Spiral winding press felt with orthogonal seam rings and method

Abstract

A seamed industrial fabric includes a base fabric formed of a strip having a width less than the CD base fabric width. The strip includes longitudinal edges joined to adjacent longitudinal edges to define an overall base fabric width. The strip contains substantially MD oriented yarns held together by a fabric material component. The ends of the strips are joined along a CD joining path to form a fabric loop in which the substantially MD oriented yarns are arranged in the true MD. The loops are flattened such that the MD-oriented yarns form overlapping layers that are joined by back-bending regions of the MD-oriented yarns, the MD-oriented yarns forming seam loops extending in the true MD at each fabric end. The pivot extends from opposite ends through the intermeshing seam rings to form a seam. The CD bond path may be disposed on an inner surface of the base fabric.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 586,138, filed September 28, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference as fully illustrated. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to seamed industrial fabrics, and more particularly to press felts used in the production of paper and similar products in papermaking machines or similar machines. Especially relevant is the use of spiral-jointed felts. Background Technology

[0004] In paper production, a raw material slurry, consisting of approximately 1% papermaking fibers and other solids dispersed in approximately 99% water, is conveyed at high speed and precision from the headbox slice to a rapidly moving forming fabric in the forming section of the paper machine, or between two forming fabrics. The raw material is agitated and dewatered by various mechanisms within the forming fabric, leaving a loose, sticky wet fiber web. This web is then transferred to the press section, where, as the web passes through at least one (and typically a series of) press nip sections supported by one or more press mats, some moisture is removed by mechanical mechanisms. In the press nip sections, moisture is essentially squeezed out of the nascent paper and into the press mats. The moisture is received by the press mats, and ideally, it does not return to the web. The resulting paper is then passed to the drying section, which contains a series of rotating drying cylinders or canisters heated by steam. The paper is guided by one or more drying fabrics to surround and maintain contact with these cylinders, so that most of the residual moisture is removed by evaporation.

[0005] Pressing felts play a crucial role in paper production. Known pressing felts are manufactured in a wide variety of ways, designed to meet the requirements of the paper machine in which they are installed and the grade of paper produced. Generally, they are constructed using a combination of woven or nonwoven base fabric structures, with one, and often multiple, fibrous nonwoven layers stitched into the woven or nonwoven base fabric structure. The layers provide a smooth surface for carrying the paper product; act as water reservoirs to retain moisture pressed out at the press zone; and provide a degree of elasticity to the pressing felt as it passes through the press zone. The base fabric is typically woven from monofilaments, cabled monofilaments, multifilaments, or similar multicomponent yarns; they can also be arranged in a nonwoven planar array. The component yarns are typically composed of extruded polymer resins (usually polyamide).

[0006] The base fabric can be a single-layer or multi-layer construction, or it can be formed by laminating two or more layers together.

[0007] Multiaxial fabric is known for its use in the manufacture of press felts. Multiaxial press felts are described in US 5,360,656; US 5,268,076; US 5,785,818 and other patents. The base fabric of these press felts consists of several turns of spirally wound strips joined at the edges, each strip containing at least machine-oriented (MD) yarns. The strips are typically flat woven fabrics narrower than the width of the intended base fabric in which the strips are components. It has also been suggested to use nonwoven arrays of MD yarns as strip components. Whether the component is woven or nonwoven, during assembly, each turn of strip is guided around two opposing rollers such that its component MD yarns are tilted at a small angle of about 1° to about 8° relative to the intended MD of the finished fabric; see prior art Figure 1. Each continuous strip turn joins adjacent strip turns at the edges to construct an uninterrupted tubular base fabric of the required width and length. When removed from the assembly rollers and laid flat, the tube has a continuous top and bottom surface at each of its two opposite ends, connected at the machine transverse (CD) oriented folding area; see prior art Figure 2. The completed multiaxial base fabric is typically a two-, three-, or four-layer construction comprising the top and bottom surfaces of the helically wound continuous tube, and optionally at least one additional flat fabric layer disposed inside the flattened tube or on top of one or both outer surfaces. Seams can then be provided to the combined base fabric, facilitating its installation on the machine to which it is intended.

