Abstract: Apparatus and methods of heat-treating laminar materials, in particular fabrics including materials such as synthetic leather (laminated polyurethane) are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of cooperating rollers defining a nip through which the material is passed. Heating means is arranged to heat the material as it is compressed at the roller nip. A feeding arrangement is provided for feeding the material to said nip, the feeding arrangement including a pair of cooperating formers between which the material is passed. Each of the formers comprises a series of ribs spaced apart from one another, the average gap between adjacent ribs being less at the leading edge of the former than at the trailing edge thereof. The ribs of one former are positioned so that they are able to lie within the gaps between the ribs of the other former. Advantageously, the apparatus also includes means for effecting lateral movement of at least one of the formers.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated, pleated fabric is provided which method comprises passing a first layer of fabric through a pleating machine to form temporary pleats and then feeding the first layer of fabric together with an adhesive material and a second layer of fabric onto a winding roller so that the adhesive layer is disposed between the first layer of fabric (which is formed with the temporary pleats) and the second layer of fabric. The three layers are substantially co-extensive in size. The adhesive material is then activated e.g. with steam or dry heat, so that the first and second layers of fabric are laminated together. The steam or heat also makes the pleats in the first layer of fabric permanent. The method can be operated as a relatively simple, continuous process to produce a laminated, pleated fabric which is visually attractive and comfortable to wear.

Abstract: There is provided a method of printing and pleating a fabric which comprises folding the fabric into a pleat pattern and then simultaneously forming the pleat and printing the fabric by passing the fabric together with a print paper in contact with at least a portion thereof through a zone heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the print color and/or pattern to be transferred to the fabric while the folds in the fabric are simultaneously made into permanent pleats.