Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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EMBOSSED MULTI PLY PAPER AND PROCESS POR PRODUCING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to multiple ply cellulosic fibrous structures,
particularly embossed multiple ply cellulosic fibrous structures and the
process for
producing such structures.
BACKGROUND OF TI3E IN~tENTION
Cellulosic fibrous structures are a staple of everyday life. C:elluiosic
fibrous
structures are used as consumer products for paper towels, toilet tissue,
facial tissue,
napkins and the like. The large demand for such paper products ha.s created a
demand for improved versions of the products and the methods of their
manufacture.
Multiple ply cellulosic fibrous structures are very well knor~rn in the art of
consumer products. Such products are cellulosic fibrous stnactures having more
than
one, typically two, plies superimposed in face-to-face relationship to form a
laminate.
It is known in the art to emboss sheets comprising multiple plies of tissue
for
aesthetic purposes and to maintain the plies in face-to-face relation during
use. In
addition, embossing can increase the surface area of the plies thereby
enhancing their
bulk and water holding capacity.
During the embossing process, the plies are fed through a niip formed between
juxtaposed axially parallel rolls. Embossment knobs on these rolls compress
like
regions of each ply into engagement and contacting relationship with the
opposing
ply. The compressed regions of the plies produce an aesthetic pattern and
provide a
means for joining and maintaining the plies in face-to-face contacting
relationship-
Embossing is typically performed by one of two processes, knob-to-knob
embossing or nested embossing. Knob-to-knob embossing consists of axially
parallel
rolls juxtaposed to form a nip between the knobs on opposing rolls. Nested
embossing consists of embossment knobs of one roll meshed between the
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2
embossment knobs of the other roll. Examples of knob-to-knob embossing and
nested embossing are illustrated in the prior art by U.S. Patents 3,414,459
issued
December 3, 1968 to Wells and commonly assigned; 3,547,723 issued December 15,
1970 to Gresham; 3,556,907 issued January I9, 1971 to Nystrand; 3,708,366
issued
January 2, 1973 to Donnelly; 3,738,905 issued June 12, 1973 to Thomas;
3,867,225
issued February 18, 1975 to Nystrand and 4,483,728 issued November 20, 1984 to
Bauemfeind.
Knob to knob embossing produces a cellulosic fibrous structure composed of
pillowed regions which enhance the thickness of the product. However, the
pillows
have a tendency to collapse under pressure due to lack of'support.
Consequently, the
thickness benefat is typically lost during the balance of the converting
operation and
subsequent packaging, diminishing the quilted appearance sought by embossing.
Nested embossing has proven to be the preferred process for producing
products exhibiting a softer more quilted appearance that is maintained
throughout
the balance of the converting process including packaging. With nested
embossing,
one ply has a male pattern, while the other ply has a female pattern. A.s the
two plies
travel through the nip of the embossment rolls, the patterns are meshed
together.
Nested embossing aligns the knob crests on the male embossment roll with the
low
areas on the female embossment roll. As a result, the embossed sites produced
on
one ply provide support for the embossed sites on the other ply.
The lamination point at the nip between nested embossment roils is typically
eliminated, since the knobs on the nested embossment rolls do not touch. This
necessitates the addition of a marrying roll to apply pressure for lamination.
Typical
marrying rolls are solid resulting in the lamination of every potential
laminating point
as shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,867,225 issued February 18, 1975 to l~lystrand.
The nested embossment rolls may be designed such that the knobs on one roll
contact the periphery of the other eanbossing roll providing a lamination
paint,
thereby eliminating the need for a marrying roll. Such nested embossing
arrangement
is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,468,323 issued November 21, 1995 to li4cNeil.
This
arrangement also provides a means for' improving the bond strength between the
plies
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by enabling a glue applicator roll to be used in conjunction with each of the
embossment rolls providing an adhesive joint at each of the embossed sites.
Consumer testing of products having embossed cellulosic fibrous structures
have determined that a softer, more quilted appearance is desired. Consumers
desire
products having relatively high caliper with aesthetically pleasing decorative
patterns
exhibiting a high quality cloth-like appearance. Such attributes must be
provided
without sacrificing the products° other desired qualities of softness,
absorbency, drape
(limpness) and bond strength between the plies.
Different attempts have been made in the art t:o produce paper products
exhibiting superior functional properties as well as aesthetically pleasing
decorative
qualities. The present invention provides an embossed multiple ply tissue
where the
embossment pattern includes a plurality of indicia comprising aesthetically
pleasing
decorative images. The bonds between the plies are limited to the embossed
indicia.
For the present invention, the multiple plies are selectively bonded at all or
less than all of the indicia by adhesive or high pressure embossing. High
pressure
embossing selective indicia prevents separation of the multiply product during
use
and induces a glassine appearance that improves the decorative nature of the
product.
SL)TvIMA~Y OF' THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises an embossed multiple ply tissue product
wherein the embossment pattern includes a plurality of indicia. The indicia
comprise
one or more decorative images that are aesthetically pleasing. The multiple
plies of
tissue are selectively bonded in a face to face relationship to prevent
separation
during use and provide a soft product having improved drape. In one embodiment
Lhe plies are selectively bonded by high pressure embossing selective indicia
providing
a glassine look which enhances the decorative nature of the product. In
another
embodiment, the plurality of indicia are disposed within a latticework of
cells
composed of rows of embossed elements.
The invention further comprises a process fcvr producing such multiple ply
cellulosic structures. The process comprises the steps of providing a first
ply
embosser and a second ply embosser, wherein each said first and second ply
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embossers comprises a pressure roll juxtaposed axially parallel to a pattern
roll to
form a nip therebetween. Each of the pattern rolls comprises a plurality of
radially
oriented embossment knobs projecting from a periphery. The embossment knobs on
at
least one of the pattern rolls form a plurality of indicia comprising
decorative images.
First and second plies of tissue are interposed between the nips of the first
and second
ply embossers such that the embossment patterns are compressed thereon.
Subsequently, the first and second plies are joined in a face to face
relationship and
selectively bonded.
In one embodiment, the process includes a means for selectively bonding the
two plies by providing a steel anvil roll juxtaposed axially parallel to one
of the two
pattern rolls for selectively bonding the plies via high pressure embossing.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process
for
embossing and bonding two tissue plies comprising trm steps of:
providing a first ply embosser and a second ply embosser, each of the first
ply
embosser and the second ply embosser comprising a pressure roll juxtaposed
axially
parallel to a pattern roll to form a nip therebetween, each of the rolls
having an axis
with a center therein, the axes of the rolls defining a loading plane
connecting the
centers of the axes;
providing one anvil roll juxtaposed axially parallel to the first ply pattern
roll
to form a nip therebetween, the anvil roll having an axis with a center
therein, the axes
of the anvil roll and the first ply pattern roll defining a second loading
plane
connecting the centers of the axes;
providing a first ply of tissue paper and a second ply of tissue paper, each
ply
of tissue paper having opposed first and second sides separated by a thickness
of the
ply;
interposing the first ply of tissue paper between the nip of the first ply
embosser;
interposing the second ply of tissue paper between the nip of the second ply
embosser;
rotating the rolls of the first and the second ply embossers about the axes,
whereby the first and the second ply of tissue paper are transported relative
to the
rolls;
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~a
assembling the first ply of tissue paper and the second ply of tissue paper in
a
face to face relationship to form a multiple ply tissue;
interposing the multiple ply tissue between the nip of the anvil roll and the
first ply pattern roll; and
transporting the multiple ply tissue relative to the anvil roll and the first
ply
pattern roll where a bond is formed between the first ply and the second ply
of the
multiple ply tissue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become better understood with regard to the following description, appended
claims,
and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevational view e~f an apparatus used to perform
nested embossing and adhesive bonding of two plies according to the present
invention.
Figure 2 is a side view of a nip formed between the two pattern rolls
displayed
in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of an apparatus used to perform nested
embossing and bonding of two plies utilizing high pressure embossing according
to
the present invention.
Figure 4 is a side view of a high pressure embossing nip formed between a
pattern roll and the steel anvil roll displayed in Figure; 3.
Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of an embossed multiple ply
paper product according to the present invention.
Figure 6a is a plan view of linear flower shaped indicia and heart shaped
indicia.
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Figure 6b is a plan view of the indicia shown :dn Figure 8a comprising
crenulated patterns.