[0008] Figure 3 shows two opposing edge regions of a prior art double-layer woven structure spirally wound, in which a portion of the CD-oriented yarns is removed at the opposing folded regions. This exposes the MD-oriented yarns of the structure, allowing yarn loops to be used to form seams in the fabric, as illustrated in Figure 4. This figure shows a double-layer fabric that has been stitched together by interlocking the yarn loops formed by the MD yarns at the folded regions and inserting them across the length of the channel thus provided into a pivot.

[0009] For felting with seams, especially in the case of felting based on multi-axis fabrics, several seam-related problems exist. These problems include: differences in the physical properties of the fabric in the seam area leading to varying elasticity and air permeability, which can cause paper tearing due to lower strength of the paper sheet at the seam blemish; and the presence of marks on the finished paper. Therefore, the seam area is generally considered the most critical area of ​​the finished fabric.

[0010] Further problems in these joint constructions include ring stretching and poor joint ring stability, and the tilting of the MD joint ring in multiaxial constructions leads to unevenness and makes it more difficult to sew.

[0011] It is desirable to provide a base fabric construction that improves, in particular, the known problems of multiaxial felt construction. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In one aspect, a seamed industrial fabric is provided, comprising a base fabric formed by at least one strip, the width of which is less than the CD width of the base fabric. The at least one strip includes longitudinal edges connected to adjacent longitudinal edges of the at least one strip to define a total base fabric width. The at least one strip includes generally MD-oriented yarns held together relative to each other by an attached fabric material component, and the at least one strip has cut ends connected along a CD connection path to form a fabric loop on a true MD with the generally MD-oriented yarns arranged. The fabric loop is flattened such that the MD-oriented yarns are arranged in the base fabric as two overlapping layers, the two overlapping layers being connected by a bend in the MD-oriented yarn at a CD-oriented folded region at each of its two opposite ends. An attached fabric material component is removed from the MD-oriented yarn in the CD-oriented folded region to form a seam region with a seam loop formed by MD-oriented yarns extending in the true MD. A pivot extends through a channel defined by the interlocking seam loops at the two opposite ends to form a seam. Furthermore, the CD connection path is preferably positioned on the inner surface of the base fabric, preferably spaced apart from the seam area. In applications such as felting for papermaking, positioning this CD connection path on the inner surface reduces the likelihood of sheet markings on the paper or cardboard sheet supported on the fabric. This can also be advantageous in other applications.

[0013] With this arrangement, several problems of known multi-axis constructions are solved. First, the density difference in the seam area is reduced compared to existing multi-axis structures. Additionally, the seam ring length is more uniform, and the serrated gaps with the pigckets (cut ends of CD yarns) are reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, the seam rings are aligned straight and not skewed, making sewing easier. In summary, this improves the performance of the base fabric in the seam area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fleece material is needle-sewn onto at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the base fabric. More preferably, the fleece material is needle-sewn onto both the inner and outer surfaces. The fleece material, nonwoven material, and / or additional woven material layers can also be inserted into the fabric loop before it is flattened to adjust the properties of the seamed industrial fabric, such as air permeability, caliper, etc.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fabric is a felt, and the outer surface is a paper support surface.

[0016] In one arrangement, at least one strip is a helically wound strip, and the generally MD-oriented yarns are initially arranged at an angle relative to the true MD. Here, the cut ends are realigned before being joined along the CD connection path so that the generally MD-oriented yarns of the helically wound strip are arranged on the true MD.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one strip comprises a woven material, and an additional woven material component comprises a generally CD-oriented yarn interwoven with generally MD-oriented yarns. Alternatively, the generally MD-oriented yarns may be held together by a spliced ​​or adhered scrim or nonwoven material.

[0018] In one embodiment, each seam region includes at least one filler yarn, which is disposed adjacent to the seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn at the CD fold region. Depending on the specific application, one or more filler yarns are used to adjust the permeability and / or thickness in the seam region.

[0019] In one embodiment, the generally MD-oriented yarns are stacked generally MD-oriented yarns. Here, the MD-oriented yarns on the inner and outer surfaces are generally arranged as stacked pairs of the base fabric.

[0020] In another aspect, a method for producing seamed industrial fabrics is provided. The method comprises:

[0021] A) The total width of the base fabric is defined by joining adjacent longitudinal edges of at least one strip, the base fabric being formed from at least one strip containing generally MD-oriented yarns held together relative to each other by additional fabric material components, the width of the strip being less than the CD width of the base fabric.

