Abstract:
Absorbent articles suitable for use as sanitary napkins, diapers, bladder control pads, or other absorbent products are provided. The absorbent articles include a cover layer, a barrier layer, an absorbent layer, and an acquisition layer. The absorbent layer and acquisition layer are interposed between the cover layer and the barrier layer. The absorbent layer has a substantially C-shaped configuration and the acquisition layer lines an inner surface of the absorbent layer and folded regions of the absorbent layer which are oriented towards the cover layer. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including high performance in terms of at least one of comfort, fit, cost, and producibility.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as disposable feminine sanitary napkins, diapers, bladder control pads, and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to absorbent articles which provide a high liquid penetration rate and retention to allow the skin of a wearer to remain substantially dry after the article has become wet. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Absorbent articles such as disposable feminine sanitary napkins, diapers, bladder control pads, and the like, are known for their major function of absorbing and containing body exudates. Such articles are thus intended to prevent the soiling, wetting, or other contamination of clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come in contact with the wearer. Absorbent articles typically have a basic structure that includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent layer positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Recently, super absorbent materials have been used in absorbent layers to improve absorbent capacity and provide a drier feel against a wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0003]    Current super absorbent materials retain large volumes of fluid, but generally have lower fluid absorption rates compared to other materials. As such, absorbent articles having super absorbent layers typically include acquisition layers which rapidly take up fluid and then release it into the absorbent layer. Acquisition layers further provide an insulating layer between the absorbent layer and the wearer to prevent contact between a wet absorbent layer and the wearer&#39;s skin. While many developments have been made in the art of absorbent articles having absorbent layers and acquisition layers, there remains a need for further improvements in terms of at least one of comfort, fit, cost, and producibility. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one aspect, the invention provides an absorbent article having a cover layer, a barrier layer, an absorbent layer, and an acquisition layer. The absorbent layer is interposed between the cover layer and barrier layer, and has a substantially C-shaped configuration defining a central-most region and folded regions. The acquisition layer is interposed between the cover layer and the barrier layer such that a central region of the acquisition layer is positioned between the central-most region of the absorbent layer and the cover layer, and other regions of the acquisition layer are positioned between the folded regions of the absorbent layer and the cover layer. 
         [0005]    According to another aspect of the invention, an absorbent article having a cover layer, a barrier layer, an absorbent layer, and an acquisition layer is provided. The absorbent layer is interposed between the cover layer and barrier layer, and has a substantially C-shaped configuration defining a central-most region, folded regions, an inner surface and an outer surface. The acquisition layer is interposed between the cover layer and the barrier layer such that a central region of the acquisition layer is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the absorbent layer along the central-most region of the absorbent layer. Other regions of the acquisition layer extend adjacent the outer surface of the absorbent layer in the folded regions of the absorbent layer. 
         [0006]    In another aspect of the invention, a method for producing an absorbent article is provided. The method includes the step of positioning an acquisition layer adjacent an absorbent layer such as by aligning an acquisition layer substantially parallel over an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer is then folded into a substantially C-shaped configuration such that the central region of the acquisition layer is positioned adjacent a central-most region of the absorbent layer and other regions of the acquisition layer are positioned adjacent folded regions of the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer and acquisition layer are then interposed between the cover layer and barrier layer such that the central region of the acquisition layer is positioned between the central-most region of the absorbent layer and the cover layer and other regions of the acquisition layer are positioned between the folded regions of the absorbent layer and the cover layer. 
         [0007]    In yet another aspect of the invention, an additional method for producing an absorbent article is provided. The method includes the step of positioning an acquisition layer adjacent an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer is then folded into a substantially C-shaped configuration defining a central-most region, folded regions, an inner surface and an outer surface such that the central region of the acquisition layer is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the absorbent layer and extending other regions of acquisition layer adjacent the outer surface of the absorbent layer in the folded regions of the absorbent layer. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The features of the invention and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an absorbent article according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an absorbent article according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an absorbent article according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of an absorbent article along the  4 - 4  line of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of an absorbent article according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of an absorbent article according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The invention will next be illustrated with reference to the figures. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of the present invention. The figures are not to scale, and are not intended to serve as engineering drawings. 
