Abstract: A film for conveying in an industrial process, industrial fabrics made from the film, and methods of manufacture. The film has a plurality of protrusions separated by land areas. Each protrusion comprises a top member having opposing lateral edges and is supported by opposed compression resistant first and second end walls, which with at least one of the lateral edges define an aperture extending through the film to provide a flow path. The base edge of each end wall has a configuration selected from at least one of the base edge being convexly curved away from the protrusion body; and each end wall extending below at least a part of each of the first and second lateral edges and being connected to each of the first and second lateral edges. The film structure provides physical properties equivalent to a woven fabric, with improved strength, stability and compression resistance.

Abstract: A nonwoven industrial fabric comprising a first layer secured to a second layer, with each layer comprising a plurality of flow-through apertures and profiling protrusions, wherein: a) at least a portion of the flow-through apertures of the first layer is aligned with at least a portion of the flow-through apertures of the second layer; b) the first layer comprises a plurality of securing protrusions integral to the first layer; c) the second layer comprises a plurality of detents integral to the second layer; and d) the first layer is secured to the second layer by a plurality of locking pairs, each locking pair comprising a securing protrusion lockably engaged with a detent. A method of making the nonwoven industrial fabric is also described.

Abstract: A seaming element for an industrial textile, and methods of manufacture. The seaming element body is constructed from a single layer of polymeric film that is folded to provide a fold region and arms that comprise a first region, and a further second region. The first region is bonded to surfaces of an edge region of the textile, while the second region comprises a plurality of spaced-apart aligned protrusions extending from the first region, each protrusion comprising an interior space defined by an upper layer; a lower layer; and a loop at the fold region that connects the upper and lower layers. The interior space is divided into an outer securing region and an inner securing region by either a rib member placed between and bonded to an inner surface of at least one of the upper and lower layer, or by bonding a portion of the upper layer with a portion of the lower layer at a constriction zone.

Abstract: Nonwoven double layer industrial textiles comprising a plurality of interconnected selectively slit and profiled folded panels formed from suitable sheet or film materials. Each panel includes two fold regions having an array of slots and seaming loops. The folded panel is formed by folding each fold region toward the panel body, thereby providing seam loops and seam loop receiving openings, which are used to connect adjacent folded panels in a given layer of the textile. Two such layers are bonded together in overlapping relation such that outside free edges of any of the fold regions are returned and sealed interior to the double layer. Further panels composed of heat or wear resistant material can be connected to lateral outside edges of panels forming the textile.

Abstract: Non-woven double layer industrial textiles comprising a plurality of interconnected selectively slit and profiled panels formed from suitable sheet or film materials. Each panel includes two fold regions at each end. Each fold region has an array of slots and strips which form hem loops and hem loop-receiving openings by folding each region beneath and toward the panel body. The panel further includes two seam regions at a central portion of the panel, which when folded, provide seam loops and seam loop receiving openings. Outside free edges of the end fold regions are returned and sealed interior to the double layer so as to avoid fraying of free ends. Each seam region of the folded panel is interconnectable with the corresponding seam region of adjacent similar folded panels by means of a seam connecting member. Additional panels composed of heat- or wear-resistant material can be connected to lateral outside edges of panels forming the textile.

Abstract: A seaming element for an industrial textile, a textile with seaming elements, and a method. The seaming element has first and second end regions, a fold line in an intermediate fold region, and outer and inner surfaces. Each end region comprises slits extending from the outer surface through to the inner surface, defining protrusions which provide a profile to at least one of the surfaces. Apertures aligned along the fold line define a plurality of land areas. When the seaming element is folded along the fold line, the land areas form a plurality of loops defining a channel. When the seaming element is secured at each end region to a first end of the industrial textile, the loops are interdigitatable with corresponding loops on a compatible seaming element at a second end of the industrial textile, to define a single aligned channel to receive a securing means.