Figure 7a is a plan view of a first ply showing flower shaped indicia arranged
in a diagonal pattern.
Figure 7b a plan view of a first ply showing flower shaped and heart shaped
indicia arranged in a diagonal pattern.
Figure 8a is a fragmentary plan view of the multiple ply paper product
displaying a latticework embossment patt.em on the first ply.
Figure 8b is a fragmentary plan view of the multiple ply paper product
displaying a latticework embossment pattern on the second ply.
Figure 8c is a fragmentary plan view of the multiple ply paper product
displaying the first ply embossment pattern illustrated in Figure 8a nested
within the
second ply embossment pattern illustrated in Figure 8b.
Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a latticework embossment pattern
showing apices and vertices skewed relative to CD and M~.
Figure 10 is a plan view of the first ply showing the embossed latticework of
cells having flower shaped indicia disposed therein.
DETAILED DESCRffTIOlV OF TI-~ NTION
Definitions
As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
"Machine direction", designated , is the direction. parallel to the flow of
paper
through the papermaking equipment.
"Cross machine direction", designated CD, is the direction perpendicular to
the
machine direction in the ~-Y plane.
"Embossing" refers to the process of deflecting a relatively small portion of
a
cellulosic fibrous structure normal to its plane and impacting the projected
portion of
the fibrous structure against a relatively hard surface to permanently disrupt
the fiber
to fiber bonds.
A "nip" is a loading plane connecting the centers of t.wo parallel axes.
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"Nonrandom," refers to a predictable disposition and may occur as a result of
known
and predetermined features of the manufacturing process.
"Repeating" means the pattern is formed more than once.
"Discrete," means the adjacent embossed sites are not contiguous.
"Essentially continuous" refers to a region extending substantially throughout
the
fibrous structure in one or both of its principal directions.
"Crenellated emboss elements" are emboss elements formed into crenels and
merlons
such that the side of the emboss element would resemble the top of a castle
wall
having spaced projections which axe merlons and depressions therebetween which
are
crenels.
An "indicia" is a distinctive marking, exhibiting a decorative aspect.
A "latticework" is a pattern of small intersecting diagonal or zigzag segments
or
angles.
A "cell" is a unit of a two-dimensional array comprising a group of individual
enclosures.
The specification contains a detailed description of (I) the embossing
lanvnating system of the present invention and (2) the finished paper product
of the
present invention.
(1) The Embossing / Laminating Equipment
Illustrated in Figure 1 is an embossing and laminating system used to
manufacture cellulosic fibrous structures for consunser paper products. The
system
depicted performs a process referred to in the prior art as nested embossing.
In
nested embossing two plies 20 and 22 are embossed between mated pressure rolls
30
and 32 and likewise mated pattern rolls 34 and 36. The pressure rolls 30 and
32 and
pattern rolls.34 and 36 are juxtaposed with parallel axes to form three nips,
a first nip
between the first pressure roll 30 and the first pattern roll 34, a second nip
between
the second pressure roll 32 and the second pattern roll 36, and a third nip
between
the first and second pattern rolls 34 and 36. Although the present invention
is equally
applicable to all types of consumer paper products such as paper towels,
toilet tissue,
facial tissue, napkins, and the like, the embossing process used to produce
the
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7
multiple ply tissue 24 as well as the multiple ply tissue 24 produced thereby
are
representative of toilet tissue.
Pattern rolls 34 and 36 have knobs 33 which extend radially outwardly and
contact the periphery of the respective pressure rolls 30 or 32 at the
respective nips.
Each ply 20 or 22 to be joined into the resulting multiple ply cellulosic
fibrous
structure 24 is fed through one of the nips between the pattern rolls 34 or 36
and the
respective pressure roll 30 or 32. Each ply 20 or 22 is embossed in the nip by
the
knobs 33 of the respective pattern roll 34 or 36.
For the present invention, the embossment pattern disposed on one or both of
the pattern rolls 34, 36 includes a plurality of indicia comprising decorative
images
such as flowers and heart shapes. In an alternate embodiment the embossment
pattern includes a latticework of cells having indicia disposed therein on one
or both
of the pattern rolls 34, 36. In still another embodiment, the embossment
pattern on
the first pattern roll includes a latticework of cells comprising n rows of
embossment
elements forming cells with indicia disposed therein, while the second pattern
roll 36
includes a latticework of cells comprising n+1 arcuate rows of embossment
elements.
