ABSORBENT STRUCTURE DESIGNED FOR ABSORBING BODY FLUIDS

Abstract: An absorbent structure designed for use in absorbent pads such as diapers is disclosed. According to a first aspect of the invention, absorbent pads are provided which com­ prise at least two layers of cellulosic fibers (fluff) of different densities or average pore size ranges. When the absorbent structure is incorporated in a diaper, the lower density element extends to the full length and width dimensions of the normal absorbent component of the diaper. The higher density element lies beneath at least a portion of the lower density element. According to various embodiments of the present invention, it can run as a strip from the target zone to the back waist of a diaper, it can run along a central portion extending the whole length of the diaper, or it can underlie the entirety of the lower density element. The higher density element (or the element having a lower average pore size) wicks waste fluid from a lower central portion of the diaper, and thereby transports the fluid upwardly and also transfers it to the lower density element (or the element of greater average pore size). According to a second aspect of the invention, which may be incorporated with the first aspect just described, a portion of superabsorbent material is placed beneath the higher density layer, (or layer of lower average pore size), such that an additional reservoir for absorbing waste fluid is provided.

Description: The invention relates to an absorbent structure of the types as defined in the preamble of claim 1. The structure may preferably be used in a disposable diaper. Disposable diapers generally include an inner, liquid permeable liner that lies closest to the wearer's skin. An outer, liquid impermeable cover is disposed at the outside of the diaper, furthest away from the wearer. In between the liner and the cover is a fibrous liquid absorbent material or batt. In general, the most economical liquid absorbent material for use in disposable diapers is cellulosic fibres such as comminuted wood pulp, commonly known in the art as "fluff pulp", or simply "fluff". Batts made from these fibres have a low density and a high capacity for absorbing fluids, but their wicking ability is very poor. Thus, the low central crotch portion of the diaper as worn tends to become very wet when waste fluids are released thereupon, while the fluff included in the higher portions of the diaper (as worn) can remain dry with its absorbent capacity unused. Several problems are posed by this. First, it is uneconomical to line a diaper with fluff, the majority of which will be wasted. Further, there can be leakage from the liquid saturated central portion of the diaper. Still further, this concentration of liquid localized in one region of the diaper can cause discomfort to the wearer of the diaper. A diaper of the type identified above is disclosed in US-A-4 282 874. The known diaper comprises an absorbent body containing two layers of different pore sizes separated by a perforated sheet of impermeable material. The pore size distribution in each of the layers, however, is not regarded as critical with respect to liquid distribution properties. Another absorbent structure as identified above is disclosed in US-A-4 381 783. The known diaper includes pockets enclosing a superabsorbent material contained in an absorbent body. The pockets, however, are either separated from each other and concentrated within the target area, or connected to each other and extending over the entire surface of the absorbent body. US-A-4 102 340 discloses an absorbent article containing an absorbent pad which comprises two layers of highly porous, loosely compacted batt on both sides of a paper-like densified layer. The absorbent pad, as usual, is covered at the body side by a moisture pervious sheet and at the opposite side by a moisture-impervious backing sheet. The loosely compacted batt layer between the densified layer and the backing sheet contains superabsorbent material uniformly distributed therein. The densified layer is integral with at least one of the highly porous layers. Obviously, the pore size of the densified layer is smaller than the pore sizes of the loosely compacted batt layers, however, overlapping pore sizes are not disclosed. On the contrary, clear and abrupt border surfaces between the densified layer and the loosely compacted layers are to be seen. In US-A-4 213 459, a localized area of increased density fluff in the batt is disclosed for wicking waste fluid to a higher portion of the diaper. Although this presented an advance in the art, it was not without drawbacks. First, the surface of the diaper nearest the wearer's skin directly beneath the lining becomes soaked. Further, the only places where liquid could be transferred from the lower density material to the higher density material were at the borders or edges where the lower density material adjoins the higher density material. Thus, it was suggested in that patent that the areas around the densified region of the batt should remain undensified. