Matched permeability liner/absorbent structure system for absorbent articles and the like

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a matched permeability liner/absorbent structure system, suitable for use in absorbent articles, in which the permeability of the bodyside liner is correlated with the permeability of the subjacent layer of the absorbent structure, such as a surge layer. The inventors have observed that by appropriately matching the permeability of the liner material to the permeability of the subjacent layer, liquid intake performance of the liner and subjacent layer materials can exceed liquid intake performance of the subjacent layer material alone. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the permeability of the bodyside liner is set within a specified range of that of the subjacent layer such that the liner/subjacent layer liquid intake performance is improved. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the permeability of the bodyside liner is matched to or correlated with the permeability of the subjacent layer such that the liner/subjacent layer liquid intake performance is improved at least about 50 percent over the liquid intake performance of the subjacent layer alone. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the permeability of the liner material is matched to or correlated with the permeability of the subjacent layer such that liquid intake performance of the liner/subjacent layer combination is improved at least about 65 percent over the liquid intake performance of the subjacent layer alone. As disclosed herein, by properly selecting the permeability of the liner material, as compared with the permeability of the subjacent layer material, the liquid intake rate of the liner material not only does not limit or inhibit liquid intake into the subjacent layer and underlying components of the absorbent structure, but provides an unexpected increase in liquid intake performance over that of the subjacent layer alone. The bodyside liner and subjacent layer can suitably be formed of fibrous nonwoven webs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.