Abstract: A pile weatherstrip is formed from a multiple-filament yarn that is knitted into a tape where the yarn lengths extend side-by-side in a direction normal to the length of the tape. Side-by-side yarns are held together by stitching to form a coherent tape which is then fed to a connection zone where the tape is formed into a V and the base of the V is welded into a channel on a carrier. After welding, the top ends of the V-shaped tape are cut off to form a pile.

Abstract: A pile weatherstrip has an elongate base strip carrying a pile of thermoplastic fibres. A zone is formed adjacent the base of the fibres fused together and compressed to reduce their width. This provides a comparatively smooth and narrow zone that does not snag on the flanges of a carrier as the pile weatherstrip is inserted into the carrier. The zone can be produced by passing the weatherstrip through a nip formed by heated rollers. In an alternative embodiment, the fibres are fused together for their whole height. This has the additional advantage of providing an air-impervious barrier.

Abstract: Two weatherstrippings are joined before the application of any backing to the woven strip of artificial yarn which carries the rows of pile which form the air barrier. A plastics material is placed across the butted ends of the strips in contact with the lower surfaces of the strips and the two are then welded together ultrasonically to join the weatherstrippings. The backing can then be applied over the joint. A jig for performing such a joining method comprises two holders for carrying the strips by their pile with the lower surfaces uppermost. The holders are formed in two parts to allow the strips to be cut to form a clean straight end. One part of each holder is then removed and the remaining parts slid together to butt the two strips. A piece of heat-weldable material is then placed over the butted ends in contact with the lower surfaces and is heat welded to the strips to complete the join.