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US 5,281,208 AGranted
Fluid handling structure for use in absorbent articles
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorsHugh A. Thompson, Gerald A. Young
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Fibers having intra-fiber capillary channels are used in conjunction with topsheet materials in absorbent articles such as diapers, bandages and, especially, sanitary napkins. In-use, the capillary channel fibers draw fluid away from the topsheet to provide a clean, dry appearance.
Claims15
A fluid receiving and fluid transporting structure suitable for use in an absorbent article, comprising:
- (a) a fluid permeable topsheet having a back face and a fluid-receiving front face, said topsheet having multiple openings communicating between said front face and said back face for passage of fluid through said topsheet;
- and
- (b) a layer comprising multiple fibers having external intrafiber capillary channels underlying the back face of said topsheet and in fluid-transporting contact therewith, said external intrafiber capillary channels being sized to draw fluid away from said openings in said topsheet.
A fluid receiving and fluid transporting structure suitable for use in an absorbent article, said structure having a long axis and a short axis, said structure comprising:
- (a) a fluid permeable topsheet having a back face and a fluid-receiving front face, said topsheet having multiple openings communicating between said front face and said back face for passage of fluid through said topsheet;
- and
- (b) a layer comprising multiple substantially curled fibers having external intrafiber capillary channels sized to draw fluid away from the openings in said topsheet, said layer underlying the back face of said topsheet and being in fluid-transporting contact therewith.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.