         [0016]    Referring generally to the drawings ( FIGS. 1-6 ), the invention provides an absorbent article  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  500 ,  600  having a cover layer  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  502 ,  602 , a barrier layer  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  504 ,  604 , an absorbent layer  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  506 ,  606 , and an acquisition layer  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  508 ,  608 . The absorbent core or layer  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  506 ,  606  has a substantially C-shaped configuration and is interposed between the cover layer  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  502 ,  602  and the barrier layer  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  504 ,  604 . The acquisition layer  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  508 ,  608  is also interposed between the cover layer and barrier layer, and a central region of the acquisition layer  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  508 ,  608  is positioned between the central-most region (generally designated by the numeral “1”) of the absorbent layer  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  506 ,  606  and the cover layer  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  502 ,  602 . Other regions of the acquisition layer  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  508 ,  608  are positioned in between folded regions  309 ,  509 ,  609  of the absorbent layer  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  506 ,  606  and the cover layer  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  502 ,  602 . In one embodiment of the invention, the acquisition layer  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  508 ,  608  is positioned adjacent or in contact with central-most region  1  of the absorbent layer  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  506 ,  606 , and the other regions of the acquisition layer are positioned adjacent or in contact with the folded regions  309 ,  509 ,  609  of the absorbent layer  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  506 ,  606 . 
         [0017]    In further embodiments of the present invention, methods for producing an absorbent article  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  500 ,  600  are provided. The methods include the step of positioning or aligning an acquisition layer adjacent or substantially parallel over an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  506 ,  606  is then folded or rolled into a substantially C-shaped configuration such that a central region of the acquisition layer  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  508 ,  608  is positioned adjacent a central-most region  1  of the absorbent layer. Other regions of the acquisition layer are positioned adjacent to the folded regions of the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer and acquisition layer are then interposed between the cover layer  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  502 ,  602  and the barrier layer  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  504 ,  604 . 
         [0018]    Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various figures that comprise the drawing,  FIG. 1  depicts a schematic view of an absorbent article  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The absorbent article includes a cover layer  102 , a barrier layer  104 , an absorbent core or layer  106 , and an acquisition layer  108 . When the absorbent article  100  is worn by a person, the cover layer  102  is arranged to face toward the body of the user (i.e. against the skin of the wearer) and the barrier layer  104  is arranged facing away from the wearer. The cover layer is superimposed over the barrier layer with the absorbent layer  106  and acquisition layer  108  interposed in between. The cover layer  102  is joined in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive bonding, heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, or the like, to the barrier layer  104  around at least a portion of the periphery of the barrier layer  104 . 
         [0019]    The cover layer  102  is preferably liquid permeable in order to enable liquid to quickly and efficiently pass through the cover layer and into the acquisition layer  108 . In particular, the cover layer may be selected from a variety of textile-like films and fabrics. Suitable fabrics include non-woven materials that are pervious to liquid, soft and pliable. Preferred non-woven materials include spun-bonded polypropylene, spunbonded polyethylene, and thermally bonded webs of staple fibers, preferably polypropylene shape or sheath/core bi-component fibers having a core of polyester or polypropylene and a sheath of polyethylene. To enhance the fluid control properties of the aforementioned liners, surfactants or wetting agents typified by Triton® X-100 and Triton® X-102 available from Rohm &amp; Haas Company of Philadelphia, Pa. may be applied to the fluid receiving zones of the liner selectively, having the outer zones untreated to reduce migration of excreted fluid into the outer absorbent article regions, leading to leakage. 
         [0020]    As further seen in  FIG. 1 , the barrier layer  104 , which is arranged facing away from the wearer (i.e. away from the skin of the wearer), is preferably liquid impermeable and is optionally formed from a polypropylene film having a thickness of about 0.4 to 1.0 mils, as made available from Pliant Corporation, Williamsburg, Va. Other materials for forming the barrier layer may include polyethylene films, co-extruded films (polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate), co-polymer films (polyethylene/polypropylene), and polylaminates (polypropylene nonwoven and polyethylene film). Various multiple layer configurations or fiber denier variations may also be used. An example includes hydro-entangled non-woven webs, which may contain some cotton and/or rayon fibers blending in with thermal-plastic fibers. Cellulose fibers can also be blended in at small percentages to reduce cost. Still another example is a non-woven outer-cover made of stretchable or elastic materials, such as elastomeric composites of non-woven(s) and elastic membranes or a single layer of elastic material. The elastomeric composite can comprise an inner layer of pre-stretched extruded elastic film sandwiched between attached to a pair of non-woven webs. The non-woven webs may consist of spun-bond web, thermal-bond web, or a combination of the two. Preferably, the elastic film is made of synthetic rubber and the non-woven made of spun-bond polypropylene. 
