Apparatus suitable for extended nip embossing

Abstract

An apparatus suitable for use with a web substrate embossing system is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least two rolls juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship and a continuous belt capable of providing a compressive force to a corresponding embossing surface. The continuous belt is disposed about the at least two rolls. The at least two rolls and continuous belt have an axis generally corresponding to the corresponding embossing surface. A first surface of the continuous belt is capable of being disposed proximate to at least a portion of the corresponding embossing surface and forming an elongate nip therebetween.

1 . An apparatus suitable for use with an extended nip web substrate embossing system, the apparatus comprising:
 at least two rolls juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship; and,   a continuous belt capable of providing a compressive force to a corresponding embossing surface, said continuous belt being disposed about said at least two rolls, the at least two rolls and continuous belt having an axis generally corresponding to said corresponding embossing surface, a first surface of said continuous belt capable of being proximately disposed to at least a portion of said corresponding embossing surface and forming an elongate nip therebetween.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first surface of said continuous belt is deformable. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first surface of said continuous belt further comprises a relieved surface. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first surface of said continuous belt further comprises a first embossing pattern disposed thereon. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said first embossing pattern is disposable upon a web substrate disposed within said elongate nip. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said corresponding embossing surface has a second embossing pattern disposed thereon. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said second embossing pattern is disposable upon said web substrate within said elongate nip. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said first embossing pattern and said second embossing pattern disposed upon said corresponding embossing surface are complementary. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said second embossing pattern is disposed upon a pattern roll. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said second embossing pattern is disposed upon a second continuous belt. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said axis of said continuous belt is adjustable relative to said corresponding embossing surface in order to provide said continuous belt with a compressive force upon said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said compressive force provided by said continuous belt differs incrementally along said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said axis of said continuous belt is adjustable relative to said corresponding embossing surface in order to provide a known position of said continuous belt relative to said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said known position of said continuous belt relative to the surface of said pattern roll differs incrementally along said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said axis of said continuous belt is at least incrementally adjustable relative to said corresponding embossing surface in order to provide said continuous belt with a compressive force upon said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said axis of said continuous belt is at least incrementally adjustable relative to said corresponding embossing surface in order to provide said continuous belt with a known position relative to said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said corresponding embossing surface and said continuous belt are adapted to receive a web substrate at said elongate nip. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a pressure assist device, said pressure assist device being disposed proximate to a second surface of said continuous belt, said second surface being disposed opposite said first surface, said pressure assist device being adjustable relative to at least one of said second surface of said continuous belt and said surface of said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a first positioning device, said first positioning device controlling a position of said continuous belt relative to said corresponding embossing surface. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising a second positioning device, said second positioning device controlling a position of said continuous belt relative to said corresponding embossing surface.