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent structure having improved absorbing properties by providing additional and better utilizing existing absorbent capacities. According to the present invention, the absorbent structure comprises at least two layers of cellulosic fibres of different but overlapping average pore sizes. The overlapping pore sizes of the layers are found to be significantly more effective for transferring the absorbed liquid between the two layers without disturbing the liquid transfer within each of the respective layers. Thus, the absorbing capacity of essentially the whole layer of greater pore size may be used to absorb liquid, without being restricted to those portions which lie adjacent to the perforations of the impermeable material of US-A-4 282 874. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention without the superabsorbent material included therein. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.1. FIG. 3 is a perspective plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, without the superabsorbent included therein. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective plan view with several cutaway portions of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention without the superabsorbent material included therein. FIG. 6 is a perspective plan view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a portion of superabsorbent material incorporated therein. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective plan view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention including a portion of superabsorbent material incorporated therein. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an absorbency profile for the control diaper tested in Example 1. FIG. 11 is an absorbency profile for the diaper containing one ply of compressed fluff in addition to the regular fluff component as discussed in Example 1. FIG. 12 is an absorbency profile for the diaper containing two plies of compressed fluff in addition to the regular fluff component as discussed in Example 1. FIG. 13 is the absorbency profile for the diaper containing three plies of compressed fluff in addition to the regular fluff component as described in Example 1. FIG. 14 is the absorbency profile for the diaper containing two plies of compressed fluff plus a portion of superabsorbent material as described in Example 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning now to the drawings, the disposable diaper 1 in which the present invention is embodied comprises generally a body facing, liquid permeable liner 2, an outer liquid impermeable cover 3, and a liquid absorbing material indicated generally as 4 therebetween. The focus of this invention is directed to the liquid absorbing material 4. The liquid absorbing material 4 comprises a first, lower density layer 5 of cellulosic fibers such as comminuted wood pulp (fluff) which lies beneath the inner liner 2. A second, higher density layer 6 of fluff lies beneath at least a portion of the first lower density layer 5 such that waste fluid can be transferred from the lower density layer 5 to the higher density layer 6. Thus, a lower surface 15 of the lower density layer 5 should be contiguous with at least a portion of an upper surface 16 of the higher density layer 6. However, a tissue layer can be placed between the layers 5 and 6 without departing from the scope of this invention. Predominantly softwood pulp fluff can be used for each of the layers 5 and 6. Alternatively, a layer of predominantly softwood fluff can be used for the layer 5 and a layer of preponderantly hardwood fluff can be used for the layer 6, in which case it is the average pore size and not necessarily the density that varies between the layers 5 and 6, as will shortly be explained. For the purposes of this disclosure and the accompanying claims, "predominantly" is intended to mean at least about 80% while "preponderantly" is intended to mean at least about 50%. In the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the higher density layer 6 is formed as a strip extending from a target area 7, where liquid waste will initially accumulate, to an upper edge 8 towards the back of the diaper. The higher density layer 6 draws waste fluid from the lower density layer 5 in the target area 7 upwardly towards the edge 8 at the back of the diaper 1. Further, along upper regions 18 of the higher density layer 6 towards the upper edge 8 there is, surprisingly, substantial fluid transfer back from the higher density layer 6 to the lower density layer 5. It is important to note that although this flowback occurs from the higher density layer 6 to the lower density layer 5, the lower density layer 5 only draws sufficient fluid to satisfy its unsaturated capillary forces proximate to the higher density layer 6, where there is an overlap in pore sizes such that the smallest pores in the lower density layer 5 are smaller than the largest pores in the higher density layer 6. The lower density layer 5 drains fluid from the higher density layer 6 but does not become soaked, with the advantage that the wearer's comfort is maintained while a