(19) |
 |
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(11) |
EP 1 091 036 A3 |
(12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
(88) |
Date of publication A3: |
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13.11.2002 Bulletin 2002/46 |
(43) |
Date of publication A2: |
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11.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/15 |
(22) |
Date of filing: 13.09.2000 |
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(84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
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Designated Extension States: |
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AL LT LV MK RO SI |
(30) |
Priority: |
15.09.1999 GB 9921675
|
(71) |
Applicant: C M Kelly Limited |
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Bradford BD13 5AB (GB) |
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(72) |
Inventor: |
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- Kelly, Thomas Peter
Wilsden, Bradford BD15 OEJ (GB)
|
(74) |
Representative: Wharton, Peter Robert |
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Urquhart-Dykes & Lord Tower House Merrion Way Leeds LS2 8PA Leeds LS2 8PA (GB) |
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(57) A method of treating an underfelt comprising felted thermoplastic fibres which comprises
heating at least one surface of the felt sufficiently to soften the fibres, and then
passing the felt through polished callender rollers whereby to callender and quench
the softened thermoplastic surface of the felt to give a glazed finish. Preferably,
the rollers are polished stainless steel rollers, which conveniently may be water
cooled to give the best effect. Advantageously, to give optimum heat transfer, the
felt is passed around about 90° of the surface of the roller The nip of the rollers
is used to give control over the initial pressure and final thickness of the felt,
whereas the increased angle of wrap increases the heat transfer and quenching and
thus the glazing effect on the softened thermoplastic fibre surface. The underfelts
treated in accordance with the invention are particularly useful in two distinct areas.
Firstly, if the surface is lightly glazed, achieved by modest application of heat
before callendering, the felt, when in place on the floor, allows a carpet to move
more easily when being fitted In a second application, where more heat and pressure
is applied, the surface can be callendered further until it is highly glazed and is
almost impervious. This enables the finished carpet underlay to be stuck to the floor
and for the carpet to be stuck to the underlay.