[0022] B) Connect at least one cut end of a strip along the CD connection path to form a fabric loop in which the approximately MD-oriented yarns are arranged in the true MD.

[0023] C) Flatten the fabric loop so that the MD orientation yarn is arranged as two overlapping layers in the base fabric, and the two overlapping layers are connected by the back bend area of ​​the MD orientation yarn at the CD orientation fold area at each of the two opposite ends of the base fabric.

[0024] D) Remove the additional fabric material component from the MD-oriented yarns in the CD-oriented folded area to form a seam area with a seam loop formed by MD-oriented yarns extending on the true MD; and

[0025] E) Engage the two opposite ends of the seam rings and insert the pivot into the engaged seam rings to form a seam.

[0026] In one embodiment, step A of the method further comprises spirally winding at least one strip to form a spirally wound strip, and then transversely cutting the spirally wound strip and realigning the cut ends such that the substantially MD-oriented yarn extends on the true MD before the cut ends are joined to form a fabric loop.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method further includes needle-sewing the fleece material to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the base fabric.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the method is used to form a seamed industrial fabric, which is a felt and has a paper support surface on its outer surface. Preferably, the CD connection path is disposed on the inner surface of the base fabric. This reduces the possibility of sheet markings on the paper or cardboard sheet supported on the paper support surface of the fabric.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one strip comprises a woven material, and an additional fabric material component comprises a generally CD-oriented yarn interwoven with generally MD-oriented yarns.

[0030] In one embodiment, the generally CD-oriented yarn adjacent to the seam ring extends in the true CD and thus extends across the width of at least one strip without being cut.

[0031] In another embodiment, the method further includes inserting at least one filler yarn adjacent to the seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn at the CD folded region.

[0032] In another embodiment, the method includes providing at least one strip with generally MD-oriented yarns having a stacked arrangement; and removing a portion of the inner MD-oriented yarns of the stacked MD-oriented yarns in the seam area.

[0033] The features mentioned above can be used alone or in combination with other features mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The above description of the invention and the following detailed description and claims will be best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the currently preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 is an illustration of a known spiral winding process in which a relatively narrow strip of fabric 10 is spirally wound from a feed source 20 around two opposing rollers 22, 24 to produce a base fabric of desired width and length. In this process, each consecutive turn of the strip of fabric 10 engages with a turn laid adjacent to it to provide the base fabric.

[0036] Figure 2 is a view of a known uninterrupted tubular base fabric 30 including opposing folded regions 32 and 34; the fabric 30 may be made from continuous turns of narrow fabric 10 in the manner illustrated in Figure 1, or it may be made from a modified endless weaving process, a flat weaving process connecting opposite ends of a flat fabric to provide an uninterrupted tube, or it may be a nonwoven adhesive assembly of yarns oriented in the longitudinal direction around a tube.

[0037] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the two folded edge regions 32, 34 of the base fabric 30 that forms the seam area in the prior art fabric shown in Figures 1 and 2, as shown in Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a seam region in a prior art base fabric 30, such as those shown in Figures 1 to 3, which includes a pivot 18 of a seam loop connecting folded regions 32, 34. This is shown before one or more layers of fleece are needle-sewn to the base fabric 30.

[0039] Figure 5 is a top view of the seam area 40 of the prior art multiaxial base fabric 30 before the tube is folded and then flattened to form a seam ring.

[0040] Figure 6 is a side view of the double-layer joint of a prior art multiaxial substrate.

[0041] Figure 7 is a side view of the seam area of ​​a prior art folded double-layer multiaxial base fabric with both ends connected and pivoted into a channel formed by a seam ring.

[0042] Figure 8 is a view after the batt has been needled onto the two surfaces of the felt according to existing technology, similar to Figure 7.

[0043] Figure 9 is a view of the cumulative filament stretching and filament slippage inside the felt at the seam ring in Figure 8, according to the prior art.

[0044] Figure 10 is a front view of the seam ring when viewed from the direction of operation when using a multi-axial base fabric with prior art.

[0045] Figure 11 is a top view of the seam area 40 of the prior art multiaxial base fabric 30 in the area where the continuous turns of the strip 10 are joined and sewn together, similar to Figure 5, before the tube is flattened to form the prior art seam ring.

[0046] Figure 12 is a front view of the seam ring in the area where the strips 10 are joined and sewn together in a base fabric similar to Figure 10 in the prior art, when viewed from the direction of operation.

[0047] Figure 13 is a top view of the seam area at one end of the base fabric shown in Figure 11 after the tube in the base fabric is flattened according to the prior art.

[0048] Figures 14A to 14F It is a series of views showing the steps in constructing the base fabric according to this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 15 Similar to Figure 11, this is a top view showing a fabric loop or tube formed by at least one strip of the base fabric according to this disclosure before it is flattened, where the strips are joined or connected together at their longitudinal edges to adjacent portions of at least one strip.

[0050] Figure 16 It is a side view of a double layer of roughly MD-oriented yarns generally stacked in the seam area of ​​the strip.

[0051] Figure 17 Is with Figure 16 Similarly, a side view showing that a portion of the inner MD-oriented yarns of the stacked MD-oriented yarns are removed in the seam area.

[0052] Figure 18 This is a side view of the seam area of ​​a folded double-layer base fabric in a channel formed by connecting the two ends and pivotally inserting the seam ring according to the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 The top view of the seam area of ​​the folded double-layer base fabric according to this disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 20 In application Figure 18 and Figure 19 The front view of the seam ring when the double-layer base fabric is folded from the direction of operation. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The use of specific terms in the following description is for convenience only and not restrictive. The terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “lower” indicate directions in the referenced figures. A reference to a series of items listed as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the listed items) means any single item of item a, b, or c or a combination thereof. “a” or “an” refers to one or more of the indicated items. “MD” refers to the machine direction from the headbox to the dryer in the paper machine, and is the longitudinal direction of the felt. “CD” refers to the machine transverse direction, or the direction in the fabric plane orthogonal to the machine direction. The term “PS” refers to the paper-side surface of the fabric, the surface on which the paper product is carried by the paper machine. “MS” refers to the machine side of the fabric, and is the surface opposite to PS. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "yarn" or "yarns" refer to a continuous length of a single or bundled polymer monofilament, such as those used in the production of base fabrics, while the terms "fiber" or "fibers" refer to polymeric materials of relatively small diameter, such as those commonly used in fleece or loosely woven fabrics, where the fiber has a very small dtex (weight in grams per 10,000 meters of fiber). The terms "left," "right," "up," and "down" are used with reference to the accompanying drawings and have their generally assigned meanings. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "about" and "generally" mean + / - 10% of the indicated value. References to a "true" direction, such as "true MD direction," mean within 1° of the actual direction mentioned. Additional definitions for the terms used herein are as follows:

[0056] Additional definitions:

[0057] "Press-felt base fabric" or "base fabric": a woven or nonwoven assembly of yarns provided as an endless structure or a continuous loop, comprising two overlapping layers (when laid flat) joined at two opposing folded areas, the two opposing folded areas comprising continuous MD yarns passing around the folds. The assembly may take the following forms: a) an endless woven structure, b) a modified endless woven structure, c) a flat woven fabric folded at two locations to provide a double-layer assembly, d) a fabric formed according to a multi-axis assembly process, or e) a multi-axis or non-multi-axis nonwoven structure assembled to provide any of the aforementioned assemblies. The invention is applicable to all of the above, but is particularly applicable to both woven and non-woven multi-axis base fabric constructions. All base fabrics are post-processed to provide seam loops formed by the back-bending areas of the MD-oriented component yarns, connecting the fabric and thus making it endless. These base fabrics provide a durable carrier for the batt fiber while giving the finished felt the physical properties (strength, void volume, elasticity) necessary for it to survive the harsh machine environments in which it will be used.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1 through 4, a construction of a felted base fabric 30 according to the prior art is shown, in which case it is a multi-axis construction. Figure 1 shows a strip of fabric being unwound from source 20 and wound around two rollers 22, 24. The strip of fabric may be woven or nonwoven and contains generally MD-oriented yarns 12 and generally CD-oriented yarns 16. The longitudinal edges of the strip of fabric are joined together to form a fabric tube. Figure 2 shows the fabric tube being flattened to form the felted base fabric 30, which has two folded regions 32, 34 defining fabric ends 36, 38. As shown in Figure 3, the uninterrupted MD yarns in the generally MD yarns 12 form loops 14 at each of the folded regions 32, 34 at the fabric ends 36, 38, which may engage with each other in a known manner, to form a pivot channel 19 for insertion into a pivot 18, as shown in Figure 4, thereby forming an endless base fabric 30. In the prior art, these generally MD-oriented yarns are inclined at about 1° to about 8°, but are not in true MD due to the helical winding construction.