significant proportion of the absorption capacity of the lower density layer 5 is utilized. Alternative embodiments according to this aspect of the invention are shown in FIGS. 3 through 5. According to the second preferred embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4, the higher density layer 6 extends as a strip along the entire length of the diaper. According to the third preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the higher density layer 6 is coextensive with the entire lower density layer 5. Yet another alternative to each of the embodiments described above is that of varying the pore size without necessarily varying the density. For example, the present inventor has discovered that the fine fiber dimensions of hardwood fluff can be utilized to advantage by substituting at least about 50%, and preferably about 80% to 100%, hardwood fluff fibers of approximately the same density as the lower density softwood fluff fiber layer 5 for the higher density softwood fluff fiber layer 6. This can be done because the hardwood fluff has a smaller pore size than the softwood fluff material. As a result, if hardwood fluff fibers are used as a replacement for the higher density softwood fluff fibers, two different pore size distributions will still be obtained within the scope of the invention, even if the density of each layer is the same. Thus, for example, a two component fluff sandwich comprising a coarse pore structure in the upper layer 5 obtained from a predominately softwood fluff pulp and a fine pore structure in the lower layer 6 comprised of a preponderantly hardwood fluff pulp fluff, densified throughout to one density (preferably approximately 0.1 g/cm³) can successfully be used with similar results to those obtained according to the embodiments described. The second aspect of the invention relates to including a portion of superabsorbent material (SAM) 9 as part of the liquid absorbing material 4. The term "superabsorbent material" as used herein refers to one or more hydrocolloid materials capable of absorbing many times its own weight of water or aqueous fluid. These materials are generally prepared by polymerizing one or more monomers which, if homopolymerized by conventional methods, would form water soluble polymers. To render them water-insoluble and suitable for the present invention, these polymers or mixture of polymers are typically reacted, frequently with a crosslinking agent, to form crosslinked polymers, thereby introducing a limited water-insolubility while retaining susceptibility to swelling in water and water-containing fluids. Pseudocrosslinking may also be achieved by chain entanglement of high-molecular weight polymers, thus effecting water insolubility (see, e.g., US-A-4,340,706). Typically, these hydrocolloids are salts of polyacrylic acid and variations thereof, such as methacrylic acid. Commercially they are available under the trademarks WATER LOCK J-500 ABASORB 720; and Aqualic-CA. Alternative superabsorbents also may include hydrophilic polymer grafts onto starch or cellulose backbones and crosslinked carboxylated celluloses. In FIGS. 6 and 7 the fourth preferred embodiment is shown wherein the superabsorbent material 9 is sandwiched between a first higher density component 10 and a second higher density component 11. These first and second higher density components 10, 11 are disposed in an equivalent position to the higher density layer 6 in the first three embodiments discussed above. However, it is generally preferred that the superabsorbent material 9 is localized in an area 17 slightly above a region midway between the target area 7 and the upper edge 8. Thus, the superabsorbent material 9 provides an additional reservoir for liquid waste that has been drawn up the diaper by the higher density layer 6. An important advantage of this aspect of the invention is that it assists in fluid distribution along the length of the superabsorbent material. Generally, superabsorbents 9 disposed in a fiber matrix enhance fluid distribution in the direction corresponding to the thickness of the liquid absorbing material 4. However, due to the swelling nature of the superabsorbent material 9, wicking in the plane of the fiber matrix bearing the superabsorbent 9 is severely hindered. According to this aspect of the present invention, wicking across the entire length of the superabsorbent material 9 is accomplished by sandwiching the superabsorbent material 9 between the first high density component 10 and the second high density component 11. Thus, the liquid waste is brought into contact across an upper surface 12 and a lower surface 13 of the superabsorbent material 9 rather than across a bottom edge 14 thereof. This is an improvement over border-to-border transfer of liquid waste, in much the same way as the first aspect of the invention, described in connection with FIGS. 1 - 5, provides the improvement of surface to surface contact between the lower density layer 5 and the higher density layer 6. