Patent ID: 6203654
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of fracturing an absorbent material in situ on another material in a process of making an absorbent element for an absorbent article, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a carrier material in the form of a web having a first breaking point;(b) providing a second material on said carrier material and joinings said material to form a composite structure having two surfaces, said second material having a second breaking point that is lower than the breaking point of said carrier material, said second material comprising an absorbent material;(c) providing an apparatus for applying a force to said composite structure; and(d) applying a localized force to at least a portion of at least one of the surfaces of said composite structure using said apparatus, said force being greater than the second breaking point, but less than said first breaking point so that the absorbent material fractures in at least one place without breaking the carrier material.