Patent ID: 6242073
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
An absorbent structure comprising:a macroscopically monoplanar fibrous capillary substrate defining an X-Y plane and a Z direction orthogonal thereto, said fibrous capillary substrate having at least one aperture, anda freestanding site of osmotic absorbent hydrogel polymer joined to said substrate disposed in said aperture and extending in said X-Y direction, whereupon said at least one said site of freestanding osmotic hydrogel polymer is capable of expanding in the Z direction without constraint from said substrate upon imbibing liquids,wherein said osmotic absorbent hydrogel polymer is distributed on said fibrous capillary substrate in a plurality of discrete sites of osmotic absorbent hydrogel polymer and said discrete fibrous capillary substrate comprises an essentially continuous network in which said sites of osmotic absorbent hydrogel polymer are disposed, andwherein said osmotic absorbent hydrogel polymer is capable of expanding in both senses of the Z direction without constraint from said substrate upon imbibing liquids.