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment wherein the superabsorbent material 9 is disposed adjacent the outer, liquid impermeable cover 3, and then covered with the single higher density layer 6 which is in turn covered with the lower density layer 5. Of course, still further alternative embodiments are provided by using a softwood fluff pulp in the layer 5 and a hardwood fluff pulp in the layers 6 (FIGS. 8 and 9), or 10 and 11 (FIGS. 6 and 7), with uniform densification of all layers to about 0.1g/cm³, or in the range of about .1g/cm³ to about .15 g/cm³. Yet further variations within the scope of this invention include using a softwood fluff pulp of a first density in combination with a hard wood fluff pulp of a second density, wherein the second density is preferably higher than the first density. The term "density" as used herein refers to the density of the composite structure of the lower density layer 5 or the higher density layer 6, and not the actual fiber density. (The actual fiber density is about 1.5 g/cm³.) The density of the lower density layer 5 should be in the range of about 0.03 to about 0.14 g/cm³, with the preferred range, in light of considerations of integrity and bulk, at about 0.07 to about 0.11 g/cm³. The higher density layer 6 should have a density in the range of about 0.14 to about 0.3 g/cm³, and preferably in the range of about 0.16 to about 0.22 g/cm³ for providing the desired capillarity without excessive stiffness. The density for these preferred ranges is a density measured under a load of 0,00014kg/mm² (0.2 psi). An important consideration in selecting suitable ranges for the higher density fluff and lower density fluff is that although there should be two distinct pore size distributions, one for each of the respective layers of fluff, these pore size distributions should overlap because this will permit flowback from the high density layer back to the low density layer. The densified layer 6 may be a multiple ply layer rather than merely a single ply layer, and the ply may increase in density across the width or length of the layer 6 within the specified range or can be of uniform density. The basis weight of the lower density layer 5 should be in the range of about 150 to about 500 g/m² to provide the desired aesthetic appearance and comfort of the diaper. The basis weight of the higher density layer 6 should be in the range of about 150 to 1250 g/m². It is preferred that the higher density layer 6 be substantially separately rather than integrally formed with the lower density layer 5, to achieve better moisture distribution therethrough. It should be noted, however, that the layers 5 and 6 are "substantially separately" formed even when formed in the same machine, one on top of the other, with some admixing at the interface. By the "substantial separate" terminology, it is intended only that two substantially discrete layers are formed, rather than a substantially single layer having a "skinned" surface, such as described in US-A- 2,952,260, 2,955,641, 3,017,304, 3,060,936, and 3,494,362 to Burgeni. Thus, densification should be achieved uniformly through the higher density layer 6, and care should be taken to avoid substantial skinning, where such skinning is as described in the Burgeni patents or in the Aberson US-A- 4,103,062. Skinning produces undue stiffness in the fluff and results in low absorbent capacity in the bonded (skinned) layer. Skinning can be prevented by avoiding excess moisture and by maintaining both platens at approximately the same temperature to avoid condensation through the thickness of the material. The present invention avoids the densification of the fluff to the point of forming a skin layer so that the densified fluff layer 6 retains at least about 80% void volume, resulting in significant absorbent capacity. The layer 6 is densified in a heated press which includes heated platen operated under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure as known in the art to achieve the desired density. Alternatively, a heated calender nip is suitable for use in the densification process, as known in the art. Comminuted wood pulp (fluff) is preferred for this invention, but other cellulose fibers such as cotton linters can be used. The preferred fluff is southern pine kraft wood pulp (i.e., made according to the sulfate process commonly known in the art) which has been bleached. A suitable hardwood fluff pulp is southern hardwood kraft Of course, many changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the densified fluff layer 6 could also be used with other absorbents such as coformed (meltblown polymer fibers combined with wood pulp and/or staple fibers) webs, carded webs, air-formed (staple wood pulp blends) webs and the like, at a lower density. Further, the absorbent structures described herein have applications to embodiments other than diapers, such as to sanitary napkins or other hygienic media. The advantages resulting from this invention will be clearly understood with respect to the following examples and test data. EXAMPLE I The high density fluff was prepared by running the fluff into a hot calender nip (steel on hard rubber) at 121,1°C (250°F)at a speed of 3,05m/min (10 ft/min). The nip