Printing blanket construction and method of making

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An improved printing blanket construction is provided which includes at least a top ply, a bottom ply, and a non-extensible backing ply. The blanket includes leading and trailing edges which are secured directly to the backing ply, where at least a portion of the leading edge forms a contoured edge a , stair-stepped edge, a beveled edge or a combination thereof. The printing blanket construction having such a shaped leading edge reduces printing gap reduces the impact forces on the leading edge of the blanket and protects the , blanket from the penetration of ink solvents, moisture and the like into the blanket plies during use.