CA2154920A1

CA2154920A1 - Absorbent article having a thin, efficient absorbent core

Info

Publication number: CA2154920A1
Application number: CA002154920A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Valerie Victoria Finch; Rebecca Lyn Dilnik; Mary Watt Goggans; Janet Jessie Larsen; Kim Larae Resheski
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Corp
Current assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 1995-06-30
Filing date: 1995-07-28
Publication date: 1996-12-31
Also published as: EP0835090A1; ZA965524B; WO1997001998A1; KR19990028526A; TW341504B; PE21697A1; AU6290096A; JPH11509117A

Abstract

Disclosed is an absorbent article having an absorbent core. The absorbent core includes a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate, expressed as the ratio of a stain area in the primary absorbent member to a stain area in the secondary absorbent member, along a X-Y direction greater than about 1.8 times faster than the secondary absorbent member. The fluid distribution rate is expressed as a ratio of a stain area in the primary absorbent member to a stain area in the secondary absorbent member five minutes after a given volume of test fluid insults the absorbent core. The secondary absorbentmember has a substantial portion thereof composed of a non-absorbent polymeric composition. The secondary absorbent member is superposed over a portion of the primary absorbent member. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary absorbent member has an aperture or orifice, that having an open surface area greater than about 20% of the secondary absorbent member surface area.

Description

21~492~
- PATENT
ABSOR8ENT ARTICLE HAVING A THIN, EFFICIENT ABSORBENT CORE
Field of the Invention This invention relates to disposable absorbent articles and particularly to sanitary napkins con~- ~ing multiple layers of absorbent. More particularly, this invention relates to absorbent cores having improved wicking capability along an X-Y plane.
Back~round of the Invention Generally, clispos~hl~ absorbent articles include, in their construction, an absorbent core positioned bet~,veen a liquid-pemmeable cover and a liquid-i."pe....eable 15 baffle. The cover " ,alerial is generally designed to allow body ~ud~tes to pem~eale through the cover so that the absorbent core can absorb the fluids. The baffle ...aterial is generally fluid i.,~pe"~,eable and is positioned so that it is away from the body. As used herein, the term ~abso,i,enl articles~ refers to products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, training pants, inconlinent gamments, ovemight pads, panUliners, under~---. sh.eiis, as 20 well as other absorbent devices used for medical purposes sudh as surgical al~sG. ~enls.
Such artides are desig"ed to absorb body fluids, such as urine, menses, blood, perspiration and other exc~"lent dischafged by the body. For purposes of clarity and illu~l~tion only, the embodiments described herein will be in the form of a sanitaly napkin, also referred to as catamenial pads, feminine pads, ovemight pads, pantiliners, 25 and panty shields which are designed to be wom by a woman to absorb menses and other body fluids dischar~ed before, during, and after a menstrual period. Sucn products are e~le"~al devices ~,vhich typically are held in position by a ga",~en( adhesive or by mecl~an~ ' dlla~l""ent to an adjacent undergarment.
One continuing problem in the formation of absorbent articles is that the bodily30 exor~tions are usually directed at one portion of the absorbent pad, whereas the absorptive capacity is spread over a greater area. In a convenlional sanitary napkin made of multiple layers of cellulosic material, when fluid is absorbed by the wood pulp fluff or similar cellulosic material, the capillary walls tend to collapse inward. This c~"~pse prevents fluid from being conducted downward and subslanlially diminishes the 35 inherent resiliency of the cellulosic material.

215492~
This may create an ea~y failure problem as the fluid to be absorbed cannot be efficiently spread through the absorbent. If the fluid does not spread throughout the absorbent, it may run off the edge of the saturated zone.
A related problem is that after the capillaries collapse, fluid which would normally 5 be conducted downward tends to remain at or near the top surface of the napkin. This contributes to the phenomenon known as rewet where the fluid is desorbed and contacts the wearer, or contributes to fluid failing to penetrate the cover providing a wet, u.,co",fo,lable napkin surface.
- Now an absorbent article has been invented which utilizes an absorbent having a 10 high wicking ability, especially for menses, as well as providing post-use visual signals to the user that the absorbent capacity of the sanitary napkin is being fully utilized.

