Extended nip embossing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for embossing a web substrate is disclosed. The apparatus has a pattern roll, at least two axially parallel juxtaposed rolls, a continuous belt disposed about the rolls, and a pressure assist device. The pattern roll has a circumference and an embossing pattern disposed upon a surface thereof. The continuous belt has first and second surfaces and circumferential axis and is disposed upon at least a portion of the circumference of the pattern roll forming a circumferentially elongate nip therebetween. The pressure assist device is disposed proximate to the second surface of the continuous belt and is adjustable relative to at least one of the second surface of the continuous belt and the surface of the pattern roll.

1 . An apparatus for embossing a web substrate, the apparatus comprising:
 a pattern roll having a circumference and an embossing pattern disposed upon a surface thereof;   at least two rolls juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship with said pattern roll; and,   a continuous belt comprising first and second surfaces disposed about said at least two rolls and having a circumferential axis generally corresponding to said surface of said pattern roll, said first surface of said continuous belt being disposed upon at least a portion of said circumference of said pattern roll and forming a circumferentially elongate nip therebetween, said pattern roll and said first surface of said continuous belt being adapted to receive said web substrate at said elongate nip; and   a pressure assist device, said pressure assist device being disposed proximate to said second surface of said continuous belt, said pressure assist device being adjustable relative to at least one of said second surface of said continuous belt and said surface of said pattern roll.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said continuous belt further comprises a deformable surface. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said web substrate is transported into contacting engagement with said pattern roll and said continuous belt. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said embossing pattern is disposed upon said web substrate within said elongate nip. 
     
     
         5 . 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 pattern roll. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising a second positioning device, said second positioning device controlling a position of said continuous belt relative to said pattern roll. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said continuous belt further comprises a relieved surface. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said circumferential axis of said continuous belt is at least incrementally adjustable relative to said surface of said pattern roll in order to provide said continuous belt with a compressive force upon the surface of said pattern roll. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said continuous belt further comprises a complimentary surface, said complimentary surface corresponding to said embossing pattern. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said continuous belt is disposed upon said circumference of said pattern roll from about 2 degrees of said circumference to about 200 degrees of said circumference. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said web substrate has a speed corresponding to a surface speed of either of said continuous belt or said pattern roll. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for embossing a web substrate, the apparatus comprising:
 a pattern roll having a circumference and an embossing pattern disposed upon a surface thereof;   at least two rolls juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship with said pattern roll; and,   a continuous belt comprising first and second surfaces disposed about said at least two rolls and having a circumferential axis generally corresponding to said surface of said pattern roll, said first surface of said continuous belt being disposed upon at least a portion of said circumference of said pattern roll and forming a circumferentially elongate nip therebetween, said pattern roll and said first surface of said continuous belt being adapted to receive said web substrate at said elongate nip; and,   a pressure assist device, said pressure assist device being disposed proximate to said second surface of said continuous belt, said pressure assist device being adjustable relative to at least one of said second surface of said continuous belt and said surface of said pattern roll.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said web substrate is transported into contacting engagement with said pattern roll and said continuous belt. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said embossing pattern is disposed upon said web substrate within said elongate nip. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising a first positioning device, said first positioning device controlling a position of said continuous belt relative to said pattern roll. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising a second positioning device, said second positioning device controlling a position of said continuous belt relative to said pattern roll. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said continuous belt further comprises a relieved surface. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said continuous belt further comprises a complimentary surface, said complimentary surface corresponding to said embossing pattern. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said continuous belt is disposed upon said circumference of said pattern roll from about 2 degrees of said circumference to about 200 degrees of said circumference. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said circumferential axis of said continuous belt is at least incrementally adjustable relative to said surface of said pattern roll in order to provide a known position of said continuous belt relative to the surface of said pattern roll.