After embossing, one of the plies 20 or 22 may have adhesive applied to the
resulting crests 27 of the embossed sites 26 by an adhesive applicator roll
37. The
adhesive applicator roll 37 may be utilized in conjunction with either ply 20
or 22. In
this process, adhesive is applied to only the crests 27 of the embossed sites
26 of ply
20 or 22 since the crests 27 of the embossed sites 26 are the only portions of
the ply
20 or 22 contacting the adhesive applicator roIi 37. For the present
invention, the
adhesive applicator roll 37 is synchronized with one of the two pattern rolls
34, 36 to
apply adhesive to the selective embossed sites comprising indicia in order to
limit the
bonds between the two plies to the indicia.
The plies 20 and 22 are then fed through the nip bet~reen the first and second
pattern rolls 34 and 36. The patterns on each of the two rolls 34, 36 are
arranged
such that each embossed indicia on one or both rolls mesh with a nonembossed
region on the opposing ply at the nip formed between the tv~o rolls 34, 36.
For
pattern rolls comprising n and n+1 rows of embossment elements disposed
thereon,
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g
the n rows of embossment elements on the.first pattern roll 34 mesh within the
n+1
rows of embossment elements on the second pattern atoll 36 at the nip.
As shown in Figure 2, the knobs 33 on each rf;spective pattern roll 34, 36
approach the periphery 31 ofthe neighboring pattern roll without making
contact
therewith. In this nip, the plies 20 and 22 are juxtaposed in a face-to-face
relationship with the crests 27 of the embossed sites 26 on one ply 20, 22
registered
with nonembossed regions 25 on the other ply 20, 22.
The two plies 20 and 22 are then fed through ~ nip between the pattern roll
34 associated with the adhesive applicator roll 37 and a marrying roll 38, to
insure
the crests of the first ply 20 embossed sites 26 having the adhesive applied
from the
adhesive applicator roll 37 are bonded to the nonembc~ssed regions 25 ofthe
second
ply 22. Contact between the pattern roll 34 and the marrying roll 38 is
limited to the
embossed sites 26 of the first ply 20.
In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the pattern rolls 34, 36 can be
designed such that the knobs 33 on each of the rolls contact the periphery of
the
opposing roll bonding the plies 20, 22 at the nip which is formed
therebetween, thus
eliminating the need for the marrying roll 38. Such arrangement is disclosed
in
commonly assigned U.S. Patent No 5,468,323 issued November 21, 1995 to
McNeil. For such an arrangement, an adhesive applicator roll 37 may be used in
conjunction with each of the pattern rolls so that lamination points may be
formed
between the plies at each, of the knobs 33 on the two pattern rolls 34, 36.
In another embodiment, the two plies 20, 22 are. bonded by high pressure
embossing. As shown in Figure 3, the adhesive applicator roll 37 is eliminated
and
the first pattern roll 34 is paired with a steel anvil roll SO in place of the
marrying
roll 38. Once the two plies pass through the nip between the_first and second
pattern
rolls 34,. 36 and are thereby juxtaposed in a face to face relationship, the
plies 20, 22
are made to pass through the nip between the first pattern roll 34 and the
steel anvil
roll 50. As shown in Figure 4, the knobs 33 on the first pattern roll 34 act
in
conjunction with land areas 52 on the steel anvil roll 50 to apply high unit
pressures
to the surfaces of the two plies 20, 22 disposed therebetween. 'The land areas
52 on
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the steel anvil roll have sizes which correspond to and slightly exceed the
dimension
associated with the interfacing knob portions of the mating pattern roll 34
where the
bonds are to occur.
For the present invention, multiply products joined by high pressure
embossing are selectively bonded at the indicia. For tissues having more than
one
type indicia, the selective bonds may be limited to onc; indicia type such
that the
glassine Look further distinguishes the bonded indicia from the nonbonded
indicia;
thus further enhancing the decorative quality of the tissue.
High pressure embossing bonds the two plies by interlocking the fibers and
reducing them to plastic. The resulting bonds exhibit a glassine appearance
which is
aesthetically pleasing. Eonding via high pressure emt~ossing is disclosed in
U.S.
