Abstract: Processes for making micro-textured webs. The process comprises providing a precursor web; providing a pair of mated forming structures, including a first forming structure and a second forming structure, wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions; and moving the web through a deformation zone of the mated forming structures, wherein the voids of the first forming structure engage with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position. Discrete three-dimensional elements are formed in the web as the protrusions on the second forming structure engage with the voids on the first mating structure. At least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a static pressure plenum. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements. Pressure is provided by the static pressure plenum against the precursor web and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the discrete protruded elements of the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements having open proximal ends.

Abstract: A colored web material exhibiting viewing-angle dependent color and comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises a first web material and a second web material, wherein the first web material comprises a first polymer having first refractive properties and the second web material comprises a second polymer having second refractive properties, wherein said first refractive properties of said first polymer are different than said second refractive properties of said second polymer. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises an interference pigment incorporated in at least one layer of the colored web material. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements and lands completely surrounding them. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements completely surrounded by land areas.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a static pressure plenum. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided by the static pressure plenum against the precursor web and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a web having a static gas pressure plenum and a forming structure disposed in contact to the static gas pressure plenum. The static gas pressure plenum provides a static gas pressure of from about 0.1 MPa to about 25 MPa.

Abstract: A colored web material comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. The colored web material comprises a colorant incorporated in the material itself or a colorant disposed on at least one surface of the web material. The discrete extended elements comprise thinned portions at the distal ends and/or along the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a static pressure plenum. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements. Pressure is provided by the static pressure plenum against the precursor web and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the discrete protruded elements of the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements having open proximal ends.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container having a tamper-evident structure that indicates to a user when the container has been previously opened or otherwise tampered with. The container can include a body and a lid, where the lid is snap fit into a recess of the body. Based on the snap-fit, the lid is difficult or impossible to remove from the body without activating the tamper-evident structure. The tamper-evident structure can remain at least partially attached to the lid or body to thereby indicate to a user that the container has been opened or otherwise tampered with.

Abstract: Apparatus for making micro-textured webs. The apparatus comprises a pair of mated forming structures having a first forming structure, a second forming structure, and a deformation zone; wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions wherein at least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions. The voids of the first forming structure are engagable with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position to form a micro-textured web. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of counter-rotating rollers wherein the first roller comprises grooves having a length, wherein the length of the grooves are oriented at an angle different from the machine direction.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof, the method comprising the steps of: providing a forming drum comprising at least one vacuum chamber; providing a forming structure, the forming structure being moveable upon the forming drum; extruding a precursor web directly onto the forming structure; moving the forming structure adjacent the vacuum chamber; applying vacuum at a sufficient level to induce a sufficient partial pressure to conform the precursor web to the forming structure; providing a source of heat; and annealing the precursor web by heating the precursor web; thereby forming the polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof, the polymeric web comprising hair-like fibrils having closed distal ends and an average aspect ratio of at least about 0.5.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container having a tamper-evident structure that indicates to a user when the container has been previously opened or otherwise tampered with. The container can include a body and a lid, where the lid is snap fit into a recess of the body. Based on the snap-fit, the lid is difficult or impossible to remove from the body without activating the tamper-evident structure. The tamper-evident structure can remain at least partially attached to the lid or body to thereby indicate to a user that the container has been opened or otherwise tampered with.

Abstract: A colored web material comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. The colored web material comprises a colorant incorporated in the material itself or a colorant disposed on at least one surface of the web material. The discrete extended elements comprise thinned portions at the distal ends and/or along the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2.

Abstract: A colored web material comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. The colored web material comprises a colorant incorporated in the material itself or a colorant disposed on at least one surface of the web material. The discrete extended elements comprise thinned portions at the distal ends and/or along the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, an article includes a first web and second web underlying the first web. The first web includes a precursor web having a pattern of discrete substantially columnar protruded extensions extending only from a first surface of the precursor web, each of the protruded extensions having a sidewall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The article further includes a bonding pattern. The bonding pattern includes a plurality of discrete bonding points and a sized spacing between each adjacent bonding point sufficient to have inscribed therein a circle having a diameter of about 1 mm to about 12 mm The article comprises between about 70 to 100 discrete bonding points for every 25 to 40 mm along a longitudinal axis of the article.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a static pressure plenum. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided by the static pressure plenum against the precursor web and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web includes providing a precursor web a first forming structure having a plurality of discrete first forming elements and a first pressure source and applying pressure between the first pressure source and the first forming structure to force the precursor web to conform to the first forming elements of to form a first embossed web having a plurality of first discrete extended elements. The first embossed web is then provided between a second forming structure having a plurality of discrete second forming elements and a second pressure source and pressure is applied between the second pressure source and the second forming structure to force the first embossed web to conform to the second forming elements to form a second embossed web having a plurality of second discrete extended elements. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of first and second discrete extended elements.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container having a tamper-evident structure that indicates to a user when the container has been previously opened or otherwise tampered with. The container can include a body and a lid, where the lid is snap fit into a recess of the body. Based on the snap-fit, the lid is difficult or impossible to remove from the body without activating the tamper-evident structure. The tamper-evident structure can remain at least partially attached to the lid or body to thereby indicate to a user that the container has been opened or otherwise tampered with.

Abstract: Apparatus for making micro-textured webs. The apparatus comprises a pair of mated forming structures having a first forming structure, a second forming structure, and a deformation zone; wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions wherein at least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions. The voids of the first forming structure are engagable with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position to form a micro-textured web. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of counter-rotating rollers wherein the first roller comprises grooves having a length, wherein the length of the grooves are oriented at an angle different from the machine direction.