MXPA98002498A - Absorbent article with side walls - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent structure having a longitudinal axis and comprising a substantially continuous absorbent mat having first and second opposite lateral edges disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structure, the absorbent mat comprising an absorbent layer in communication of liquid with a transfer layer comprising a non-absorbent material, wherein the absorbent layer defines an absorbent layer surface and the transfer layer defines an opposite transfer layer surface, said absorbent structure being characterized in that: the first edge of said Absorbent mat is arranged and configured wherein a region of the surface of the transfer layer near the first edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a first increased portion, and the second edge of said absorbent mat is disposed and configured wherein a region of the surface of the transfer layer near the second edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a second portion increases

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH ROLLED SIDE WALLS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new and improved absorbent structure that can be used in a disposable absorbent article having a fast liquid penetration rate and high liquid retention and which allows the user's skin to remain dry even after the item has gotten wet. Disposable absorbent articles have long been used to absorb exudates from the body to prevent staining or soiling of a user's clothes. Examples of such articles include feminine sanitary napkins, diapers 5 and incontinence products for adults. Initially, said articles had absorbent centers constructed primarily of conventional cellulosic fiber materials, such as woven wadding and / or fluffy wood pulp. These cellulosic fiber materials demonstrate good dry elasticity and good absorbency for body fluids. However, once the cellulosic fiber materials have become wet they tend to "crush" and lose their elasticity. In other words, the wet cellulosic fibers become flabby and compact, thus causing the structure to lose the benefit of fluid containment of the spaces between the fibers. In addition, such cellulosic fiber materials are unable to absorb subsequent additions of "other," known as fluid repeats. The cellulosic fiber products also provide an unpleasant humid, pasty feeling against a user's skin. Very recently, superabsorbent particles have been added to cellulosic fiber materials in disposable absorbent articles to improve their absorbent capacity and to provide the articles with a drier feeling against the skin of a usuranium. Although the superabsorbent particles J! ?? they do not crush when wetted, they do not absorb fluid as quickly as cellulosic fiber materials. Large volumes of fluid rapidly added to a supra-absorbent material will produce runoff if it is not maintained in 4-fluid contact with the superabsorbent during certain Therefore, it has also become common to use so-called transfer layers between the absorbent center and the surface facing the body of the article. The transfer layers are generally elastic fibrous mats that provide void volume for rapid absorption of fluid and then release it more slowly to the adjacent absorbent center so that there is time for the superabsorbent materials to absorb the fluid. The transfer layers also provide an insulation layer between the absorbent center and the user, avoiding contact between a wet absorbent center 5 and the wearer's skin. Said transfer layers are to a certain extent limited, however, Jm because their fluid transport effectiveness depends on their intimate contact with the underlying absorbent center. Therefore, the article must be constructed in such a way that the transfer layer remains in good contact with the center absorbent during the conditions of use. The inherent void volume of the transfer layer, and therefore its liquid holding capacity, is limited by its thickness, ie, a thicker transfer layer provides a greater void volume, but if it is too thick, HE !? r becomes voluminous and therefore uncomfortable and indiscreet for the user. Therefore, thin transfer layers are preferred for user comfort, but their small void volume allows only a small volume of fluid to be contained. The object of this invention is to provide a structure absorbent with a fast fluid penetration rate for addition of initial fluid and for fluid repetitions, , Good elasticity in wet and dry, and good dryness of ~~ surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The absorbent structure of the invention has a substantially continuous absorbent mat having first and second opposite side edges that are arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structure. The absorbent mat has an absorbent layer and J? a transfer layer. The transfer layer includes a non-absorbent material and is capable of transferring liquids that it receives to the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer defines an absorbent layer surface and the transfer layer defines a transfer layer surface on the opposite side of the mat. The first edge of the absorbent mat is manipulated to bring a region of the transfer layer surface near the first edge into contact with a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a TKG first portion increased, and the second edge of the absorbent mat is manipulated to bring a region of the surface of the transfer layer near the second edge into contact with a region of the absorbent layer surface * to form an increased second portion. 