Abstract: Non-woven double layer industrial textiles comprising a plurality of interconnected selectively slit and profiled panels formed from suitable sheet or film materials. Each panel includes two fold regions at each end. Each fold region has an array of slots and strips which form hem loops and hem loop-receiving openings by folding each region beneath and toward the panel body. The panel further includes two seam regions at a central portion of the panel, which when folded, provide seam loops and seam loop receiving openings. Outside free edges of the end fold regions are returned and sealed interior to the double layer so as to avoid fraying of free ends. Each seam region of the folded panel is interconnectable with the corresponding seam region of adjacent similar folded panels by means of a seam connecting member. Additional panels composed of heat- or wear-resistant material can be connected to lateral outside edges of panels forming the textile.

Abstract: Nonwoven double layer industrial textiles comprising a plurality of interconnected selectively slit and profiled folded panels formed from suitable sheet or film materials. Each panel includes two fold regions having an array of slots and seaming loops. The folded panel is formed by folding each fold region toward the panel body, thereby providing seam loops and seam loop receiving openings, which are used to connect adjacent folded panels in a given layer of the textile. Two such layers are bonded together in overlapping relation such that outside free edges of any of the fold regions are returned and sealed interior to the double layer. Further panels composed of heat or wear resistant material can be connected to lateral outside edges of panels forming the textile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seaming element for attachment to an industrial textile. The industrial textile has opposed first and second seamable edge regions, while the seaming element has: i) a first lateral edge; ii) a second lateral edge; iii) a trailing edge; iv) a forward portion comprising a plurality of protruding seaming with successive loops spaced apart by an aperture, and v) a rearward portion continuous with the forward portion, with the rearward portion comprising an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are substantially planar and have mutually opposed inner surfaces, with a portion of each inner surface bonded to the industrial textile at a selected one of the first and second seamable edge regions. At least one of the upper and lower member comprises one or more slits between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, with the one or more slits extending from the respective trailing edge in a direction towards the forward portion of the seaming element.

Abstract: A seaming element for an industrial textile, and methods of manufacture. The seaming element body is constructed from a single layer of polymeric film that is folded to provide a fold region and arms that comprise a first region, and a further second region. The first region is bonded to surfaces of an edge region of the textile, while the second region comprises a plurality of spaced-apart aligned protrusions extending from the first region, each protrusion comprising an interior space defined by an upper layer; a lower layer; and a loop at the fold region that connects the upper and lower layers. The interior space is divided into an outer securing region and an inner securing region by either a rib member placed between and bonded to an inner surface of at least one of the upper and lower layer, or by bonding a portion of the upper layer with a portion of the lower layer at a constriction zone.

Abstract: A nonwoven industrial textile for conveying in an industrial process, seaming elements and methods of manufacture. The textile comprises at least first and second layers of film. Each layer comprises protrusions separated by land areas and each defining an aperture for a flow path through the layer. For at least one of the layers, the protrusions comprise a first set having first and second ends integral with contiguous land areas, and at least a second set of protrusions each comprising a first end integral with a contiguous land area and an opposing second end having a configuration selected from a detached free end; and a weakened end portion integral with but detachable from a contiguous land area in response to strain. The construction allows for relative movement of the layers during travel over machine components such as rolls, reducing internal strain and risk of delamination.

Abstract: A seaming element for an industrial textile and a method of manufacture. The seaming element comprises an elongate body folded along its length at a folded connection region comprising a plurality of channeled protrusions securable to corresponding channeled protrusions of a complementary seaming element affixed to an opposing seamable edge. First and second body members extend from respective edges of the folded connection region, each body member being directly securable to the first seamable edge. At least one of the body members comprises a longitudinal profiled region proximate and substantially parallel to a free edge of the respective member. The method includes providing an array of apertures to form the channeled protrusions, and the profiled region is formed in a progressive roll forming process. The seaming element enables improved consistency and reliability of bonding of the element to the textile by laser welding, adhesives or other methods.

