Folding bellows manufacture

摘要

Reinforcement comprising a round knitted fabric sock (15) of high strength fibers (12) is drawn onto a core with a larger diameter than the sock and the folds (6, 7, 8) are formed. The fabric is coated externally in one or more layers of a fluid, curable plastic or rubber. Fibers projecting from the outer surface of the sock give high adhesion between the latter and the coating. The coated fabric is subsequently dried at 70 deg C. An Independent claim is included for folding bellows. Preferred Features: Coatings may be applied on both inner and/or outer sides of the fabric. Flanges (3, 4) at both ends of the bellows (2) are created by compressing the knitted fabric (15).