Absorbent article with increased wet breathability

US6558363B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Charles Keuhn · Neenah, US
• Ronald Lee Edens · Appleton, US
• Peter Elliker · Appleton, US
• Michael John Faulks · Neenah, US
• Sheng-Hsin Hu · Appleton, US
• Debra Jean McDowall · Roswell, US
• Shannon Kathleen Melius · Appleton, US
• Cheryl Ann Mocadlo · New London, US
• Cynthia Phillips · Neenah, US
• Cathleen Mae Uttecht · Menasha, US
• Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet · Neenah, US
• Dmitry Yavich · Neenah, US
• David Zenker · Neenah, US
• Frank Jerrel Akin · Marietta, US
• Margaret G. Latimer · Alpharetta, US
• Pamela Jean Mayberry · Roswell, US
• Susan Carol Paul · Alpharetta, US
• Audra Wright · Woodstock, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 26, 2001
• Grant date: May 6, 2003
• Expiry date: Feb 4, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2013/15284
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.