Patent ID: 7550646
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable topsheet on a skin surface; a backsheet on a garment surface; an absorbent layer between the topsheet and the backsheet; first compressed portions and second compressed portions, in which the absorbent layer is compressed together with at least the topsheet, extend longitudinally of the absorbent article, the first compressed portions being disposed symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article to define a central absorbent portion having a first portion of the absorbent layer therebetween, the second compressed portions being disposed symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline and spaced outwardly apart from the first compressed portions; and resilient portions defined between each adjacent pair of first and second compressed portions and including a second portion of the absorbent layer between said first and second compressed portions having a higher density than the first portion of the absorbent layer in the central absorbent portion; wherein: the first compressed portions are inwardly curved toward the longitudinal centerline within a region disposed about a lateral centerline of the absorbent article, said region extending along less than an entire length of the absorbent article along the longitudinal centerline, the second compressed portions are each shorter than corresponding first compressed portions and extend only within said region disposed about the lateral centerline, each of the first compressed portions and the second compressed portions comprising compressed grooves most substantially recessed toward the backsheet, and when the central absorbent portion is laterally compressed by an external force, the resilient portions defined between each adjacent pair of first and second compressed portions are permitted to exert a resilience against compression on the central absorbent portion.