Absorbent members having improved fluid distribution via low density and basis weight acquisition zones

US5348547A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Michael Payne · Sandy Springs, US
• Robert W. Perkins · Old Orchard Beach, US
• Danny R. Moore · Germantown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 5, 1993
• Grant date: Sep 20, 1994
• Expiry date: Apr 5, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2013/588
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An absorbent article having a dual-layer absorbent member, wherein the deposition region of its upper acquisition layer comprises a distribution zone and an acquisition zone having a lower average density and a lower average basis weight per unit area than the distribution zone. The acquisition zone is positioned toward the front of either the absorbent member or the absorbent article so that the acquisition zone may most effectively and efficiently rapidly acquire discharged liquids. The lower storage layer comprises a mixture of hydrophilic fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent gelling material having a particular size distribution so as to enhance the absorbent capacity and acquisition rate of the dual-layer absorbent member. The upper acquisition layer comprises a homogeneous composition of stiffened, twisted, and curled cellulose fibers which provide enhanced wicking action in the densified distribution zone. The upper acquisition layer serves to rapidly and evenly distribute fluids to the lower storage layer for storage, while freeing the acquisition zone for the next discharge of fluid.