Abstract: An industrial fabric, and particularly a papermakers dryer fabric, is proposed wherein the permeability thereof is reduced by the inclusion of a continuous layer of an elastomeric open-cell foam therein which extends to and is contiguous with at least one surface of the base structure, the base structure comprising a link belt or a woven or knitted fabric.

Abstract: In order to protect the longitudinal edges of a link belt against damage or undue wear it is proposed to provide an edge guard comprising a multiplicity of guard elements engaged with the coils of the belt, the elements each comprising a body part for disposition adjacent the edge of the belt and a mounting element for engagement with a respective coil. The body part is preferably flexible, and the body parts of adjacent elements may partially overlie one another in providing a reinforcing wear resistant edge to the belt for protecting the ends of the coils.