Abstract: This invention relates to A press felt for a paper making machine comprising a batt layer portion adapted to be positioned on a paper making machine juxtaposed the path of a paper web and a base weave portion designed to receive water from the paper sheet and to carry the batt layer, and means for jointing first and second ends of the felt to form a continuous belt, wherein the felt is provided at a first end portion with a flap in which the batt layer of the felt is configured to form a flap and at a second end portion, is configured to cooperate with said flap end portion characterized in that at least one of said end portions is coated with a hot melt adhesive whereby on the bringing of the first and second end portions into juxtaposition, the application of heat and pressure to bond said ends permits the formation of a seam in which the flap element overlays the remainder of the join in the felt.

Abstract: The invention provides a press felt seam comprising a first felt end and a second felt end interconnected by hinge means wherein the soft cover layer on the first felt end is configured to provide a flap element overlaying said hinge means, and the soft cover layer on the second end is configured to support said flap. The surface of said flap contiguous the hinge means is provided with a resilient support material to impart to the seam area a compression recovered thickness substantially equal to or slightly greater than the rest of the felt.