[0059] In the case of multiaxial felt base fabric 30 and other double-layer base fabrics, the double layers formed by flattening the fabric tube are connected together in the needle sewing process, and one or more layers of nonwoven fiber fuzz material are attached to the base fabric 30 in the needle sewing process to form felt.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5 through 13, a further embodiment of the multiaxial felt base fabric 30 is shown. Here, the base fabric 30 is again manufactured from fabric strip 10; however, fabric strip 10 includes two systems of MD yarns 12a and 12b provided in a stacked arrangement, as shown in Figure 6. These two systems of MD yarns 12a and 12b are connected together by a system of CD-oriented yarns 16, and, as shown in Figure 5, are arranged at an angle to the true MD yarns based on the multiaxial construction of the spirally wound base fabric 30. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a portion of the lower system of CD-oriented yarns 16 and MD yarns 12b is removed in the seam area 40. As shown in Figure 5, this creates an uneven end portion of the CD-oriented yarns 16 at the edge of the seam area 40. Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 5 and shows the longitudinal edges of strip 16 connected together by sewing 17 and joining.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, and as described above in a manner similar to Figures 2 to 4, the fabric tube is flattened to form a felted base fabric 30, which has two seam or folded regions 32, 34 defining the ends of the fabric. These folded regions 32, 34 have seam loops 14, which are formed by the bends of the uninterrupted MD yarns 12a in the upper (now outer) system of the MD yarns 12a. These seam loops 14 engage with each other in a known manner to form a pivot channel 19 for insertion into a pivot 18, thereby forming the endless base fabric 30.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, in order to form a conventional felt, one or more layers of nonwoven fiber batt material 50 are attached to the base fabric 30 via a needle-sewing process.

[0063] As shown in Figure 9, due to the tensile load applied to the pressing fabric during use, the seam ring will elongate, resulting in seam marks on the paper sheet supported by the pressing felt and premature failure of the pressing felt.

[0064] Figure 10 is an end view of the prior art base fabric 30, showing the seam ring. Due to the multiaxial spiral winding structure of the base fabric 30, which has yarns inclined between 1° and 8° relative to the true MD and CD, the seam ring is also angled relative to the true horizontal plane defined by the felt. Figure 12 is a similar view taken in the area where the longitudinal edges of strip 10 are joined together via sewing 17 and joining. Figure 13 is a top view of the seam area 32 at one end of the base fabric 30 shown in Figures 11 and 12 after the tube is flattened to form the base fabric 30, illustrating how the seam ring 14 is inclined. This makes the installation of the known multiaxial felt's sewing / pivot 18 more difficult when the felt is mounted on the paper machine.

[0065] Now for reference Figures 14A to 14F and Figures 15 to 20This disclosure describes in detail a seamed industrial fabric 100 (fabric 100) and a method of manufacturing thereof according to the present disclosure. Fabric 100 comprises a base fabric 130 formed of at least one strip 110, which includes generally MD-oriented yarns 112 held together relative to each other; additional fabric components, which may be generally CD-oriented yarns 116 or nonwoven materials, loose fabrics, or mesh. In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric strip 110 is a woven fabric strip comprising generally MD-oriented yarns 112 interwoven with the generally CD-oriented yarns 116. The width of at least one strip 110 is less than the CD width of fabric 100, and adjacent longitudinal edges of at least one strip 110 are joined together, for example by joining, fusing, and / or sewing 117, to define the entire width of the base fabric.

