Kimberly-clark Corporation

David K LeMahieu

Jian Qin

MaryAnn Zunker

David Louis Zenker

Robert A Stevens

Clifford Jackson Ellis

Rob David Everett

Sandra M Yarbrough

Barbara Ann Gossen

Lynn Carol Brud

Shannon K Byerly

David G Iwanski

Violet M Grube

William D Hanson

Tom K Wentzel

Generally stated, the present invention provides a distinctive absorbent article comprising a backsheet layer, and a topsheet layer which is disposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer. An absorbent body is interposed between the backsheet layer and topsheet layer. The absorbent body includes a retention portion which comprises a matrix of substantially hydrophilic fibers having a distribution of high-absorbency particulate material therein. The hydrophilic fibers and high-absorbency particles can be provided in a fiber-to-particle weight ratio within the range of about 70:30 to about 30:70. A surge management layer, comprising bicomponent fibers having a denier of not more than about 3 d, is located adjacent at least one major, facing surface of the topsheet layer, and can cooperate with the article components to provide for a liquid Penetration Rate index of not less than about 2.67 ml/sec.

Thin absorbent article having rapid uptake of liquid

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Appleton, WI, United States of America

David K LeMahieu