         [0021]    As seen with respect to the embodiment of the absorbent article  100  shown schematically in  FIG. 1 , the absorbent layer  106  which is interposed between the cover layer  102  and the barrier layer  104  has a substantially C-shaped configuration. The C-shaped configuration defines a central-most region and folded regions. An acquisition layer  108 , which is also interposed between the cover layer  102  and the barrier layer  104 , has a central region which is positioned between the central-most region of the absorbent layer  106  and the cover layer  102 . Other regions of the acquisition layer  108 , such as outer edge portions  112  of the acquisition layer  108 , are positioned between the folded regions of the absorbent layer  106  and the cover layer  102 . 
         [0022]    The absorbent layer  106  is preferably made of materials including a super absorbent material, but may also be made of any suitable absorbent material, as well as combinations of different types of absorbent materials. For example, the absorbent layer  106  may be formed of a mixture of pulp fluff and super absorbent polymer (SAP) wrapped in a liquid permeable tissue wrap (not shown). Examples of SAP include polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, various grafted starches, and the like. A desired super absorbent material is a cross-linked polysodium acrylate, which can be purchased from BASF Corporation of Portsmouth, Va., under the trademark ASAP® 2260. The super absorbent materials can be in various geometric forms, such as various shaped particles, fibers, foams, and layers. 
         [0023]    The absorbent layer  106  may be of any shape, but is generally a flat rectangular sheet which is then rolled or folded into a C-shape configuration. The absorbent layer  106  is optionally a single layer or a layer formed by two or more sub-layers of absorbent material. In the C-shape configuration, the folded regions of the absorbent layer oriented towards the cover layer  102  form a natural container for holding larger volumes of liquid to be absorbed into the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer may be a single, integral absorbent structure, or can comprise a plurality of individual separate absorbent structures and/or absorbent materials that are operably assembled together. For instance, the absorbent layer may include two or more separate absorbent structures that are positioned side-by-side to the left and/or right of the central-most region or over the central-most region. The absorbent layer may also include two or more separate absorbent sublayers superposed with respect to one another. The absorbent layer may also include an air-laid non-woven web that contains super-absorbent particles and/or super-absorbent fibers, polymeric binder and cellulose pulp fibers. 
         [0024]    In one exemplary embodiment, the absorbent core or layer is optionally sandwiched between two plies of tissue, is aligned on top (in the orientation shown in the figures) of the barrier layer  104  and adhered with construction adhesive. The tissue may typically have a basis weight of 17 gsm. Suitable tissues are available from Cellu Tissue Corporation, East Hartford, Conn. The absorbent layer  138  is typically centered along a central lengthwise direction or central axis of the absorbent article  100 . 
         [0025]    The central region of the acquisition layer  108  positioned between the central-most region of the absorbent layer  106  and cover layer  102 , and other regions of the acquisition layer  108  positioned between the folded regions of the absorbent layer  106  and cover layer  102 , function as an insulating layer between the absorbent layer  106  and cover layer  102 . In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the central region of the acquisition layer  108  may be positioned either adjacent or in contact with the central-most region of the absorbent layer  106 . Furthermore, other regions of the acquisition layer  108  may be positioned either adjacent or in contact with the folded regions of the absorbent layer  106 . 
         [0026]    As liquid penetrates the cover layer  102 , the acquisition layer  108  is able to quickly absorb the liquid and transfer it to the absorbent layer  106 . The acquisition layer  108  remains relatively dry even after liquid has penetrated the acquisition layer  108 . The acquisition layer is generally composed of resilient fibrous webs that provide a small absorbent volume to rapidly take up liquids and then release it to the absorbent layer  106 . This allows adequate time for super absorbent materials in the layer, when such super absorbent materials are optionally employed, to absorb the liquid. The thickness of the acquisition layer is preferably thin to provide the small absorbent volume and fast absorbency rate. 
         [0027]    The acquisition layer  108  is typically composed of woven materials that are substantially nonabsorbent and hydrophobic. Suitable materials include fibrous webs and foams that may also include air-laid webs that contain polymeric binder fibers. Other suitable materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and, preferably polypropylene sheath/core bi-component fibers having a core of polyester or polypropylene and a sheath of polyethylene. The acquisition layer  108  may be composed of any one of such materials, as well as combinations of different types of nonabsorbent materials. 