pressure was sufficient to give a measured density on standing overnight of 0.15 g/cm³. Alternatively the fluff could have been pressed in a blotter lined platen press heated to about 121°C (250°F)for about 5 seconds, with sufficient pressure to achieve the desired fluff density. The lower density fluff was prepared by passing it through a calender nip at 121°C (250°F) at a speed of 3,05m/min (10ft/min) and sufficient pressure to achieve a measured density on standing overnight of 0.1 g/cm³. In both cases the fluff was prepared from southern pine bleached kraft wood pulp, and was cut to dimensions such that the weight conditions set forth in Table I below were met. The combined low density fluff and high density fluff weight are given in the first column of Table I. The total absorbent weight was maintained at about 37 grams for each diaper, except for the one containing superabsorbent. The diaper with superabsorbent located as shown in FIG. 8 contained an additional 7 grams of superabsorbent composite consisting of about 3 grams of particulate superabsorbent (Water Lock™ A-100); about 3 grams of polyolefin; and about 1 gram of porous nonwoven wrap. The composite was made in accordance with the teaching of Mazurak and Fries, as set forth in US-A-4,381,782. The diaper construction was completed by sandwiching the absorbent composite between a porous spunbonded polypropylene linear of 27,5g/m² (23 g/yd²) and a polyethylene film outer cover, sealed together with adhesive at the diaper perimeter. Five types of diapers were constructed in this fashion, corresponding to the diaper description of Table I. Each of the diapers was then subjected to a 15 minute vertical wicking test with synthetic urine, followed by 15 minutes of equilibration out of contact with the urine bath. The results of this testing are shown in Table I and FIGS. 10 - 14. In this test the preweighed diapers were mounted on a lucite plate of 9,5 x 330,2 x 355,6mm (3/8" x 13" x 14") with the impervious poly backing adjacent the plate surface. The diaper was symmetrically wrapped around the edge of the plate with the longitudinal dimension of the diaper parallel to the long dimension of the plate. The waist line edges of the diaper were mounted on the plate with masking tape, the elastic leg bands being cut in 2 or 3 places to facilitate the mounting. The plate was suspended vertically over a fluid bath contained in a glass tray with the longitudinal dimension of the diaper perpendicular to the fluid surface. The fluid was then brought into contact with the lower edge of the diaper so that the diaper edge was slightly immersed, and was maintained in this position for 15 minutes. The diaper was then removed from fluid contact and allowed to hang in the same vertical orientation for 15 minutes equilibration. The fluid used for the diapers in Table I was a synthetic urine composed of by weight 1% urea, .01% Pluronic 10R8 surfactant to bring the surface tension to about 56 dynes/cm, and .04% sodium azide preservative. After equiliberation the diapers were removed from the plate and weighed and the fluid pick up noted. The results are summarized in Table I and represent the average of seven measurements on each diaper design. After weighing, the diapers were laid horizontally on a 76,2 x 381 mm (3" x 15") cutting die which was segmented into nine 43,18 mm (1.7-inch) zones with cutting edges across the die width as well as the outer perimeter. Several quick blows with a wooden mallet divided the 76,2 mm (3-inch) wide absorbent strip along the longitudinal axis of the diaper into 9 segments. The absorbent component in each segment was weighed, oven dried and reweighed and the fluid pick up determined on a gram per gram or fiber basis (corrected for deposited solids from the fluid). In the case of the diaper with the superabsorbent pouch, the synthetic urine composition was adjusted to more closely simulate the electrolyte composition of baby urine, namely: 0.31 g. CaH₄(PO₄)₂ H₂O, 0.68 g. K H₂PO₄, 0.48 g. MgSO₄ 7H₂O, 1.33 g. K₂SO₄, 1.24 g. Na₃PO₄ 12H₂O, 4.4 g. NaCl, 3.16 g.KCl, 0.4 g. NaN₃, 8.56 urea and 0.1 g. Pluronic 10R8 per liter, using distilled water as the solvent. The components were added to 900 mls of distilled water in the order given and each dissolved before the next component was added, and finally diluted to 1 liter. The dotted curve in FIG. 10 represents the equilibrium capacity for the low density fluff at the indicated hydrostatic tensions as measured in a capillary tension cell. It is apparent that only at short wicking distances (4.5 cm) does the fluff reach its ultimate capacity. At the greater wicking heights (9-18 cms) it is well below its capacity. Figures 11-13 demonstrate the ability of the densified fluff layer to pull the fluid up against the hydrostatic heads indicated. Comparison of the fluid level in the low density fluff in the back of the diaper with that in the same material in front at the corresponding head is a measure of the effectiveness of the high density fluff to improve the utilization of the low density material (e.g. 2.8 g/g back vs. 0.1 g/g front at 18 cms head, FIG. 