Importance

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Abstract

A felting of synthetic fibers having an embossed pattern that forms depressions in at least one surface of the felting is disclosed. The surface of the felting with depressions contains, in at least the area of the depressions, a layer of small hollow spheres that are bonded to one another and to the felting by means of a binding agent. The layer of hollow spheres fills up, at least partially, the depressions in the surface of the felting produced by embossing. This reinforces and strengthens the thinner areas of felting in the vicinity of these depressions. When the reinforced felting is applied to a shoe upper, for example, the resulting upper has improved stiffness and strength. Furthermore, the excessive penetration of adhesive into the felting, which can cause a spotty or uneven appearance of the reinforced upper, is prevented. Resistance to splitting and separating is likewise improved.

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First Claim