film, said film comprising perforated protuberances, each of said protuberances comprising the following: (a) a first aperture located in said plane, said first aperture having an irregular-shaped cross-sectional area such that at least two circles of diameters D can be inscribed therein such that said two circles do not overlap, said two circles having D's which differ by a factor of at least about 2; (b) a second aperture wholly remote from and below said plane; (c) a sidewall which continuously interconnects said first and second apertures to one another, said sidewall having an inner surface comprising a portion of said second surface of said film and an outer surface comprising a portion of said first surface of said film, said sidewall having an average depth L from said plane, measured about the periphery of said second aperture in a direction perpendicular to said plane; (d) a ratio of L/T of at least about 5; and (e) a ratio of L/D of at least about 0.5.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 27 wherein said two circles have D's which differ by a factor of at least about 5.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 27 wherein said two circles have D's which differ by a factor of at least about 10.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 27 wherein said ratio of L/T is at least about 10.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 29 wherein said ratio of L/T is at least about 10.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 27 wherein said polymeric film is a thermoplastic film selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes and polypropylenes.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 31 wherein said polymeric film is a thermoplastic film selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes and polypropylenes.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 32 wherein said film has a thickness of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.04 mm.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 33 wherein said film has a thickness of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.04 mm.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
57 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 27 wherein said film exhibits a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and said lower surfaces of said land area, and on at least one of said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
57 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 34 wherein said film exhibits a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and said lower surfaces of said land area, and on at least one of said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
57 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 35 wherein said film exhibits a surface roughness on at least one of said upper and said lower surfaces of said land area, and on at least one of said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall to an average depth of at least about L/4 from said plane.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 37 wherein said film exhibits a surface smoothness on both said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall adjacent said second aperture.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
30 words
The debossed and perforated material of claim 38 wherein said film exhibits a surface smoothness on both said inner and said outer surfaces of said sidewall adjacent said second aperture.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-06-12 | 1992-12-12 | 1993-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-06-12 | 1996-12-12 | 1997-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-06-12 | 2000-12-12 | 2001-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |