Patent ID: 7572492

Claim:
A method for forming a weld between two layers within a multi-layer assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a multi-layer assembly of individual layers, including a first outer layer with first outer and inner surfaces, a second outer layer with second outer and inner surfaces, and at least one intermediate layer positioned between the first and second outer layers, said first outer layer having a first region including an absorbent component capable of absorbing laser light within a given wavelength range and a second region having no absorbent component, said second outer layer having a third region including an absorbent component, said third region overlapping the second region, and at least one of the first and second outer layers allowing transmission of the laser light from its outer surface to within the vicinity of its inner surface substantially without any absorption of energy from the laser light; directing laser light within the given wavelength range through the first outer layer towards the absorbent component in the first region, thereby creating a first welded area between a surface of the first outer layer and a surface of a layer facing the first region; and directing laser light within the given wavelength range through the first outer layer and through the second region towards the absorbent component in the third region, thereby creating a second welded area between a surface of the second outer layer and a surface of a layer facing the third region.