Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.

Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.

James Leslie White

Chris Lee Heikkinen

Robert Thomas Cimini

The present invention provides a distinctive method and apparatus ( ) for forming an article which includes one or more selectively configured strands of material. In particular aspects, the invention can provide a method and apparatus for wrapping a strand of material with selected filaments, and desirably, the filaments can be adhesive filaments. The technique of the invention can include a moving of a strand of material ( ) at a selected speed along an appointed machine-direction ( ). At least a first, substantially continuous filament ( ) can be directed onto the strand of material ( ) along a corresponding, oscillating filament path ( ) to form a first plurality of filament threads ( ) which extend from opposed lateral side regions ( ) of the strand of material ( ). In particular aspects, at least a second, substantially continuous filament ( ) can be directed onto the strand of material ( ) along a corresponding, oscillating filament path ( ) to form a second plurality of filament threads ( ) which extend from opposed lateral side regions ( ) of the strand of material ( ). Additionally, at least one air stream ( ), and desirably a plurality of air streams are directed to operatively wrap the filament threads ( ) around their corresponding strand of material ( ).

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Menasha, WI, United States of America

James Leslie White