         [0028]    As with the absorbent layer, the acquisition layer may include two or more separate acquisition structures that are positioned side-by-side or superposed with respect to one another. For instance, the acquisition layer may include two or more separate acquisition structures that are positioned side-by-side to the left and/or right of the central-most region or over the central-most region. The acquisition layer may also include two or more separate acquisition sublayers superposed with respect to one another. 
         [0029]    The acquisition layer  108 , existing as a mass of these materials, is able to accept liquids and allow passage of the liquid through its mass to be absorbed by the adjacent absorbent layer  106 . Therefore, the mass of materials for the acquisition layer  108  may be absorbent, although the materials themselves are preferably not absorbent. Thus, the acquisition layer  108  which is preferably made of hydrophobic, nonabsorbent materials is able to accept large volumes of fluid into the interfiber spaces while the fibers themselves do not absorb any significant quantity of liquid. This allows the surface of the acquisition layer  108  to remain substantially or relatively dry even after liquid has penetrated the layer, and acts as an insulating layer between a relatively wet absorbent layer  106  and the wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0030]    As further seen in  FIG. 1 , when the absorbent article  100  is assembled, the acquisition layer  108  substantially follows the entire inner surface and portions of the outer surface of the absorbent layer  106  which is oriented towards the cover layer  102 . It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the acquisition layer  108  may line only a portion of the inner surface and portions of the outer surface of the absorbent layer  106  which is oriented towards the cover layer  102 . In this configuration, a bottom outer surface of the absorbent layer  106  is exposed and adjacent to the barrier layer  104 . This preferred feature provides full utilization of the acquisition layer  108  which absorbs liquid penetrating the cover layer  102  and then transfers it to the absorbent layer  106 . Other benefits include less wasted acquisition layer material. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbent article generally designated by the numeral “200.”. As described above in  FIG. 1 , the absorbent article  200  has a cover layer  202 , a barrier layer  204 , an absorbent core or layer  206 , and an acquisition layer  208 . The acquisition layer  208  is configured to receive liquid through the cover layer  202  and then transfer it into the absorbent layer  206 . The acquisition layer has a limited liquid-holding capacity compared to the absorbent layer  206  and remains substantially or relatively dry even after liquid has penetrated the acquisition layer. The central region of the acquisition layer  208  is positioned between the central-most region of the absorbent layer  206  and the cover layer  202 , and other regions of the acquisition layer  208  are positioned between the folded regions of the absorbent layer  206  oriented towards the cover layer. In this configuration, the acquisition layer  208  is fully utilized and there is less wasted acquisition layer material. 
         [0032]    The central region of the acquisition layer  208  is optionally positioned adjacent, yet spaced from the central-most region of the absorbent layer  206 . Alternatively, the central region of the acquisition layer  208  is optionally positioned in direct contact the central-most region of the absorbent layer  206 . Also, the other regions of the acquisition layer  208  are optionally positioned adjacent, or alternatively in direct contact with, the folded regions of the absorbent layer  206 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  depicts a top perspective view of the absorbent article  300  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The absorbent article  300  is designed to contact the wearer along the crotch area, and the article  300  forms a lowest point when worn by an individual standing upright. As described in  FIG. 1 , the absorbent article  300  includes a cover layer  302  superimposed over a barrier layer  304 , with an absorbent layer  306  and acquisition layer  308  interposed in between the cover layer  302  and the barrier layer  304 . When the absorbent article  300  is in place, the cover layer  302  is arranged to face toward the body of the user (i.e. against the skin of the wearer) and the barrier layer  304  is arranged facing away from the wearer. 
         [0034]    The cover layer  302  is joined in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive bonding, heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, or the like, to the barrier layer  304  around at least the periphery of the barrier layer  104  or a portion thereof. Although the cover layer  302  in  FIG. 3  is shown with a surface area greater than barrier layer  304 , it is contemplated that the cover layer  302  may have a surface area at least as large as the surface area of the barrier layer  304  or vice versa. As further shown in the depicted embodiment, the cover layer  302  and barrier layer  304  are substantially rectangular, but in an alternative embodiment the cover layer and/or barrier layer can be any suitable shape and dimension for a design of an absorbent article  300 . 
