Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a distinctive method and apparatus (20) for forming an article which includes one or more selectively configured strands of material. In particular aspects, the invention can provide a method and apparatus for wrapping a strand of material with selected filaments, and desirably, the filaments can be adhesive filaments. The technique of the invention can include a moving of a strand of material (22) at a selected speed along an appointed machine-direction (34). At least a first, substantially continuous filament (24) can be directed onto the strand of material (22) along a corresponding, oscillating filament path (26) to form a first plurality of filament threads (28) which extend from opposed lateral side regions (30) of the strand of material (22). In particular aspects, at least a second, substantially continuous filament (24a) can be directed onto the strand of material (22) along a corresponding, oscillating filament path (26a) to form a second plurality of filament threads (28a) which extend from opposed lateral side regions (30) of the strand of material (22). Additionally, at least one air stream (32), and desirably a plurality of air streams are directed to operatively wrap the filament threads (28, 28a) around their corresponding strand of material (22).

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First Claim