Patent ID: 7166094

Claim:
An absorbent article comprising: a fluid permeable coverstock configured to engage a body surface and defining longitudinal sides, the coverstock including a bi-component fiber having a polypropylene inner core and a polyethylene outer sheath; an absorbent core having a body facing side, an opposing side and extending longitudinally along the absorbent article, the absorbent core having arcuate outer ends and including wood pulp and superabsorbent polymer materials; and an absorbent pledget disposed between the absorbent core and the coverstock, the absorbent pledget including airlaid material adjacent to the body facing side of the absorbent core, the pledget further including a three dimensional apertured acquisition film mounted to the airlaid material and engaging the coverstock, the absorbent pledget having a greater structural stiffness and reduced surface area relative to the absorbent core, the absorbent core being configured to fold about the hourglass shape of the absorbent pledget and resist undesired deformity of the absorbent article; and where the coverstock includes adhesive coated elastic members disposed adjacent the longitudinal sides, the longitudinal sides being folded about a backsheet to enclose the absorbent core and absorbent pledget.