         [0035]    As seen with respect to the embodiment of the absorbent article  300  shown in  FIG. 3 , the absorbent layer  306  and acquisition layer  308  which are interposed between the cover layer and barrier layer are typically rectangular members that are centered in between the cover layer and the barrier layer. In other embodiments, the absorbent layer  306  and acquisition layer  308  may be of any shape or size. The absorbent layer  306  is preferably made of materials including a super absorbent material, but may also be made of any suitable absorbent material, as well as combinations of different types of absorbent materials as described previously in connection with  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows a cross sectional view of an absorbent article shown in  FIG. 3  along the  4 - 4  line. The absorbent layer  306  and acquisition layer  308  are centered in between the cover layer  302  and the barrier layer  304 . The absorbent layer  306  is shown with a substantially C-shaped configuration which defines a central-most region at  1 , folded regions  309 , an inner surface  310  and an outer surface  311 . The acquisition layer  308  has a central region which is positioned adjacent to the inner surface  310  of the absorbent layer  306  along the central-most region  1  of the absorbent layer  306 . In this embodiment, the acquisition layer  308  has a central region that actually contacts the inner surface  310  of the absorbent layer  306  along its central-most region  1 . 
         [0037]    The acquisition layer  308  also has regions, extending laterally from the central-most region, that actually contact the inner surface  310  of the absorbent layer  306  throughout the folded regions  309 . Other regions of the acquisition layer  308 , including additional regions extending laterally toward an outer edge  312  of the acquisition layer  308 , extend adjacent to or optionally contact the outer surface  311  of the absorbent layer  306  in the folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306 . 
         [0038]    In its original pre-folded configuration (not shown), the absorbent layer  306  is flat and the layer  306  is then folded or rolled into a substantially C-shaped configuration. While the absorbent layer  306  is in its original flat configuration (not shown), an acquisition layer  308  having a surface area at least as large as the surface area of the absorbent layer  306  is optionally aligned substantially parallel over the layer  306 . The absorbent layer  306  is then rolled or folded into a substantially C-shaped configuration, such that the absorbent layer has a central opening  307  and folded regions  309  oriented towards cover layer  302 . Thus, the substantially C-shaped configuration of the absorbent layer  306  further defines a central opening  307  between the folded regions  309 . More specifically, a central opening  307  is generally defined by a portion of the inner surface  310  of the absorbent layer  306  and the inner edges  313  of the folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306 . 
         [0039]    Excess or outwardly extending portions of the acquisition layer  308  near the absorbent layer  306  and along the lengthwise central axis  1  are then rolled or folded over the folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306  so as to cover the outer surfaces  311  of the absorbent layer  306  that are oriented towards the cover layer  302 . In other words, other regions of the acquisition layer  308  are positioned between the folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306  and cover layer  302  in this manner. As a result, the acquisition layer  308  lines both a central region above the absorbent layer  306  and folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306  oriented towards the cover layer  302 . 
         [0040]    With respect to an absorbent layer  306  having an original flat pre-folded configuration (not shown), the absorbent layer  306  has a top surface that will become oriented towards the cover layer  302  and a bottom surface that will become oriented towards the barrier layer  304  when the absorbent layer  306  is interposed between the cover layer  302  and barrier layer  304 . The top surface of the absorbent layer  306  will correspond to the inner surface  310 , and the bottom surface will correspond to the outer surface  311 . 
         [0041]    When an acquisition layer  308  that has a surface area greater than the surface area of the absorbent layer  306  is aligned substantially parallel over the top surface of the absorbent layer  306 , edge portions  312  of the acquisition layer  308  extend beyond the edges  313  of the absorbent layer  306 , The absorbent layer  306  is then rolled or folded into a substantially C-shaped configuration, such that the top bottom surfaces of the flat layer become the inner surface  310  and outer surface  311  of a C-shaped layer  306 , respectively. Therefore, when the absorbent layer  306  is rolled or folded into the substantially C-shaped configuration, the acquisition layer  308  covers, is optionally adjacent to, or optionally contacts the inner surface  310  of the absorbent layer  306  along at least the central-most region  1  of the absorbent layer  306 . Additionally, other regions of the acquisition layer  308  are extended via the edge regions  312  of the acquisition layer  308  to contact or become adjacent to the outer surface  311  of the absorbent layer  306  in the folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306 . 
