Abstract: A system and method are provided for joining the ends of a bank-shaped elongate element. Alignment strips (3) are thereby fastened in the vicinity of the ends (1,2) of the elongate element, both alignment strips being formed by a sheet-like part (4) one edge of which is provided with a U-shaped element (5). In order to provide a firm joint, the alignment strips are positioned side by side so that the outer surfaces of the bottoms of the U-shaped elements (5) are in alignment. The alignment strips (3) so positioned are interlocked by means of a locking strip (7) to be passed in place from a side of the band-shaped elongate element in the longitudinal direction of the alignment strips (3) so as to be engaged with the U-shaped elements (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a press felt for a paper machine and a press felt manufactured by means of said method. The method comprises the manufacture of a seamed fabric and the needling of a fibrous layer on at least one side of the seamed fabric. the fibrous layer is incised in such a way that the seam of the seamed fabric can be opened by removing a connecting thread and correspondingly rejoined after the press felt is mounted in the paper machine by passing the connecting thread back in place so as to join the press felt into an endless loop. In order to eliminate the marking caused by the seam, and in order to increase the water space, at least one surface fabric is provided on at least one surface of the seamed fabric between the seamed fabric and the fibrous layer. The incision of the fibrous layer is made through the surface fabric/surface fabrics up to the seamed fabric.