Patent ID: 6316687
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An absorbent article, which generally delimits a front waistband section, a rear waistband section and an intermediate section which interconnects said front and rear waistband sections, the article comprising:a substantially vapor impermeable backsheet layer;a liquid permeable topsheet layer positioned in facing relation with said backsheet layer;an absorbent body for storing absorbed liquid, said absorbent body located between said backsheet layer and topsheet layer and including an absorbent material which provides for a level of moisture retention therein, said absorbent body having a humidity transfer zone portion wherein said humidity transfer zone portion comprises a substantially hydrophobic, nonwettable fibrous material which has an average basis weight within the range of about 5-300 gsm and a density of not more than about 0.1 gm/cc, said nonwettable fibrous material configured to limit a presence and wicking therein of liquid and to limit an occluding of said nonwettable fibrous material by liquid, said humidity transfer zone portion thereby exhibiting a relatively lower level of moisture retention as compared to other areas of said absorbent body where said liquid is normally stored; anda vapor permeable panel, which is substantially liquid impermeable and is connected to said backsheet layer in at least one of said waistband sections, said vapor permeable panel arranged in an operable adjacent registry with at least a portion of said nonwettable fibrous material of said humidity transfer zone portion to extend at least partially thereover, said connection of said vapor permeable panel to said backsheet layer and said registry of said vapor permeable panel with said humidity transfer zone portion arranged to allow movement of air into said nonwettable fibrous material through said vapor permeable panel.