Apparatus and method for forming a multicomponent integral laid fibrous

Abstract

Apparatus and method for forming an integral laid fibrous web from multiple fiberizable components, characterized by generally discrete homogeneous compositional zones therein. The system comprises a housing having in its outer surface (i) inlet slot(s) for introduction of fiberizable materials into the housing and (ii) a discharge slot generally laterally coextensive with and translationally spaced from the inlet slot(s), for discharge of fiberized materials from the housing. A translatable body is positioned in the housing for translation therein, having a plurality of blades on its outer surface. The outer surface of the translatable body and the housing have a space therebetween wherein the blades travel during translation of the translatable body. First and second fiberizable components are fed to inlet slot(s) wherein the respective fiberizable components are at least partially laterally isolate relative to each other during the feeding. A translatable foraminous forming surface is positioned for receipt of the fiberized materials discharged from the housing through the discharge slot during translation of the forming surface, whereby the discharge fiberized components are laid on the forming surface in generally discrete homogeneous compositional zones of an integral laid fibrous web.