Summary of the lnvention Briefly, this invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, inc~nlinent ga~"~e"t~, overnight pads, pantiliners, underarm shields and sanitary napkins.
For purposes of des~ption only, the preferred embodiment is des~il.ed as a sanitary napkin which are designed to absorb menstrual fluid and other ex~...enls ~;I;scl)a.ged by the body during a menstrual period. Accordingly, the abso bent article of this invention 20 includes an abso.l,enl core having a primary absorbent ,~e,.~l~er and a secondary al,so. I,enl . "e, nber. The secondary absorbent member is s~.pe"~osed over at least a portion of the primary abso, bent member and can be positioned so as to be in a face to-faoe relat;onship with the primary absorbent member. The secondary abso.Lent -,e-"ber contains a sulJstdnlidl amo~lnt of a nonabsorbent polymeric c~mposit;on which 25 conventionally are the.."oplastics. The primary absorbent member, which is an uncreped throughdried towel, has a fluid distribution rate along a X-Y direction, greater than about 1.8 times faster than the secondary absorbent member. The fluid distribution rate is e~ssed as the ratio of the stain area in the primary absorbent member to the stain area in the secondary absorbent member after 5 minutes for a predetermined amount of 30 fluid insulting the absorbent core More specifically, the invention provides an absorbent article having an absorbent core compri.cing a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member, said primary absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate along a X-Y
direction greater than about 1.8 times faster than said secondary absorbent member, 35 said secondary absorbent member having a ~ul)~ lial portion thereof composed of a 215~92û

non-absorbent polymeric composition, said secondary absorbent memb~r is superposed over a portion of said primary absorbent member, wherein said fluid distribution rate is t;Al,.essed as a ratio of a stain area in said ~illl~y absorbent member to a stain area in said secondary absorbent member five -.i.--~es after a given volume of test fluid insults said absorbent core.
In another form, the invention provides an absoll,t;lll article having an absorbent core compri~ing a primary absorbent member and secondary absorbent member, said plilll~y absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate along a X-Ydirection greater than about 1.8 times faster than said secondary absoll,elll member, said secondary absolbclll member composed of from about 50% to about 95% of a non-absorbent polymeric composition, said secondary absoll~lll member is superposed over a portion of said pl..~laly abso,l,enl member, wherein said fluid distribution rate is e~,e~ed as a ratio of a stain area in said pllLU~ ~ absorbent member to a stain area in said secondary absorbent member five .~.;...~les after a given volume of test fluid insults said abso,l~"l core.
Finally, the invention provides a ~uu~ napkin having a thickness of less than about S millimeters with an abso,l,elll core comrri~ing a primary absorbentmember and a secondary absorbent member, said pl l~y absofl,elll member in~ les a uncreped throughdried towel having a basis weight ranging from about 30 grams per square meter to about 120 grams per square meter, said secondary absoll.cil,l member is immediately adjacent to and superposed over a portion of said pl~ y absorbentmember so to be in liquid co~ ul~ication with said plllll~.~ absoll~,ll member, said secondary absorbent member being composed of from about 50% to about 95% of a non-absorbent polymeric composilion and having an average density ranging from about 0.015 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.1 grams per cubic cen~imeter~
wherein said p~ absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate along a X-Y
direction greater than about 1.8 times faster than said secondary abso~l,t;nl member, whe,ein said fluid distribution rate is ex~essed as a ratio of a stain area in said primary absorbent member to a stain area in said secondary absorbent member fiveules after a given volume of test fluid insults said absorbent core.

2a 215~920 The general object of this invention is to provide an absorbent artide for absorbing body fluids such as urine, menses, blood, etc. A more specific object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article having at least two absorbent members wherein the primary absorbent member has a greater wicking rate along an X-Y plane than the first absorbent layer.

2b - 21~4920 It is another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article which utilizes two separate and distinct absorbent members wherein the secondary absorbent member indudes one or more areas of low density, such as an aperture, which allows visual inspection of the primary absorbent member.
Other objects and advantages of the present inventjon will become more appar~n~ to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the acco,.,panying drawings.

Brief DescriPtion of the Drawinas Figure 1 is a perspective view of the invention iilustrated as a sanitary napkin.
Figure 2 is anolher embodiment of a sanitary napkin of this invention having an aperture medially posi~ioned on a sanitary napkin.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pad shown in Figure 2 taken along line~3.
Figure 4 is a cutaway sectional view of a pad having an hourglass shape with a plurality of apertures below the cover for rapid fluid migration.

