Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for fabricating a composite web having transverse stretch. In one embodiment a forming plow forms at least one groove in a first web of material. An applicator roll applies a second web of transversely stretchable material to the first web while maintaining a facing portion of the second web in facing relationship with, and spaced from, the portion of the first web formed in the groove. Urging apparatus, such as a push roll having an axis, can intermittently urge the second web into the groove and thereby into surface-to-surface relationship with the first web over substantially the entirety of the facing portion of the second web. The webs can be secured by an adhesive, applied to portions of the first and/or second web, or by ultrasonic bonding, to thereby fabricate the composite web. In another embodiment, a vacuum roll receives and forms at least one groove in the first web and advances the first web to a nip roll that secures a reference surface of the first web to the second web in a nip formed by the vacuum roll and the nip roll while maintaining the groove in the first web. The webs are then advanced to an urging apparatus including a mating roll that mates with the vacuum roll to stretch and urge a facing portion of the second web inwardly into the groove and into securement with the first web thereby to fabricate the composite web.

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First Claim