Absorbent article with fluid control features
Absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles are presented. The absorbent cores include a low-density zone that is surrounded by zones having a higher density than that of the low-density zone. The low-density zone aids in fluid absorption, distribution and storage.
1. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core, the absorbent core comprising a mixture of cellulosic pulp and superabsorbent polymer, where the core comprising the mixture defines:
a single central zone comprising at least one insult area;
a single continuous low-density zone surrounding the central zone, wherein the low-density zone is lower in density as compared to that of the central zone;
a single perimeter zone surrounding the low-density zone, wherein the perimeter zone is higher in density as compared to that of the low-density zone; and
a single outboard zone surrounding the perimeter zone;
wherein the central zone, perimeter zone, and the outboard zone have the same density;
wherein the central zone, low-density zone, and perimeter zone have the same thickness; and
wherein the outboard zone has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the central zone, low-density zone and perimeter zone.
2. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core comprises a plurality of layers.
3. The absorbent article of claim 2 , wherein the absorbent core comprises a base core layer.
4. The absorbent article of claim 2 , wherein the absorbent core comprises a target core layer.
5. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein a target area of the absorbent core is of uniform thickness.
6. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core comprises from about 5% to about 80% SAP.
7. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core comprises from about 20% to about 65% SAP.
8. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core comprises about 55% SAP.
9. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core comprises about 45% cellulose fibers.
10. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core, the absorbent core comprising a mixture of cellulosic pulp and superabsorbent polymer, where the core comprising the mixture defines:
a single central zone comprising at least one insult area;
a single continuous low-density zone surrounding the central zone, wherein the low-density zone is lower in density as compared to that of the central zone;
a single continuous perimeter zone surrounding the low-density zone, wherein the perimeter zone is higher in density as compared to that of the low-density zone; and
a single outboard zone surrounding the perimeter zone, wherein the outboard zone has the same density as the perimeter zone;
wherein the thicknesses of the central zone, the low-density zone, and the perimeter zone are the same; and
wherein the outboard zone has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the central zone, low-density zone and perimeter zone.