13). FIG. 14 shows the effectiveness of the densified layers in carrying and transferring fluid to the superabsorbent. The levels of fluid pickup in the superabsorbents are 12 and 22 g/g respectively at the 9 and 13.5 cm heads. Comparing this to figure 12 illustrates the effectiveness of the superabsorbent in diverting fluid from the fluff components at the highest heads. It is apparent from these results that fluid distribution is greatly enhanced up the back of the diaper in the designs with densified fluff layers. The contrast with the fluid distribution in the front of the diaper, where densified fluff layer is absent, is very evident from the figures. Of course, better fluid distribution in the front as well as the back of the diapers would be obtained when the second and third preferred embodiments are followed. However, the first preferred embodiment was followed for the purposes of these tests because the diaper front tends to become fairly thoroughly wetted when the release of waste fluid occurs when the child wearing the diaper is lying on its stomach, for example when it is sleeping. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the fluid distribution in the low density fluff areas is significant. This demonstrates the unexpected synergism obtainable in these designs. In the instance of the superabsorbent diaper, which was made in accordance with the fourth embodiment set forth in this specification, the superabsorbent material drained substantial fluid from the higher regions of the diaper. However, these regions toward the upper edge 8 of the diaper provide surplus absorbing capacity if needed. EXAMPLE II The present inventor has discovered that similar functionality to the higher density fluff can be achieved with finer fiber, hardwood pulp fluff but at normal density (0.1 g/cm³). This discovery was made following the observation of a remarkable similarity in the pore volume distribution of 0.1 g/cm³ density hardwood fluff and that of 0.2 g/cm³ softwood fluff. The following tables compare the vertical wicking properties of softwood and hardwood fluff. The vertical wicking test was somewhat similar to that conducted with whole diapers described above. This test was conducted on 76,2 x 381 mm (3" x 15")strips of the absorbent material mounted on a 9,5 x 127 x 355,6 mm (3/8" 5" x 14") lucite plate in the same orientation and manner described for the diapers. A nylon mesh screen was used to support the fluff strip on the lucite (acrylic) plate. The plate and strip were then suspended from weight-sensing means such as a load cell in an Instron tensile tester. The synthetic urine (in these cases the second or salt-containing formulation) was then put in contact with the lower edge of the absorbent strip and the amount of fluid absorbed as a function of time is recorded at several time intervals for the 15 minute duration of the test. The amount absorbed was calculated as the grams per unit basis weight of 1 gm/cm² per unit width of 25,4 mm (1 inch). The vertical wicking capacity is defined as the amount absorbed in the defined units at the end of the 15 minute test. The reported rate was that measured from the plot of amount absorbed/unit basis weight/unit width versus time ½ over the time interval of 7-21 seconds. The test was replicated six times and the results reported are averages of these six measurements. Fluid distribution in this test was measured by die cutting the sample immediately following the completion of the test, the same manner described for the whole diapers. In this case zones corresponding to the same vertical heights were combined to give the results shown in Table III. As may be concluded from the results in Table II, the vertical wicking capacity of 0.1 g/cm³ density hardwood fluff corresponds closely with that of 0.2 g/cm³ density softwood fluff. The initial wicking rate of the hardwood fluff falls between the two softwood fluffs. The fluid distribution pattern in Table III also shows the similarity of the hardwood fluff and the 0.2 g/cm³ density softwood fluff. These results imply a slightly larger average pore size for the former than the latter. Hence, a combination of softwood and hardwood fluff at 0.1 g/cm³ density should have similar fluid distribution properties to a two-density sandwich of softwood fluff, as previously described in this disclosure. EXAMPLE III This example is directed to a double fluff layer of softwood fluff over hardwood fluff. The hardwood fluff was a bleached kraft, South American Eucalyptus hardwood pulp. The two-ply fluff contained equal weights of the softwood and hardwood pulp layers. After densifying the layers to 0.1 g/cm³ density, the vertical wicking properties (same test procedure as for example II) were as follows: Comparing the distribution results for the double-layered fluff in Table IV with those for softwood kraft (Table III), it is apparent that the presence of the Eucalyptus layer greatly improves fluid wicking against the upper two hydrostatic heads (i.e. in the 13.5 cm and 18 cm zones). This is particularly impressive since the Eucalyptus only represents 50% of the two-ply structure.

