Gapped bedplate for uniform carpet back coating

The present invention relates to an improved doctor blade and bedplate apparatus wherein there is a recess in the bedplate from some position upstream of the doctor blade to some position downstream of the doctor blade. This recess or gap in the area of the bedplate under the doctor blade allows one to form an even or uniform coating on the back of a web of material. This is particularly helpful in forming uniform coatings on the back of a greige good which has face fibers of varying lengths. The present invention also relates to an improved process for preparing a relatively uniform coating on the back of a web of material.