Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method of installing an industrial fabric on a machine configured to utilize such a fabric includes as a first step: (a) providing an industrial fabric having: a plurality of machine direction (MD) yarns, the MD yarns forming seam loops at first and second ends of the fabric; a first flap attached adjacent the first end and underlying a first portion of the fabric, the first flap including a first zipper track on an edge portion thereof; and a second flap attached adjacent the second end and underlying a second portion of the fabric, the second flap including a second zipper on an edge portion thereof, the second flap able to stretch elastically such that the distance between its attachment to the second portion of the fabric and the second zipper track can increase when a load is applied to the second zipper track. The method comprises the further steps of: (b) positioning the industrial fabric in the machine; (c) intermeshing the first zipper track and the second zipper track; (d) interdigitating the seam loops on the first end and the second end; and (e) inserting a pintle through the interdigitated seam loops. The use of the flaps can help to align the seam loops, thereby facilitating the subsequent insertion of the pintle.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim