Importance

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Abstract

A paper web of the present invention has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline, and comprises a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions. The first regions form boundaries separating the second regions, the first regions being substantially in a plane of the paper web. The second regions comprise a plurality of raised out-of-said-plane rib-like elements, the rib-like elements of each second region being disposed parallel to a major rib axis and perpendicular to a minor rib axis. All or most of each first regions have both major rib axis and minor rib axis components. The first and second regions undergo geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation along at least one axis. A method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a cellulosic substrate; providing a first platen comprising toothed regions and untoothed regions; providing a second platen comprising toothed regions, the second platen being aligned with the first platen such that the toothed regions of the first and second platens mesh when operably engaged; and pressing the cellulosic substrate between the first platen and the second platen such that the toothed regions deform said web to form regions of discrete fan-folded rib-like elements. Optionally, the cellulosic substrate can be moistened prior to the pressing step.

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First Claim