Detailed DescriPtion of the Preferred Embodiments Refe.,ing to Figure 1, an absorbent article 10, in the form of a sanitary napkin, is shown which can be wom by a female to absorb body fluids such as ."enses, blood,urine, and other e~ r~",enls d;sci~arged during a menstrual period. The abso,l,en~
article 10 can have a length of about 150 millimeters (mm) to about 300 mm and a width of about 50 mm to about 150 mm. The sanitary napkin 10 has an oval shape. Other shapes inciuding hourglass, dog bone, and racetrack are conle",plaled to be v~ithin the scope of this invention. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can have a caliperorthickness of less than about 15 mm, pr~ferdbly less than about 10 mm, and most preferably less than about 5 mm.
The absorbent article 10 includes a liquid permeable bodyside cover 12, a liquid-impermeable baffle 14, and an absorbent core 16 positioned between the cover 12 and the baffle 14. The liquid-permeable cover 12 is designed to contact the body of the wearer and can be constructed of a woven or nonwoven, natural or synthetic ",alerial which is easily penetrated by body fluids. Suitabie materials include bonded carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or other suitable bondable fibers.
Other polyolefins, such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene finely perforated film webs and net material also work well.
Particularly prerened are composite materials of a polymer and nonwoven fabric ."aterial.
To fa~ te ",~ lion of body fluids into the absorbent core 16 the cover 12 can include apertures (not shown). Such apertures can be arranged along the longitudinal central 5 axis X-X if desired and are intended to increase the rate at which body fluids can penetrate down into the absorbent core 16. When apertures are present body fluidwhich is deposited at or near the apertures rapidly "igrales into the absorbent core 16.
This helps maintain a perceivably drier surface than when the apertures are not employed. Therefore while the apertures are not essential some functional advantages 10 are obtained in their use.
The liquid-permeable cover 12 can also be treated with a su, ~a- ~nl to make it more hydrophilic and thereby aid in the absorption of the liquid. This su,raclanl can include typical additions or applied materials like polysiloxine.
The liquid-impermeable baffle 14 is designed to be positioned distally from the 15 cover 12 and generally face the inner surface i.e. the crotch portion of an und~rya,..,enl (not shown). The baffle 14 may permit the passage of air or vapor out of the sanftary napkin 10 while blocking the passage of body fluids in liquid. The baffle 14 can be made from a micro~r"bossed polymeric film which is polyethylene Ot polypropylene or it can be made from b'.c~n~ponent fllm. A pr~fe"ed ,"at~rial is a polyeU,yle.~e film having a thickness of 0.025 mm to about 0.15 mm.
As shov~m the liquid-pe"~eable cover 12, the liquid-i",pem~eable baffle 14 and the aiJs~,bent core 16 are coextensive. Altematively the cover 12 and bame 14 can in combination enclose the abso.benl core 16. The cover 12 and bame 14 in those areas where they are in face-to-face contact can be adhered using any suitable method that does not leave a hard ~"~",ro~lable residue which would be annoying to the wearer.
Typical sealing methods include heat sealing adhesive sealing and ultl~son;c~llybonding on a line outward from the edge of the absorbent core 16 to form a fringe of nalenal. This results in a neat bond line with less tendency for the ",ale,ial to be pefro,dled than by heat sealing.

