Abstract: A process for deforming a web is disclosed. The steps include forming a plurality of microscopic aberrations in a first layer and/or second layer of a precursor web. The microscopic aberrations comprising sidewalls and an aperture disposed at a distal end of the sidewalls. The first layer extends laterally outboard more than the second layer. The precursor web is advanced to a forming unit. The plurality of macroscopic features is simultaneously formed in the precursor web, including first and second features; the first features are disposed in an area of overlap between the first and second layer; the second features are disposed in an area laterally outboard of the second layer; the microscopic aberrations extend in a first direction from the precursor web; the first and second features extend in a second direction from the precursor web; and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Methods for deforming a multilayer web are disclosed. Steps of the method include: supplying a first layer of a precursor web; supplying a second layer of the precursor web onto at least the first area of the first layer; forming a plurality of first features and a plurality of second features in the precursor web. The plurality of first features are apertures formed in a first area of the precursor web, and the plurality of second features are formed in a second area of the precursor web in a positive and/or negative Z-direction. The plurality of first features and the plurality of second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: A process for deforming a web is disclosed. The steps include forming a plurality of microscopic aberrations in a first layer and/or second layer of a precursor web. The microscopic aberrations comprising sidewalls and an aperture disposed at a distal end of the sidewalls. The first layer extends laterally outboard more than the second layer. The precursor web is advanced to a forming unit. The plurality of macroscopic features is simultaneously formed in the precursor web, including first and second features; the first features are disposed in an area of overlap between the first and second layer; the second features are disposed in an area laterally outboard of the second layer; the microscopic aberrations extend in a first direction from the precursor web; the first and second features extend in a second direction from the precursor web; and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for deforming a web comprising the steps of supplying a precursor web; weakening the precursor web at a plurality of locations to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations in precursor web; and forming a plurality of first features and a plurality of second features throughout the first and second layers of the web in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of first and second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods for deforming a multilayer web are disclosed. Steps of the method include: supplying a first layer of a precursor web; supplying a second layer of the precursor web onto at least the first area of the first layer; forming a plurality of first features and a plurality of second features in the precursor web. The plurality of first features are apertures formed in a first area of the precursor web, and the plurality of second features are formed in a second area of the precursor web in a positive and/or negative Z-direction. The plurality of first features and the plurality of second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for deforming a web comprising the steps of supplying a first layer of a web; weakening the first layer at a plurality of locations to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations in the first layer; supplying a second layer of the web onto at least part of the first layer; and forming a plurality of first features in the first layer and a plurality of second features throughout the first and second layers of the web in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of first and second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: Processes for making micro-textured webs are disclosed. The present process includes the steps of providing a precursor web; providing a first pair of mated forming members including a first forming member and a second forming member forming a first deformation zone therebetween; moving the precursor web through the first deformation zone forming a first plurality of structures; providing a second pair of mated forming members including a third forming member and a fourth forming member forming a second deformation zone therebetween; moving the precursor web through the second deformation zone forming a second plurality of structures, and wherein the first plurality of structures is different than the second plurality of structures.

Abstract: A method for method for fabricating an absorbent article is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises at least a topsheet and a liquid impermeable backsheet. The method provides for the steps of: a) supplying the topsheet; b) supplying the liquid impermeable backsheet; c) affixing a measuring device to one of the topsheet and liquid impermeable backsheet; and, d) contactingly engaging the topsheet and liquid impermeable backsheet so that the measuring device is disposed therebetween when the topsheet and liquid impermeable backsheet are disposed in contacting engagement.

Abstract: A formed web comprising discrete three-dimensional elements formed therein, wherein at least some of the discrete three-dimensional elements comprise chads with corresponding apertures, wherein the aperture has a perimeter, wherein the chad has a length, wherein the chads are attached along a portion of the aperture perimeter which forms a connection segment, wherein the connection segment is less than about 50% of the entire aperture perimeter, and wherein the web comprises a film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for deforming a web comprising the steps of supplying a precursor web; weakening the precursor web at a plurality of locations to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations in precursor web; and forming a plurality of first features and a plurality of second features throughout the first and second layers of the web in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of first and second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for deforming a web comprising the steps of supplying a first layer of a web; weakening the first layer at a plurality of locations to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations in the first layer; supplying a second layer of the web onto at least part of the first layer; and forming a plurality of first features in the first layer and a plurality of second features throughout the first and second layers of the web in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of first and second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: Processes for making micro-textured webs are disclosed. The present process includes the steps of providing a precursor web; providing a first pair of mated forming members including a first forming member and a second forming member forming a first deformation zone therebetween; moving the precursor web through the first deformation zone forming a first plurality of structures; providing a second pair of mated forming members including a third forming member and a fourth forming member forming a second deformation zone therebetween; moving the precursor web through the second deformation zone forming a second plurality of structures, and wherein the first plurality of structures is different than the second plurality of structures.

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: 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: 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 formed web comprising discrete three-dimensional elements formed therein, wherein at least some of the discrete three-dimensional elements comprise chads with corresponding apertures, wherein the aperture has a perimeter, wherein the chad has a length, wherein the chads are attached along a portion of the aperture perimeter which forms a connection segment, wherein the connection segment is less than about 50% of the entire aperture perimeter, and wherein the web comprises a film.

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.