Patent ID: 6037518
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
Absorbent body for use in a diaper or an incontinence product, said absorbent body comprising:a liquid acquisition portion, a liquid storage portion adjacent thereto and a liquid wicking layer in fluid communication with the liquid acquisition portion,wherein said liquid acquisition portion comprises at least one well located at an expected wetting area of the absorbent body for receiving a large amount of liquid during a short period of time, said well extending depthwise into and through the liquid storage portion and is in liquid communication with the liquid wicking layer arranged under the liquid storage layer,wherein in the liquid storage portion there is arranged a first absorbent structure which has a first effective mean pore size and in the liquid acquisition portion including the well(s) there is arranged one or more second absorbent structures, each of said one or more second absorbent structures having an effective mean pore size, which is larger than the first mean pore size of said first absorbent structure, said liquid storage portion promoting communication of fluid contained in said liquid acquisition portion into said liquid storage portion such that said liquid acquisition portion may receive a further amount of liquid,said liquid wicking layer being defined by a mean pore size different from said effective mean pore size of the one or more second absorbent structures of the liquid acquisition portion, the difference in effective mean pore size causing liquid to be drawn from said at least one well to said wicking layer in fluid communication therewith, said wicking layer dispersing liquid away from said at least one well and throughout said wicking layer in order to increase an effectiveness of the storage portion in absorbing liquid therefrom and thereby assisting said liquid acquisition portion in receiving the further amount of liquid.