[0066] In one implementation, such as Figure 14A As shown, the method includes: spirally winding at least one strip 110 to form a spirally wound strip 110, wherein the MD yarn is inclined at 1° to 8° relative to the true MD; and then, transversely cutting the spirally wound strip 110; realigning the cut ends 111A, 111B such that the approximately MD-oriented yarn 112 extends in the true MD, as... Figure 14B , Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown; and then, for example, by connecting path 126 along CD (as shown) Figure 14C (As shown) Fusion, joining, and / or sewing connect the ends 111A and 111B together to form a fabric loop. Alternatively, more than one strip 110 can be directly combined into a single piece. Figure 14B The configuration shown involves longitudinal edges connecting to the longitudinal edges of adjacent strips 110 within the strip 110, thereby defining the width of the entire base fabric without helical winding. Here, the approximately MD-oriented yarns 112 are oriented on true MD, as... Figure 14B , Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, the ends 111A and 111B are connected together by fusion, joining, and / or stitching to form the structure described above. Figure 14C The CD connection path 126 shown forms a fabric loop.

[0067] like Figure 14D and Figure 14E As shown, the fabric loops are flattened, so that the MD-oriented yarns 112 are arranged as two overlapping layers in the base fabric 130. Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown), the two overlapping layers are connected at each of the CD-oriented folded regions 132, 134 at each of the two opposite ends 136, 138 of the base fabric 130 by the bends of the MD-oriented yarns 112. An additional fabric material component (e.g., approximately CD-oriented yarns 116) (now oriented in the true CD) is removed from the MD-oriented yarns 112 in the CD-oriented folded regions 132, 134 to form a seam region with a seam loop 114 formed by the bends of the uninterrupted yarns in the MD-oriented yarns 112 extending on the true MD. In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric strip 110 has stacked approximately MD-oriented yarns 112A, 112B, and as... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the portion of the approximately MD-oriented yarn 112B located on the inside of the fabric loop (now oriented on the true MD) is also removed, so that the seam loop 114 is formed only by the approximately MD-oriented yarn 112A located on the outside of the fabric loop (now oriented on the true MD).

[0068] like Figure 14F , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, these seam loops 114 engage with each other in a known manner to form a pivot channel 119, and a pivot 118 is inserted into the pivot channel 119 to form an endless base fabric 130. In one embodiment, as Figure 14F As shown, the CD connection path 126 can be disposed on the inner surface of the base fabric 130. This is advantageous in felting applications of the fabric 100. The CD connection path 126 can also be disposed on the outer surface. The pivot 118 can be a monofilament or multifilament yarn. Additionally, one or more filler yarns 115 can be arranged in the area between opposing fabric ends 136, 138 outside the pivot channel 119 to improve the consistency of the properties of the base fabric 130 in the seam area.

[0069] In one application, fabric 100 is a felt, and its outer surface is a paper support surface. Here, as... Figure 20 As schematically shown, the nonwoven fiber base material 150 is needle-stitched to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the base fabric 130, and specifically, at least to the outer surface forming the paper support surface.

[0070] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, several problems with existing known multiaxial structures are solved. First, because the approximately CD-oriented yarns 116 (now oriented on the true CD) adjacent to the seam loop in the fabric 100 of the present invention extend on the true CD, the CD-oriented yarns 116 can extend across the width of at least one strip 110 without being cut, thus reducing the density difference in the seam region compared to prior art multiaxial structures. Figure 15Compared with Figure 11 of the prior art, Figure 19 Compared with Figure 13 of the prior art, the cut CD end adjacent to the seam loop 14 results in a difference in yarn density along the CD width of the seam. In addition, the cut CD yarn 16 of the prior art leaves "pickets", which are loose ends that can protrude from the base fabric 30 when the fabric loop is flattened.

[0071] Furthermore, from Figure 13 of the prior art and the present invention Figure 18 and Figure 19 The comparison shows that the seam ring length of the seam ring 114 is more uniform because there is no (or almost no) serrated gap caused by the peg-like burrs (cut CD yarn ends in the prior art) (since in the fabric 100 of the present invention, the approximately CD-oriented yarns extend in the true CD).

[0072] Furthermore, from the present invention Figures 18 to 20 A comparison with Figures 10 to 13 of the prior art shows that the seam ring 114 is straight and not skewed, making it easier to sew. In summary, this improves the properties of the base fabric 100 in the seam area while still maintaining the advantages of a multi-axial structure.