215~92~-The absorbent core 16 comprises a primary absorbent member 18 and a secondary absorbent member 20. The primary absorbent member 18 and secondary absorbent member 20 can be joined together in a substantially parallel and coextensive alignment, so that a major face of the primary absorbent member 18 is brought into S in~i" ,ale contact with a major face of the secondary absorbent member 20 thereby allowing the primary absorbent membe- 18 and secondary absorbent member 20 to be in liquid communication. The primary absorbent member 18 generally has a fluid distribution rate along an X-Y direction greater than about 1.8 times faster than the fluid distribution rate of the secondary absorbent member 20, preferably the fluid distributlon rate of the primary absorbent member 18 is greater than about 2 times faster than the fluid distribution rate of the secondary absorbent member 20, and more p~eferably the fluid distribution rate of the primary absorbent member 18 is greater than about 3 times faster than the fluid distribution rate of the secondary absorbent member 20. The fluid distribution rate is expressed as the ratio of a stain area in the primary abso,Lenl member 18 to the stain area in the secondary absorbent member 20 five minutes after a given volume of test fluid, typically bovine blood, insults the abso.bent core 16.
The primary absorbent member 18 is an uncreped throu-yl,dried towel (UCTAD) having a basis weight ranging from about 30 grams per square meter to about 120 grams per square meter. Generally, the primary member of the present invention is p~pan~d by a ,~cess as disrlosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,048,589 issued to Crook et al. on Septe-,lber 17,1~91; U.S. Patent No. 5,399,412 issued to Sudall et al. on March 21, 1995; and U.S. Serial No. 08/447578 filed on May 23,1995, each c~",.~only assi~ned to ~e Kimberly-Clark Co"~ordtion, the entire dis~-losure of each is incoi~ ordted herein and made a part hereof. Generally, the pr~cess includes the steps of fonning a fumish of cellulosic fibers, water, and a chemical debonder; depositing the fumish on a traveling foraminous belt thereby forming a fibrous web on top of the traveling belt; subjecting the fibrous web to noncompressive drying to remove water from the fibrous web and removing the dried fibrous web from the traveling foraminous belt. The uncf~ped throughdried tissue co",prising the primary absorbent member 18 possesses a high level of absorbent capacity, absorbency rate, strength, and softness. In a pr~fe"ed embodiment, the primary absorbent member 18 has a dry tensile strength of less than about 11,000 grams, prefe,ably less than 6,000 grams, and more preferably less than about 2,200 grams. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the primary absorbentmember 18 is an uncreped throughdried towel having a wet-to-dry tensile strength ratio 215~920 greater than about 0.1 The wet:dry ratio is simply the ratio of the wet tensile strength divided by the dry tensile strength. It can be expressed using the machine direction tensile strength the cross machine direction tensile strength or the geometric mean tensile strength.
The primary absorbent member 18 can be embossed or apertured (not shown) to lessen the stiffness of the UC~AD towel. Methods for embossing or aperturing theprimary absorbent member 18 are known to those skilled in the art. When the primary absorbent member 18 has a plurality of apertures the size of the openings should not exceed 2 millimeters in diameter since this may effect the capacity of the primary absorbent member 18 to absorb fluid exudates or its ability to effectively utilize the capadty of the primary absorbent member 18. Pleferably, the apertures are less than 1 millimeter in diameter and more preferably thèy are less than 0.5 millimeters. In addition to the size of the apertures it is i" ,po, lant that the total open surface area of the apertures should not exceed 40 percent of the surface area of the primary absorbent member 18 disposed toward the cover 12. Other geometric configurations such as square rectangular triangular etc. can be used for the apertures.
The secondafy absG, ~ent member 20 is a blend of meltblown fiber and staple fibers generally known as coform. Basically the "~etl ,od of manufacturing coform involves extruding a molten non~bso,l,ent polymeric ",atenal through a die head into fine ~a,ns and attenuating the slr~a,ns by converging flow of high velodty heated gass~rF ed from the no7,1es to break the polymer slr~a",s into di3conlin-~0us mi~ e~a of small dia",eler. In general the resulting microfibers have an average fiber density dia",eter of up to about 10 microns. This primary gas stream is merged with a secondafy gas streaming containing individualized wood pulp fibers so as to integf~te the two different fibers into a single step. A wide variety of the",~oplastic polymers is useful in forming the meltblown m;crofibers. Such the."~opl?slic polymers include polyolefins such aspolypropylene polyethylene polyamides polyesters andther"~opla~licelast~,.,er~such as polyurethane. The process is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 4 100 324 issued to Anderson et al. on July 11 1978 and assigned to the co"~,non assignee the disdosure of which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof. It is critical to the invention that a substantial portion of the seGondary absorbent member be composed of the nonabsorbent polymeric composition. Prefef~bly the secondary absorbent member 20 is composed of from about 50 percent to about 95 percent of the nonabso,L,ent polymeric composition more prefercbly it is composed from about 50percent to about 80 percent of the nonabsorbent polymeric composition and most pfeferably from about 50 percent to about 75 percent of the nonabsorbent polymeric 21~920 composition. Desirably the secondary absorbent member 20 has an average density ranging from about 0 015 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.1 grams per cubicoentimeter and prererdbly from about 0.02 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.09 grams per cubic centimeter. It has been discovered that when the nonabsorbent " 5 polymeric composition is less than about 50 percent fluid insulting the cover and migrating down will be absorbed into the slower wicking secondary absorbent member 20. Thus resulting in the problems described above as well as reducing the effectiveness and utilization of the absorbent core 16.
