DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE
A disposable absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core located in a chassis and including absorbent particulate polymer material defining at least one cavity. The absorbent core may be substantially cellulose free or comprise a combination of particulate absorbent polymer material and wood pulp. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.
1 . An absorbent article, comprising:
a. a topsheet;
b. a backsheet;
c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core comprising absorbent particulate polymer material and wood pulp; and
d. an acquisition layer disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet, the acquisition layer comprising an aperture therethrough;
e. wherein a first region of the absorbent core underlying the aperture comprises a thickness that is substantially equal to that of a second region of the absorbent core that does not underlie the aperture.
2 . The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the acquisition layer comprises a nonwoven.
3 . The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the acquisition layer comprises a meltblown layer.
4 . The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the acquisition layer comprises a spunbonded layer.
5 . The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the acquisition layer comprises a meltblown layer and a spunbonded layer.
6 . The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the acquisition layer comprises synthetic fibers.
7 . The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the acquisition layer comprises a hydrophilic coating.
8 . The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the article is a feminine hygiene product.
9 . An absorbent article, comprising:
a. a topsheet;
b. a backsheet;
c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core comprising absorbent particulate polymer material and wood pulp;
d. a first acquisition layer disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet, the acquisition layer comprising an aperture therethrough; and
e. a second acquisition layer disposed between the first acquisition layer and the absorbent core.
10 . The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein the second acquisition layer comprises a second aperture therethrough.
11 . The absorbent article of claim 10 , wherein the second aperture is substantially aligned with the first aperture.
12 . The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein a first region of the core underlying the aperture comprises a thickness that is substantially equal to that of a second region of the core that does not underlie the aperture.
13 . The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein the first acquisition layer comprises a nonwoven.
14 . The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein the first acquisition layer comprises a PET fibers.
15 . The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein each of the first acquisition layer and the second acquisition layer comprises synthetic fibers.
16 . The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first acquisition layer and the second acquisition layer comprises a hydrophilic coating.
17 . The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein the article is a feminine hygiene product.
18 . An absorbent article, comprising:
a. a topsheet;
b. a backsheet;
c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core comprising absorbent particulate polymer material and wood pulp;
d. an acquisition layer disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet, the acquisition layer comprising an aperture therethrough; and
e. a longitudinally-extending cavity;
f. wherein the cavity is defined by the aperture in the acquisition layer; and
g. wherein the absorbent core is substantially planar underneath the aperture.
19 . The absorbent article of claim 18 , wherein the acquisition layer comprises a hydrophilic coating.
20 . The absorbent article of claim 18 , wherein the article is a feminine hygiene product.