[0073] A further advantage of the present invention is that the tensile strength of the seam ring 114 is based on the true orientation of the seam ring 114 on the MD, whereas known multiaxial felts in the prior art typically have seam rings oriented at about 85° to 95° from the transverse defined by the seam due to the helical winding of the MD yarns that can cause stretching (see Figures 8 and 9 of the prior art).

[0074] Therefore, this embodiment has been described in detail. It should be understood and apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical modifications can be made (while only a few modifications are exemplarily illustrated in the specific embodiments of this disclosure) without altering the inventive concept and principles of the particular implementation therein. It should also be understood that numerous embodiments may be incorporated only into a portion of the preferred embodiments, and for those incorporated portions, this does not alter the inventive concept and principles of the particular implementation therein. Therefore, this embodiment and optional configurations are to be regarded in all respects as exemplary and / or illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of this disclosure is indicated not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. Consequently, all alternative embodiments and modifications to this embodiment falling within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims are covered within the scope of this invention. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A seamed industrial fabric, comprising: A base fabric formed of at least one strip, the width of which is less than the CD width of the base fabric, the at least one strip including a longitudinal edge, the longitudinal edge being joined to an adjacent longitudinal edge of the at least one strip to define the total width of the base fabric; The at least one strip comprises generally MD-oriented yarns held together relative to each other by attached fabric material components, and the at least one strip has cut ends connected along CD connection paths to form fabric loops in which the generally MD-oriented yarns are arranged in true MD. The fabric loop is flattened such that the MD-oriented yarns are arranged in two overlapping layers in the base fabric, the two overlapping layers being connected by a bend in the MD-oriented yarn at a CD-oriented fold region at each of their two opposite ends, the additional fabric material component being removed from the MD-oriented yarn in the CD-oriented fold region to form a seam region with a seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn extending in the true MD; and A pivot extending through a channel defined by engaging the seam rings at the two opposite ends to form a seam; The at least one of the strips is a spirally wound strip, and the cut ends are realigned so that the generally MD-oriented yarns of the spirally wound strip are arranged in the true MD. 2. The seamed industrial fabric of claim 1, further comprising a base material needle-stitched to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the base fabric. 3. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 2, wherein the fabric is a felt and the outer surface is a paper support surface. 4. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 1, wherein the CD connection path is disposed on the inner surface of the base fabric. 5. (Deleted). 6. The seamed industrial fabric of claim 1, wherein the at least one strip comprises a woven material, and the additional fabric material component comprises a generally CD-oriented yarn interwoven with the generally MD-oriented yarn. 7. The seamed industrial fabric of claim 1, wherein each of the seam regions comprises at least one filler yarn, the filler yarn being disposed adjacent to the seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn at the CD fold region. 8. The seamed industrial fabric of claim 1, wherein the generally MD-oriented yarn comprises stacked generally MD-oriented yarns. 9. A method for producing seamed industrial fabrics, the method comprising: The total width of the base fabric is defined by joining adjacent longitudinal edges of the at least one strip, the base fabric is formed from at least one strip comprising generally MD-oriented yarns held together relative to each other by additional fabric material components, the width of the at least one strip being less than the CD width of the base fabric, and the formation of the base fabric comprising helically winding the at least one strip to form a helically wound strip. The spirally wound strip is cut transversely to form an end; Realign the cut ends so that the generally MD-oriented yarn extends in the true MD; The ends of the at least one strip are connected along the CD connection path to form a fabric loop in which the generally MD-oriented yarns are arranged in the true MD. The fabric loop is flattened such that the MD-oriented yarn is arranged in the base fabric as two overlapping layers, the two overlapping layers being connected at the CD-oriented folded area at each of the two opposite ends by the back bend area of ​​the MD-oriented yarn. The additional fabric material component is removed from the MD-oriented yarn in the CD-oriented folded region to form a seam region with a seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn extending in the true MD; and The two opposite ends of the seam rings are engaged with each other, and a pivot is inserted into the engaged seam rings to form a seam. 10. (Deleted). 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising sewing the wool material to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the base fabric. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the seamed industrial fabric is a felt, and the outer surface is a paper support surface. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the CD connection path is disposed on the inner surface of the fabric. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one strip comprises a woven material, and the additional fabric material component comprises a generally CD-oriented yarn interwoven with the generally MD-oriented yarn. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the generally CD-oriented yarn adjacent to the seam ring extends on a true CD and extends across the width of the at least one strip without being cut. 16. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting at least one filler yarn adjacent to the seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn at the CD fold region. 17. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing the at least one strip with the generally MD-oriented yarn having a stacked arrangement; and removing a portion of the inner MD-oriented yarn of the stacked MD-oriented yarn in the seam region.