The sanitary napkin 10 can include a transfer layer (not shown). The l,ansrer 10 layer is designed to facilitate the movement of fluid downward from the cover and provide a means for sepa(aling the cover 12 from the absorbent core 16 to provide a dry sensat,on and addit;onal cG",ro,l to the user. The l,a,~srer layer, if used, is pr~fen~ly positioned bet~rlecn the cover 12 and the second absorbent member 20 and can be configured to correspond to the abso,l,ent core 16. A desc~i~,lion of a If ~,)srer layer is 15 taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4 798 603 issued to Meyer et al. and assigned to the pr~sent assignee. This patent is inco".or~led herein and made a part hereof.
Refe" ing to Figure 2 the abso, L,enl article 50 is depicted as having a cover 52, a baffle 54 a primary abso,L,~nl member 56 and a secondary abso,bent member 58. The seoondaly absorbent member 58 includes an area 60 having a lower dens~y than the20 surrounding secondary abso,6en~ member 58 or the primary abso, l,enl member 56. The area 60 has a density of less than about 0.01 grams per cubic cenG",eler and pr~fe,a~ly less than 0.005 grams per cubic centimeter. Desirably the area 60 is an aperture or cavity. The aperture 60 is approp, ialely configured and dimensioned so as to allow the wearer to visually inspect the primary absorbent member 56. The aperture 60 has an 25 open surfaoe greater than about 20 percent pr~ferdbly greater than 30 pe.~. lt and most l~r~fe,dbly greater than 50 percent of the surface area of the secondary absorbent ",e",ber 58 disposed toward the cover 52. The aperture 60 extends through the secondary absorbent member 58 thereby exposing the primary absorbent member 56.
This allows for rapid fluid absorption into the primary absorbent member 56 and for visual 30 inspection of the primary absorbent member 56.
Refe(ring to Figure 3 a cross-section of Figure 2 along line 3-3 is shown.
Adjacent major faces 62 and 64 define adjacent major surfaces of the primary absorbent member 56 and the secondary absorbent member 58 respectively. The surfaces 62 and 64 can be bonded together by point bonds to forrn a unitary structure or can be bonded 35 together using other means known in the art such as construction adhesives that are known to those skilled in the art. The major surfaces 62 and 64 are secured together in a manner that will not occlude the fluid flow through the secondary absorbent member 58 or result in a stiff, uncomfortable prodùct.
Referring to Figure 4, an absorbent article 100 is shown which contains a cover 102, a baffle 104, a primary absorbent member 106, and a secondary absorbent member 108. The secondary absorbent member 108 includes a plurality of low density areas 110. P(efe~bly the low density areas 110 are apertures or cavities hàving a ~ia."eter greater than about 3 millimeters which extend through the secondary abso,L,ent member 108 to expose the primary absorbent member 106. The apertures 110 have a - combined open surface area greater than about 20 percent, preferably greater than about 30 percent, more preferably greater than about 50 percent, relative to the total surface area of the secondary absorbent member 108 disposed toward the cover 102.
The sanitary napkin 10, 50 and 100 can include lateral e~ctensions, (not shown) generally known to those skilled in the art as wings, tabs and panels. The wings are designed to wrap around the outer surface of the crotch portion of a user's undergarment. Typically, at least one of the wings has an adhesive strip atla-;l ,ed to one surface, pfeferdbly it is the upper surface of one wing. To protect the adhesive from pr~...alurely or inadYertently adhering to a surface prior to the intended use, the adhesiYe can be covered by a releas~hle peel strip.
- In accor~Jance with the invention, the t~ u.ng examples are being presented for the purpose of illusl.dlion only. In the exa",r'es, the absorbency of the sanitary napkin was determined by laying the product on a flat level surface. The fun-,lionality of the absG,l.entwas evaluated by measuring the surface area of the top and bottom stains of the compos;les The ..,a~e,ials used in evaluating the functionality include a 20 cc syringe, an25 acrylic block further described herein for targeting the test fluid onto the abso.l,ent article, a slopJ~tcl~, and boYine blood, available from Cocalico 8iologicals, Inc., SteYens Road, Rear..aloJ/n, PA 17567, which was used as the test fluid. The acrylic block measures 4 inches wide x 4 inches long and has a thickness of 1 inch. A oval opening measuring 1/2 inch wide x 2 inches long is provided in the center of the block. An indicator mark is 30 positioned at the center on both sides of the opening. The indicator mark assists the placement of the syringe and delivery of the test fluid.
The test method used in evaluating the sanitary napkins involves first conditioning the sanitary napkin by leaving it in a room which is at 21 + 1C and at 50 1 2% relabve humidity for a period of two hours. The block was then placed on the center of the pad 35 with the long portion of the opening parallel with the longitudinal edge of the pad. The test quantity of bovine blood was drawn up into the syringe and was dispensed, at the 215~920 indicator mark, into the opening at a rate of approximately 0.6 - 0.7 milliliters per second.
A total of 6 cubic centimeters (cc) of bovine blood was used to insult the absorbent artides in Examples 1-24. The results of these absorbent article appears in Table 1 (colnpal~live Examples), and Table 2. A total of 10 cc of bovine blood was used to 5, insult the absorbent articles in Examples 25-48. The results of these absorbent article appea~ in Table 3 (Comparative Exar"p'~s), and Table 4. When the opening was void of test fluid, the block was removed and wiped clean in pr~paraliol1 for the next pad to be tested. After 5 minutes, the layers of the insulted pad were carefully separated and the area of stain was measured on each absorbent layer.

