| abstract |
The enclosed invention relates to functional absorbent materials (20) that are profiled through cutting and heating to form flow channels (40), and in one embodiment to form bellows (45) which rise above the flow channels (40). Additionally, the flow channels (40) which are partially cut into an absorbent material (20) may also function as hinge means for that material as regards bending and conformity of fit. In one embodiment, functional absorbent material (20) is provided with discrete heating and cutting (30), e.g. by a laser, by which channels (40) and bellows (45) are simultaneously formed. In another embodiment using a discrete heating and cutting means (30), e.g. a laser, is used to provide channels (40) partially through the surface of a functional absorbent material (20). |