Multi-layered through air drying fabric

Abstract

An imprinting through air multi-layer drying fabric for use with a papermaking machine comprising a plurality of MD (machine direction) yarns forming a continuous loop and a plurality of CMD (cross machine direction yarns) interlacing with said MD yarns and extending in the width direction. The fabric is formed to have a support surface and a machine surface with the machine surface comprising a plurality of load bearing MD yarns arranged side-by-side across the width of the fabric, and interlaced in a first pattern with the CMD yarns to provide an even knuckle distribution over the first layer. The support surface is formed of second plurality of non-load bearing MD yarns arranged side-by-side interlaced with the CMD yarns in s second pattern producing raised MD yarn floats arranged in a staggered arrangement in the MD direction to produce a desired pattern. The floats are capable of imparting selected patterned imprints onto the surface of a paper product supported thereon while passing through the papermaking machine.