Co""-,er~;ally available product was tested in accordance with the method described above. Refening to Table 1, the area of the stain for a 6 milliliter insult of bovine blood 15 v~ras measured after 5 minutes.

Sample Descn~.tion TopBottom Ratio Always~)Ultra Maxi ' 6.305.27 0.82 2 New Freedom~E9 Ultra Thin Pads With StayPut 5.55 3.02 0.54 Tabs 3 Always~) Maxi Fluff ' 1.891.48 0.78 4 Sure & Natural~) Ultra Thin 3 3.493.27 0.94 Stayfree~) Ultra Thin 3 5.853.86 0.66 6 Kotex~ Maxi Pads 2 3.020.1 0.03 7 New Freedom~ Maxi Pads 2 8.3 0.1 0.01 8 New Freedom~) Thin Pads 2 3.52.76 0.79 9 Kotex~ Thin Pads 2 5.985.19 0.87 New Fr~edGn~ Ultra Thin Pads 2 5.933.71 0.63 ~- Available from Procter & Gamble, Cinc;nnali, OH 45202.
2_ Available from Kimberly-Clark Corp., Neenah, Wl 54956.
3- Available from Personal Product Co., Milltown, NJ 08850 Referring to Table 2, which is illustrative of the present invention, stain dimensions for a 6 millimeter insult of bovine blood after 5 minutes is shown. The test absorbent core of the sanitary napkin measured 178 millimeters in length and 76 35 millimeters in width.

2154~2() Sample Description Top~ottom Ratio 11 2 layers of 135 gsm coform ~ having a 24 mm x 1.765.32 3.02 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel 12 2 layers of 135 gsm coforrn and 2 layers of 105 1.15 5.28 4.59 gsm UCTAD towel.
13 2 layers of 135 gsm coform having a 24 mm x 62 2.106.20 2.86 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
14 2 layers of 135 gsm coform and 3 layers of 1.614.62 2.87 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
1 layer of 135 gsm coform; 1 layer of 225 gsm 1.493.90 2.63 cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
16 1 layer of 135 gsm coform and 1 layer of 225 2.735.83 2.14 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained each having a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
17 1 layer of 135 gsm coform; 1 layer of 225 gsm 1.875.59 2.99 cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained; and 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
18 2 layers of 135 gsm coform having a 24 mm x 62 5.238.46 1.62 mm center aperture and 225 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is .~..c.~strdined.
19 1 layer of 135 gsm coform and 1 layer of 225 2.945.91 2.01 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained each having a 24 mm x 62 mm center ape~ture and 1 layer of 225 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is m'-~osl,ained.
1 layer of 225 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is 6.91 6.24 0.90 microstrained having a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
21 1 layer of 135 gsm coform and 1 layer of 225 2.575.93 2.31 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained each having a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
22 2 layers of 135 gsm coform having a 24 mm x 62 2.077.04 3.40 mm center aperture and 6 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
23 1 layer of 135 gsm coform with a 24 mm x 62 mm 1.937.71 3.99 center aperture, 2 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD each with a 24 mm x 64 mm center aperture, 1 layer of 135 gsm coform with a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
24 1 layer of 135 gsm coform with a 24 mm x 62 mm 2.268.62 3.81 center aperture, 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel each with a 24 mm x 64 mm center aperture, and 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.