1 r5 - Preferably, the increased portions are rolled portions of the absorbent mat forming lateral walls. The resulting absorbent structure has two lateral walls wound on its upper surface and is substantially flat on its lower surface. The upper surface provides a natural cavity in the space between the side walls to receive and contain large amounts of fluid until it can be absorbed by or dispersed to the rest of the structure. The term "substantially coiled" as used herein can be defined as being folded into a roll or being rolled up. Said sub-substantially rolled structure therefore has a rounded, oval or flattened profile. Relatively rigid or thick materials provide a rounded structure when substantially coiled, however, thinner and softer materials provide a more oval or even flat structure when substantially coiled. Very thin or soft materials may need to be bent to obtain the sub-rolled-up structure of the invention. The term "substantially completely enclosed" is used herein to mean that the substantially coiled side walls are at least 360 degrees rolled or bent at least twice so that the side edges of the absorbent and transfer layer are completely contained within. inside the walls late rales.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modality of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of one more embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a simplified illustration of a method of mixing an absorbent structure in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention made by the method illustrated in Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY In its simplest embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent structure 10 of the invention has a substantially continuous absorbent mat. The absorbent mat has an absorbent layer 12 and an elastic or transfer layer 14, and is configured to form enlarged portions or side walls 16. Absorbent layer 12 has sides 18 terminating at edges 20 and a longitudinal center line 22 parallel to sides 18 and edges 20. Transfer layer 14 has sides 24 which terminate at edges Jm 26, and a central line 28 parallel to sides 24 and edges 26. Absorbent layer 12 is laminated onto transfer layer 14 such that center line 22 of the absorbent layer overlaps the centerline 28 of the layer of ransference. The sides 18, 24 of the lap layers are then coiled collectively or folded toward the center line 22 of the absorbent layer to form substantially wound side walls 16. Preferably, the edges 20, 26 of the absorbent and transfer layers are contained within the side walls 16. The side walls 16 can be rolled up or bent any number of times, preferably to provide at least about three layers of material. the mat in * - the increased portion. In addition, it is preferred that the edges 20, 26 of the absorbent layer 12 and the transfer layer 14 are completely contained within the side walls 16. if A portion of the absorbent layer 12 may be visible between the side walls 16 (see Figure 3) or the side walls 16 may supporting one another over the center line 22 of the absorbent layer 12. In either case, the side walls 16 define a natural cavity 30 therebetween. The absorbent layer of the structure may comprise any known absorbent materials including but not limited to absorbent fibers such as fluff wood pulp, rayon fibers, cotton fibers and the like; To superabsorbent fibers or particles; other absorbent materials that exist in nature such as peat; and other synthetic absorbent materials such as foams and the like. The absorbent layer may also include one or more of the following: thermoplastic binder fibers, latex binder, perfumes or other odor controlling compounds. The absorbent layer can be compressed or uncompressed, embossed or calendered. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent layer consists of a mixture of wood pulp, H ^ synthetic wood pulp and superabsorbent polymer particles spread with air over a single layer of tissue. This mixture is available as RC # 000004, a roll product from Merfin Hygienics Company of Canada. In this »Embodiment of the invention, the Merfin absorbent mixture is unrolled and enhanced to form enhanced channels. The transfer layer may comprise any known material that absorbs fluid and then distributes and releases it to an adjacent absorbent layer for storage. The preferred transfer layers have a structure relatively open that allows free movement of fluid within the layers. Suitable materials for said transfer layers include fibrous mats, elastic foams and the like. The transfer layer, which exists as a mass of In these materials, it can accept fluid and allow the passage of fluid through its mass to be absorbed by an adjacent absorbent center. Therefore, the mass of * Materials can be absorbent, although the materials themselves are not absorbent. In this way, the transfer layers which are made of non-absorbent hydrophobic fibers can accept large volumes of fluid into hollow spaces between the fibers while the fibers themselves do not absorb any significant amount of fluid. Also, open cell foam structures that are made of non-absorbent material can also absorb fluid within the foam cells. The walls of the cells, however, do not absorb any fluid. The cumulative spaces within the transfer layer, that is, the hollow spaces between the fibers in the fibrous transfer layer or the open cells in the foam transfer layer, function as a container 5 for containing fluid. The fibrous mats of transfer layer «And preferred are made of non-absorbent elastic materials - ^ to provide void volume and to allow free movement of fluid through the structure. Transfer layers that are made of mostly absorbent fiber mats absorb the fluid as it enters the structure and do not distribute it throughout the rest of the structure as efficiently as mats containing nonabsorbent materials. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the transfer layer comprises a mat carded and bonded to; - air through a mixture of 40% by weight of high denier polyester fibers (denier fibers available as polyester 374 from Celanese), and 60% by weight bicomponent binder fibers having a polyester center 5 and a polyethylene cover (denier fibers 10 available as bicomponent fibers 1036 from BASF). The article is assembled by placing the absorbent layer 12 over the transfer layer 14 such that the centerline 22 of the absorbent layer overlaps the center line 28.

