Method and apparatus for incrementally stretching a web

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided which uses activation members for incrementally stretching a web at a low strain rate. The activation members include an activation belt and a single activation member wherein the activation belt and single activation member comprise a plurality of teeth and grooves that complement and engage one another at a depth of engagement in a deformation zone. The depth of engagement can be controlled to increase linearly over at least a portion of the deformation zone such that a web interposed between the activation belt and the single activation member in the deformation zone is incrementally stretched at a low rate of strain.

主权项

1. A method of incrementally stretching a web, the method comprising the steps of:
a. providing a web; b. providing a single activation member comprising a plurality of teeth and grooves; c. providing an activation belt comprising a plurality of teeth and grooves that complement the plurality of teeth and grooves of the single activation member; d. forming a deformation zone between the activation belt and the single activation member wherein the plurality of teeth and grooves of the single activation member engage the plurality of teeth and grooves of the activation belt at a controlled depth of engagement capable of increasing linearly and continuously over the deformation zone; and e. conveying the web through the deformation zone wherein the web is incrementally stretched.