* coform composition was 60:40 polymer to pulp ratio.

21~4920 Commercially available product was tested in accordance with the method described above. Referring to Table 3, the area of the stain for a 10 m " ' ter insult of bovine blood was measured after 5 minutes.

Sample Desc- iplion TopBoffom Ratio Always~) Ultra Maxi 10.69.99 0.94 26 New Freedom~ Ultra Thin Pads With StayPut 7.955.78 0.72 Tabs 10 27 Always~ Maxi Fluff 2.712.94 1.08 28 Sure & Natural~) Ultra Thin 5.62 6.2 1.10 29 Stayfree~ Ultra Thin 8.068.39 1.04 Kotex~) Maxi Pads 3.76 0.1 0.03 31 New Freedom~) Maxi Pads 5.982.17 0.38 32 New Freedom~ Thin Pads 4.515.32 1.18 33 Kote~)Thin Pads 7.177.17 1.00 - 15 34 New Freedom~ Ultra Thin Pads 10.978.86 0.81 Referring to Table 4, which is illustrative of the pr~senl invenUon, stain dil.,el~sbns for a 10 millimeter insult of bovine blood after 5 minutes are shown.

Sample Desc- iplion TopRoffom Ratio 2 layers of 135 gsm coform ~ having a 24 mm x 2.73 7.6 2.78 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
36 2 layers of 135 gsm coforrn and 2 layers of 105 2.99 8.22 2.75 gsm UCTAD towel.
37 2 layers of 135 gsm coform having a 24 mm x 62 2.9810.72 3.60 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
38 2 layers of 135 gsm coform and 3 layers of 2.247.71 3.44 60 gsm lJCTAD towel.
39 1 layer of 135 gsm; 1 layer of 225 gsm cellulose 2.81 7.57 2.69 pulp paper that is microstrained and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
1 layer of 135 gsm coform and 1 layer of 225 gsm 3.69 9.25 2.51 cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained each having a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
41 1 layer of 135 gsm coform; 1 layer of 225 gsm 3.258.36 2.57 cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained; and 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.

21S4~20 - 42 2 layers of 135 gsm coform having a 24 mm x 62 4.73 12.57 2.66 - mm center aperture and 225 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained 43 1 layer of 135 gsm coform and 1 layer of 225 gsm 4.58 9.18 2.00 - cellul~se pulp paper that is microstrained each having a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 1 !~11 layer of 225 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained.
44 1 layer of 225 gsm cellulose pulp paper that is - 9 76 8.89 0.91 microstrained having a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
1 layer of 135 gsm coform and 1 layer of 225 gsm 3.62 8.47 2.34 cellulose pulp paper that is microstrained each having a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 105 gsm UCTAD towel.
46 2 layers of 135 gsm coform having a 24 mm x 62 3.84 9.25 2.41 mm center aperture and 6 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
47 1 layer of 135 gsm coform with a 24 mm x 62 mm 1.68 5.09 3.03 center aperture,2 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD each ~,vith a 24 mm x 64 mm center aperture,1 layer of 135 gsm coform with a 24 mm x 62 mm center aperture and 2 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
48 1 layer of 135 gsm coform with a 24 mm x 62 mm 2.96 11.25 3.8û
center apefture, 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel each u/ith a 24 mm x 64 mm center aperture, and 3 layers of 60 gsm UCTAD towel.
While the invention has been described in conjunction several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alle,nali~/es, ..,o~ ions, and vanalions will be appa~ to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing desc iption.Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrdce all such ~lle..-ati~/es, mod~ ions and ~,aria~ons which followed in the spirit and scope of the appended claims

