Patent ID: 6573422
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An absorbent structure having peripheral edges and a center region and comprising an integral absorbent element having an upper surface and a lower surface defining therebetween an absorbent element thickness, the absorbent element thickness having an upper 35% and a lower 65%, the absorbent element further comprising a high absorbency zone, the high absorbency zone having a first surface and a second surface separated by a zone thickness comprising less than about 35% of the absorbent element thickness and being located in at least a portion of the center region in the upper 35% of the absorbent element, the high absorbency zone comprising absorbent fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles, the superabsorbent polymer particles being present at a loading of no more than 75 grams per square meter, the superabsorbent polymer particles being substantially separated from one another by absorbent fibers, and wherein the lower 65% is substantially free of superabsorbent polymer particles.