         [0042]    It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the acquisition layer  308  may line only a portion of the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306  which are oriented towards the cover layer  302 . The folded regions  309  of the absorbent layer  306  which are lined with the acquisition layer  308  provide a holding area in which large amounts of liquid may pool from the central opening  307  and then be absorbed into the absorbent layer  306 . A portion of the outer surface  311  of the absorbent layer  306 , which is oriented towards and adjacent to the barrier layer  304 , remains un-lined by the acquisition layer  308 . When the absorbent article  300  is fully assembled, the portion of the outer surface  311  of the absorbent layer  306  which is oriented towards or adjacent to the barrier layer  304  optionally contacts the barrier layer  304  directly. In this configuration, the acquisition layer  308  is fully utilized and there is less wasted acquisition layer material. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional view of an absorbent article according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As described above in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 , the absorbent article  500  includes a cover layer  502 , a barrier layer  504 , an absorbent layer  506 , and an acquisition layer  508 . The absorbent layer  506  and acquisition layer  508  are interposed between the cover layer  502  and the barrier layer  504 . The cover layer  502  is extends into a central opening  507  provided by the C-shaped absorbent layer  506 . This provides a trough in which liquids would pool and be absorbed or transported by the acquisition layer  508  and absorbent layer  506  near the central opening  507 . 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , which depicts a cross sectional view of an absorbent article  600  in still another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article  600  includes a cover layer  602 , a barrier layer  604 , an absorbent layer  606 , and an acquisition layer  608  as described above in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 . The absorbent layer  606  and acquisition layer  608  are interposed in between the cover layer  602  and the barrier layer  604 . The absorbent layer  606  is rolled or folded several times into a C-shaped configuration to provide multiple layers of the absorbent layer  606  sandwiched between the acquisition layer  608 . In other word, the absorbent article  600  differs from absorbent article  500  in that an outermost edge portion  613  of the absorbent layer  606  extends downwardly in the folded region  609  and further extends outwardly toward an outer edge  630  of the absorbent article  600 . 
         [0045]    Liquid which penetrates the cover layer  602  and into the central opening  607  pools within the central region of the acquisition layer  608  to be absorbed by the absorbent layer  606 . As further seen in  FIG. 6 , an inner surface  610  of the absorbent layer  606  is entirely lined by the acquisition layer  608 , and a portion of the outer surface  611  of the absorbent layer  606  is adjacent to the liquid impermeable barrier layer  604 . This provides full utilization of the acquisition layer  608 . 
         [0046]    It is expected that an absorbent article embodying features of the invention will exhibit improved performance in terms of absorbency rate. It is believed that the absorbency rate, measured in seconds, will be improved significantly because of the openness of the central-most region of the absorbent core, which provides a larger surface area or reservoir for the collection and absorption of fluid. 
         [0047]    It is also expected that an absorbent article embodying features of the invention will exhibit improved utilization. It is believed that the capacity of fluid that the absorbent article can hold before leakage (measured using a mannequin test, for example) will approach the total capacity of the absorbent article (measured using an immersion test, for example). In other words, it is believed that a greater percentage of the absorbent article will be utilized before the article reaches its total capacity and before the article leaks. This means that a smaller article could be utilized while maintaining the same performance prior to leakage or that an article of a given size will exhibit improved performance prior to leakage. 
         [0048]    In one actual example, total absorbent capacity testing and mannequin testing of an absorbent article with a C-fold absorbent layer as described above in connection with  FIG. 1  revealed an actual total fluid holding capacity near the maximum theoretical capacity. This configuration provided improved absorbent efficiency and a near 100% utilization of the acquisition layer and absorbent layer. A summary of the results of the testing is provided in the following table: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Total Capacity (gm) 
                 191.3 
               
               
                 (total capacity (gm) measured using an immersion test) 
               
               
                 Mannequin Test (s) 
                 27.1 
               
               
                 (time (s) until leakage of the absorbent article was detected using a 
               
               
                 mannequin test performed at 7 ml/s) 
               
               
                 Mannequin Total Capacity (gm) 
                 189.7 
               
               
                 (total capacity (gm) of the absorbent article before leakage was 
               
               
                 detected using the mannequin test) 
               
               
                 Utilization Rate (%) 
                 99.2 
               
               
                 (amount (%) of absorbent article utilized before Total Capacity is 
               
               
                 reached) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0049]    Accordingly, the Utilization Rate (the ratio of Mannequin Total Capacity to Immersion Total Capacity) is improved. The Utilization rate of exemplary embodiments of the invention is preferably greater than about 85%, more preferably greater than about 90%, and most preferably greater than about 95%. 
         [0050]    Although the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications, and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.