Patent 3,323,983 issued September 8, 1964 to Palmer.
(2) The Embossed Paper Product
The present invention provides a tissue paper product having functional
characteristics of softness, absorbency, and drape as 'velI as exhibiting
aesthetically
pleasing decorative attr7butes. Such aestheticafIy pleasing features include
patterns of
indicia displaying a high quality cloth-like appearance and particularly, a
softer, more
quilted look. ~-
For the present invention, the embossment pataerns on the multiply tissue
include indicia comprising decorative images. The plies are joined in a face-
to-face
arrangement with the bond locations being limited to the indicia. I3onding the
plies at
the indicia produces a more permanent decorative figyre that: inhibits
dissipation
caused by compressive forces, humidity, and absorption. In addition, by
limiting the
bond sites to the indicia a softer tissue with improved drape us produced.
Referring to Figure 5, the cellulosic fibrous structure 20 according to the
present invention comprises two plies 20 and 22 joined in face-to-face
relation. Each
of the plies 20 and 22 has two distinct zones, an essentially continuous
nonembossed
region 24, and discrete embossed sites 26 projecting generally outward
therefrom and
preferably orthogonal thereto. It is to be understood that each ply 20 or 22
may be
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directly joined to the opposite ply 22 or 20, or, may be connected through an
intermediate Iayer (not shown) interposed between the plies 20 and 22.
For the present invention, the embossment pattern comprises a plurality of
one or more types of indicia distributed throughout one or both plies in a
nonrandom
manner. Although the indicia may comprise any decorative image, for the
present
invention, the indicia include flowers 92 and heart shapes 94.
The indicia 9~ may comprise a linear pattern as shown in Figure 6a, or a
crenellated pattern as shown in Figure 6b. The linear pattern comprises an
essentially
continuous embossed design while the crenellated pattern comprises crenellated
emboss elements. The crenellated emboss elements add bulk to the paper
substrate
and enhance the definition and retention of the embossed pattern. crenellated
decorative images are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,620,776 issued April 15, 1997
to
Schulz.
In one embodiment shown in Figure 7a, the first ply 20 comprises indicia 90
disposed in a nonrandom pattern running diagonal to both NID and Vii). The
pattern
alternates between a diagonal nonembossed row to a diagonal row comprising
nonembossed regions and regions having embossed flower shaped indicia disposed
therein.
In an alternate embodiment shown in Figure 7b, the embossed pattern
comprises two indicia 90 comprising a flower 92 and a heart 94 disposed in a
nonrandom pattern running diagonal to both R~ and CD. For this embodiment,
every other diagonal row in the pattern shifts from having all heart shaped
indicia to
alternating heart and flower shaped indicia,
The distal end of each embossed site 26 on each of the two plies 20, 22
projects towards and contacts the nonembossed region 25 of the opposite ply.
Bonding the plies at the embossed sites 26 improves the appearance of the
tissue by
providing a more permanent structure that inhibits subsequent dissipation
caused by
compressive forces, humidity, and absorption. The two plies 20, 22 may be
bonded
at every embossed site 26 or at selective discrete sites depending on the
process.
The number of bond sites occurring between the two plies not only af~'ects the
bond strength but also the product stiffness and drape. Whether the plies 20,
22 are
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joined adhesively or via high pressure embossing, the greater the bond area
the stif~'er
the tissue. Stiffness has a direct impact on product softness and drape.
Therefore, it
is preferred to minimize the bond area by limiting the region bonded between
the two
plies 20, 22 to selective discrete sites.
The two plies 20, 22 may be joined at selective sites by adhesive bonds or
high pressure embossments using the processes previously described. For
selective
adhesive bonds, the adhesive applicator roll is synchronized with selective
discrete
embossment locations on the mating pattern roll. Alternatively, for selective
high
pressure bonds, land areas are formed on the steel anvil roll matching the
selective
discrete embossment locations on the neighboring pattern roll. The sizes of
the land
areas correspond to and slightly exceed the dimensions of the embossments on
the
pattern roll where the selective bonds are desired.
As previously described, high pressure embossing produces a glassine bond
site that enhances the decorative quality of the tissue. Therefore, for the
present
invention, it is preferred to form the selective bond sites via high pressure
embossing.
