Absorbent article with an exudate management layer

US11596561B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Andrew Thomas Hammond · Appleton, US
• Kyle Mark Barriger · Neenah, US
• Michael Douglas Sperl · Waupaca, US
• Russell J. Brumm · Menasha, US
• Suzanne Marie Schmoker · Oshkosh, US
• Heidi Bauerlein Hopkins · Neenah, US
• Alyssa Kimberly DeYoung · Chicago, US
• Ellen E. Pelky · De Pere, US
• Kimberly M. Downs · Ripon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 29, 2018
• Grant date: Mar 7, 2023
• Expiry date: May 29, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/24669
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.