Abstract: A profiled film structure, textiles comprising at least two layers of the structure, and methods of making the structure and textiles. Each film layer is profiled with regularly arranged protrusions, separated by planar land areas. Portions of at least one side wall of the protrusions are slit to create apertures extending through the film and top members forming coplanar latching means extending over the apertures. When the upper surface of a first layer of the film is brought into contiguous relationship with the upper surface of a second layer of the film, and the protrusions of each of the respective layers are aligned between adjacent protrusions of the other layer, the latching means of each layer are received and retained within the apertures of the opposing layer, resulting in an efficiently assembled self-locking structure having selectable permeability for fluid flow through the structure.

Abstract: A nonwoven industrial fabric comprising a first layer secured to a second layer, with each layer comprising a plurality of flow-through apertures and profiling protrusions, wherein: a) at least a portion of the flow-through apertures of the first layer is aligned with at least a portion of the flow-through apertures of the second layer; b) the first layer comprises a plurality of securing protrusions integral to the first layer; c) the second layer comprises a plurality of detents integral to the second layer; and d) the first layer is secured to the second layer by a plurality of locking pairs, each locking pair comprising a securing protrusion lockably engaged with a detent. A method of making the nonwoven industrial fabric is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seaming element for attachment to an industrial textile. The industrial textile has opposed first and second seamable edge regions, while the seaming element has: i) a first lateral edge; ii) a second lateral edge; iii) a trailing edge; iv) a forward portion comprising a plurality of protruding seaming with successive loops spaced apart by an aperture, and v) a rearward portion continuous with the forward portion, with the rearward portion comprising an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are substantially planar and have mutually opposed inner surfaces, with a portion of each inner surface bonded to the industrial textile at a selected one of the first and second seamable edge regions. At least one of the upper and lower member comprises one or more slits between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, with the one or more slits extending from the respective trailing edge in a direction towards the forward portion of the seaming element.

Abstract: A seaming element for seaming an industrial textile, an industrial textile, and a method of seaming. A first region of the seaming element comprises at least one securing member, and a second region is securable to the textile. Spaced-apart protrusions in the securing members are interdigitatable with corresponding protrusions in an opposing element, or the other seamable edge of the textile. Opposing protrusions are interdigitated to define first and second channels for securing means. Where the seaming element has two or more securing members, the protrusions of the outer securing member are aligned with those of an inner securing member of the opposing element, and the protrusions of an inner securing member are aligned with those of the outer securing member of the opposing element. Where the securing means is a pintle, the free ends can be inserted back into the channel to secure the seam.

Abstract: A profiled film structure, textiles comprising at least two layers of the structure, and methods of making the structure and textiles. Each film layer is profiled with regularly arranged protrusions, separated by planar land areas. Portions of at least one side wall of the protrusions are slit to create apertures extending through the film and top members forming coplanar latching means extending over the apertures. When the upper surface of a first layer of the film is brought into contiguous relationship with the upper surface of a second layer of the film, and the protrusions of each of the respective layers are aligned between adjacent protrusions of the other layer, the latching means of each layer are received and retained within the apertures of the opposing layer, resulting in an efficiently assembled self-locking structure having selectable permeability for fluid flow through the structure.

Abstract: A seaming element for an industrial textile and a method of manufacture. The seaming element comprises an elongate body folded along its length at a folded connection region comprising a plurality of channelled protrusions securable to corresponding channelled protrusions of a complementary seaming element affixed to an opposing seamable edge. First and second body members extend from respective edges of the folded connection region, each body member being directly securable to the first seamable edge. At least one of the body members comprises a longitudinal profiled region proximate and substantially parallel to a free edge of the respective member. The method includes providing an array of apertures to form the channelled protrusions, and the profiled region is formed in a progressive roll forming process. The seaming element enables improved consistency and reliability of bonding of the element to the textile by laser welding, adhesives or other methods.