Apparatus and method for sealing absorbent materials in an absorbent product

Described is a method and apparatus for enveloping a series of absorbent cores (22) with a fluid-permeable layer which includes a first web supplying mechanism (48) for providing a first layer (50) of fluid-permeable material, and a depositing mechanism (52) for positioning a series of absorbent cores (22) on the first layer (50). Each of the absorbent cores (22) defines a periphery thereof and includes superabsorbent material therein. A second web supplying means (54) provides a second layer (56) of fluid-permeable material to sandwich the absorbent cores (22) between the first and second layers (50,56). A sealing mechanism (58) secures the first layer (50) to the second layer (56) along an attachment region thereof which is located adjacent to at least a pair of side edge regions of the absorbent cores (22). The attachment region is constructed to substantially prevent movement of superabsorbent material from the absorbent cores (22) through the attachment region. A separating mechanism (62) removes selected regions of the first and second layers (50,56) which are located adjacent to the attachment region and are spaced from the absorbent cores (22).