Particularly, it is preferred to bond the two plies by .high pressure
embossing such
that the area bonded between the two plies 20, 22 comprises about 2°/~
to about ~%
of the interfacing surface area between the two plies 20, 22.
Although any pattern of embossment elements 2b may be selected for the
selective bond sites, it is preferred to choose a nonrandom pattern of
embossment
elements providing adequate bond strength using mi~~imal surface area. For the
present invention, the first ply 20 represents the outside ply of a multiple
ply tissue
which is typically exposed to a consumer during use. In order to further
enhance the
decorative quality of the product, it is preferred to limit the selective bond
sites to the
indicts 90 embossed on the first ply 20. For embodiments comprising more than
one
type of indicts, such as a Mower 92 and a heart shape 94, it is preferred to
limit the
selective bond sites to one type of indicts 90 embossed on the first ply 20.
The embossment pattern for the present invention may include a latticework
of cells. Figure 8a depicts a plan view of the latticework of cells embossed
on the
first ply 20 and Figure 8b depicts a plan view of the latticework of cells
embossed on
the second ply 22. Although the latticework of cells on each of the two plies
are
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12
composed of arcuate rows of discrete embossment elements 26 forming apices 62
and vertices 64, the latticework of cells may comprise other configurations
having
rectilinear or serpentine rows of embossment elements.
As shown in figures 8a and 8b, the latticework of cells on the first ply 20
are
defined by single arcuate rows 66 of embossment elements 26 while the cells on
the
second ply 22 are defined by two rows 67 of embossment elements 26. Once the
two
plies 20, 22 are joined together in a face to face relationship, the single
arcuate rows
66 on the first ply become nested within the two rows 6? an the second ply.
This
nested arrangement, illustrated in Figure 8c, provides a softer, more quilted
look.
Although the latticework of cells for the two plies 20, 22 depicted in Figures
8a, 8b, and 8c comprises a first ply 20, single row 66 latticework of cells
nested
within a second ply 22, double row 67 latticework of cells, it is apparent
that other
nested latticework arrangements would provide similar or improved cloth like
appearances. For the present invention, it is preferred to nest every row 66
of
embossment elements 26 on the first ply 20 between two rows 67 of embossment
elements 26 on the second ply. In other words, if the latticework of cells on
the first
ply 20 comprises n rows of embossment elements 26 then it is preferred that
the
latticework of cells on the second ply 22 comprises aa+1 rows of embossment
elements 26 (where n is an integer 1,2,3...etc.).
For the nested arrangement illustrated in Figure 8c, each of the embossment
elements 26 forming the n rows 66 on the first ply can be radially aligned or
nonaligned with the embossment elements 26 forming the r~+1 rows 67 on the
second
ply. Irb addition, for the nested arrangement, each of the rows 66 of
embossment
elements 26 on the first ply can be arranged equidistant or nonequidistant
from the
adjacent rows 67 of embossment elements on the second ply 22.
As shown in Figures 8a and 8b, the rows 66 n raking up the latticework of
cells are disposed in a repeating array extending transversely in the CD. The
latticework is typically arranged such that the apices 62 and the vertices 64
are
aligned parallel to both the MD and the CD. In an alternate embodiment, the
latticework of cells are offset-in the CD. As illustrated in Figure 9, the
cells are
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13
arranged such that the vertices and apices are skewed at ~.n angle 80 which is
offset
from the CI). Such skewed angle may range from about ~° to about
10°.
As previously explained, for the present invention, the first ply 20
represents
the outside ply of a multiple ply tissue which is typically exposed to a
consumer
during use. In order to further enhance the decorative quality ofthe product,
indicia
90, illustrated in Figure 8a, may be disposed within the latticework of cells
68 on the
first ply ZO in a nonrandom, repeating manner. The space within the
latticework of
cells on the first ply 20 for such indicia 90 is made available by limiting
the number of
rows of embossment elements 26. Figure 10 shows Mower shaped indicia disposed
within the latticework of cells in a nonrandom diagonal pattern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated
and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various
other
changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope
of the invention. It is intended to cover in the appended claims all such
changes and
modifications that are within the scope of the invention.