Claims

1. A seamed industrial fabric, comprising: A base fabric formed of at least one strip, the width of which is less than the CD width of the base fabric, the at least one strip including a longitudinal edge, the longitudinal edge being joined to an adjacent longitudinal edge of the at least one strip to define the total width of the base fabric; The at least one strip comprises generally MD-oriented yarns held together relative to each other by attached fabric material components, and the at least one strip has cut ends connected along CD connection paths to form fabric loops in which the generally MD-oriented yarns are arranged in true MD. The fabric loop is flattened such that the MD-oriented yarns are arranged in the base fabric as two overlapping layers, the two overlapping layers being connected by a bend-back region of the MD-oriented yarns at the CD-oriented folded region at each of their two opposite ends, the additional fabric material component being removed from the MD-oriented yarns in the CD-oriented folded region to form a seam region with a seam ring formed by the MD-oriented yarns extending in the true MD; as well as A pivot extends through a channel defined by engaging the seam rings at the two opposite ends to form a seam.

2. The seamed industrial fabric of claim 1, further comprising a base material needle-stitched to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the base fabric.

3. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 2, wherein, The fabric is a pressed felt, and the outer surface is a paper support surface.

4. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 1, wherein, The CD connection path is disposed on the inner surface of the base fabric.

5. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one strip is a spirally wound strip, and the cut ends are realigned to arrange the generally MD-oriented yarns of the spirally wound strip in the true MD.

6. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one strip comprises a woven material, and the additional fabric material component comprises a generally CD-oriented yarn interwoven with the generally MD-oriented yarn.

7. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the seam areas includes at least one filler yarn, which is disposed adjacent to the seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn at the CD fold area.

8. The seamed industrial fabric according to claim 1, wherein, The generally MD-oriented yarn comprises stacked generally MD-oriented yarns.

9. A method for producing seamed industrial fabrics, the method comprising: The total width of the base fabric is defined by joining adjacent longitudinal edges of the at least one strip, the base fabric being formed from at least one strip containing generally MD-oriented yarns held together relative to each other by additional fabric material components, the width of the at least one strip being less than the CD width of the base fabric. The ends of the at least one strip are connected along the CD connection path to form a fabric loop in which the generally MD-oriented yarns are arranged in the true MD. The fabric loop is flattened such that the MD-oriented yarn is arranged in the base fabric as two overlapping layers, the two overlapping layers being connected at the CD-oriented folded area at each of the two opposite ends by the back bend area of ​​the MD-oriented yarn. The additional fabric material component is removed from the MD-oriented yarn in the CD-oriented fold region to form a seam region with a seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn extending in the true MD. as well as The two opposite ends of the seam rings are engaged with each other, and a pivot is inserted into the engaged seam rings to form a seam.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising spirally winding the at least one strip to form a spirally wound strip; cutting the spirally wound strip crosswise to form an end; realigning the cut end such that the generally MD-oriented yarn extends in the true MD; and then joining the ends together.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising sewing the wool material to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the base fabric.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The seamed industrial fabric is a pressed felt, and the outer surface is a paper support surface.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The CD connection path is disposed on the inner surface of the fabric.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one strip comprises a woven material, and the additional fabric material component comprises a generally CD-oriented yarn interwoven with the generally MD-oriented yarn.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The generally CD-oriented yarn adjacent to the seam ring extends on the true CD and, without being cut, extends across the width of the at least one strip.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting at least one filler yarn adjacent to the seam loop formed by the MD-oriented yarn at the CD fold region.

17. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing the at least one strip with the generally MD-oriented yarn having a stacked arrangement; and removing a portion of the inner MD-oriented yarn of the stacked MD-oriented yarn in the seam region.

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