Claims: An absorbent structure having a body-facing liquid permeable liner (2), an outer liquid impermeable cover (3) and liquid absorbing material (4) there between, said liquid absorbing material (4) comprising a first layer (5) of cellulosic fibres having a first average pore size and a second layer (6, 10, 11) of cellulosic fibres having a second average pore size, said second average pore size being less than said first average pore size and said first layer (5) being positioned between said second layer (6, 10, 11) and said fluid permeable liner (2), so that in use the second layer (6, 10, 11) draws fluid from a target area (7) of the first layer (5) and transfers the fluid to a position (8, 18, 17) remote from the target area (7) at which point at least a portion of the fluid is transferred back to the first layer (5), characterized in that the respective pore size distribution of the two layers overlap so that the largest pore size of the second layer (6, 10, 11) is greater than the smallest pore size of the first layer (5). A structure according to claim 1 wherein said first layer (5) has a density of between 0.03 and 0.14 g/cm³, and said second layer has a density of between 0.14 and 0.3 g/cm³ and a total void volume of at least 80 %. A structure according to claim 2 wherein said first layer (5) has a density of between 0.07 and 0.11 g/cm³. A structure according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said second layer has a density of between 0.16 and 0.22 g/cm³. A structure according to claim 1 wherein said first and second layers (5, 6, 10, 11) have substantially the same density. A structure according to claim 5 in which the first and second layers (5, 6, 10, 11) have a density of between 0.1 g/cm³ and 0.15 g/cm³. A structure according to claim 6 wherein said first and second layers (5, 6, 10, 11) have a density of substantially 0.1 g/cm³. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said layers (5, 6, 10, 11) comprise predominantly softwood fluff. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said first layer (5) comprises preponderantly softwood fluff, and said second layers (6, 10, 11 ) comprises preponderantly hardwood fluff. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first layer (5) comprises predominantly softwood fluff and said second layer (6, 10, 11) comprises preponderantly hardwood fluff. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said first and second layers (5, 6, 10, 11) comprises predominantly softwood and hardwood fluff respectively. A structure according to any of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a portion of superabsorbent material (9) in fluid conductive contact with said second layer (6, 10, 11). A structure according to claim 12 wherein said superabsorbent material (9) is localized in an area (17) slightly beyond a region midway between the target area (7) and one longitudinal end (8) of the structure. A structure according to any one of claims 12 to 13 wherein said of superabsorbent material (9) is interspersed in a web of fibres. A structure according to claim 14 wherein said web comprises wettable fibres. A structure according to claim 14 or 15 wherein said web is in the form of a pouch. A structure according to any of claims 12 to 16 comprising a third layer (11) of cellulosic fibres, having substantially the same density as said second layer (10), disposed beneath said superabsorbent material (9). A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said structure is a diaper. A structure according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said second layer (6, 10, 11) underlies a portion of said first layer (5) extending from the target area (7) to an upper edge (8) towards a back of the structure.

Inventors: BERNARDIN, LEO J.
Applicants: KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
Application year: 1985
Main classification: A61F13
IPC codes: A61F13, A61F5, B01J20