Claims

1. An absorbent article having an absorbent core comprising a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member, said primary absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate along a X-Y direction greater than about 1.8 times faster than said secondary absorbent member, said secondary absorbent member having a substantialportion thereof composed of a non-absorbent polymeric composition, said secondary absorbent member is superposed over a portion of said primary absorbent member, wherein said fluid distribution rate is expressed as a ratio of a stain area in said primary absorbent member to a stain area in said secondary absorbent member five minutesafter a given volume of test fluid insults said absorbent core.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said secondary absorbent member is composed of from about 50% to about 95% of said non-absorbent polymeric composition.

3. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said primary absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate greater than about 2 times faster than said secondary absorbent member.

4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said primary absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate greater than about 3 times faster than said secondary absorbent member.

5. The absorbent core of claim 1 wherein said primary absorbent member and said secondary absorbent member have coterminous outer perimeters.

6. The absorbent core of claim 1 wherein said secondary absorbent member has an aperture extending through said secondary absorbent member thereby exposing saidprimary absorbent member for visual inspection.

7. The absorbent core of claim 1 wherein said non-absorbent polymeric composition is selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, and mixtures thereof.

8. The absorbent core of claim 1 wherein said secondary absorbent member has an average density ranging from about 0.015 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter.

9. The absorbent core of claim 1 wherein said primary absorbent member is a uncreped throughdried towel having a basis weight ranging from about 30 grams per square meter to about 120 grams per square meter.

10. The absorbent core of claim 6 wherein said aperture has a diameter greater than about 3 millimeters.

11. The absorbent core of claim 9 wherein said primary absorbent member is apertured.

12. An absorbent article having an absorbent core comprising a primary absorbent member and secondary absorbent member said primary absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate along a X-Y direction greater than about 1.8 times faster than said secondary absorbent member said secondary absorbent member composed of from about 50% to about 95% of a non-absorbed polymeric composition, said secondary absorbent member is superposed over a portion of said primary absorbent member, wherein said fluid distribution rate is expressed as a ratio of a stain area in said primary absorbent member to a stain area in said secondary absorbent member five minutesafter a given volume of test fluid insults said absorbent core.

13. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said primary absorbent member is an uncreped throughdried towel.

14. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said primary absorbent member and said secondary absorbent member have coterminous outer perimeters.

15. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said secondary absorbent member has a predetermined surface area disposed toward a user and said secondary absorbentmember includes an aperture extending through said secondary absorbent member wherein said aperture has an open surface area of greater than about 20% relative to said surface area of said secondary absorbent member disposed toward the user thereby exposing said primary absorbent member for visual inspection.

16. The absorbent core of claim 13 wherein said uncreped throughdried towel has a basis weight ranging from about 45 grams per square meter to about 120 grams persquare meter.

17. A sanitary napkin having a thickness of less than about 5 millimeters with an absorbent core comprising a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member said primary absorbent member includes a uncreped throughdried towel having a basis weight ranging from about 30 grams per square meter to about 120 grams per square meter said secondary absorbent member is immediately adjacent to and superposed over a portion of said primary absorbent member so to be in liquid communication with said primary absorbent member said secondary absorbent memberbeing composed of from about 50% to about 95% of a non-absorbent polymeric composition and having an average density ranging from about 0.015 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter wherein said primary absorbent member has a fluid distribution rate along a X-Y direction greater than about 1.8 times faster than said secondary absorbent member wherein said fluid distribution rate is expressed as a ratio of a stain area in said primary absorbent member to a stain area in said secondary absorbent member five minutes after a given volume of test fluid insults said absorbent core.

18. The absorbent core of claim 17 wherein said primary absorbent member is a uncreped throughdried towel having a wet to dry tensile strength ratio greater than about 0.1.

19. The absorbent article of claim 17 wherein said secondary absorbent member has a predetermined surface area disposed toward a user, said secondary absorbent member includes a plurality of apertures extending through said secondary absorbent member wherein said apertures have a combined open surface area of greater than about 30% relative to said surface area of said secondary absorbent member disposed toward the user thereby exposing said primary absorbent member for visual inspection.

20. The absorbent core of claim 17 wherein said non-absorbent polymeric composition is selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, and mixtures thereof.