Hr- of the transfer layer. This forms the absorbent mat having an absorbent layer surface 32 and a transfer layer surface 34. The absorbent layer surface 32 is generally formed by the upper surface of the absorbent layer, although additional elements that do not affect In a detrimental manner, the fluid handling properties of the absorbent structure can be applied to the absorbent layer to form the surface 32 of the absorbent layer. In addition, the surface of the transfer layer 34 is generally formed by the lower surface of the Transfer, although additional elements that do not destroy the fluid handling properties of the absorbent structure can be applied to the transfer layer to form the surface of the transfer layer 34. For example, a non-woven film cover plate or with openings could be applied to the upper part of the absorbent layer 12 or to the lower part of the transfer layer 14. The lateral portions J, or ... two layers are "made" or "run" towards the center line of the Absorbent layer at least until the side edges 20, 26 of the absorbent layer and the transfer layer are completely contained within the 5 rolls or folds 16. These rolls or folds 16 otherwise known as side walls in the present invention , they can be supported one above the other on the centerline 22 of the absorbent layer, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, they can be pulled back a little on either side of the center line 22 of the absorbent layer, leaving a strip of absorbent layer 12 visible between side walls 16, as shown in Figure 3. In either case, the side walls define a natural cavity therebetween. A preferred embodiment of an absorbent article 100 with the absorbent structure 10 of the present invention are shown in Figures 4 and 5. A cover layer 36 facing the body is placed on the surface 38 containing the cavity of the body. Absorbent structure, that is, the surface on which the cavity is located. Preferably, the cover 32 facing the body is fixed to the center line 22 of the absorbent layer between the side walls 16. A fluid impermeable barrier 40 is placed below the bottom surface 42, opposite the surface 38 that it contains the cavity. It is preferred that the body facing cover 32 and the fluid impermeable barrier 40 be fixed to each other around the periphery of the article by means of flange seals 44. Elastic means 46 may be provided along a length of a length of about 30 cm. portion of the tab seals 44 or within it to make the article adopt a form of botecurve as shown in Figure 4. Useful elastic means are known and may be elastic foams, elastic bands or elastic bands, elastic strands and the like.

Said articles made of the absorbent structure of the • > present invention have a longitudinal center line 48 jRr- corresponding to the center lines 22, 28 of the absorbent layer 12 and the transfer layer 14. In a more preferred embodiment, shown in the Figure 6, the dimension of the absorbent layer 12 as measured at "along its central line 22, is greater than the dimension of the > transfer layer 14 as measured along the center line 28 of the transfer layer. The layer of "Transfer" is centered with respect to Xa absorbent layer 12, thus allowing extensions 50 of the absorbent layer to be projected beyond the transfer layer 14.

These extensions 50 become the ends of the side walls 16. Preferably, at least one of the extensions 50 is densified, for example, by calendering, embossing, compression or the like, so that an absorbent article formed from the structure has for At least one tapered end to give greater discretion and comfort to the user. Most preferably, both extensions 50 are calendered for maximum discretion and comfort during use. The extensions 50 can serve as indicators to the user that the article is saturated and needs to be changed by providing a moist feeling to the wearer's skin when the extensions become saturated. In this preferred embodiment, the fluid enters the article in the portion 52 containing the central transfer layer, where it is quickly captured and distributed to the absorbent center 12. The article is especially effective for collecting large amounts of fluid in the container. cavity 30 formed by the side walls 16. The captured fluid is rapidly distributed in the absorbent center 12 by the transfer layer 14 and the side walls 16. Subsequent quantities are then quickly captured and distributed too. Since the transfer layer 14 contains no absorbent material, it does not retain fluid and therefore has a dry feel on the surface 38 containing the cavity and the lower surface 42. The absorbed fluid is transferred to the absorbent center 12, which is saturated first at 0 the center and then at the ends. However, the side wall configuration provides good fluid transport through the structure, so that, even though the central portion of the absorbent center is saturated, large quantities of fluid are quickly absorbed and then transported towards the ends of the vessel. structure. When most of the absorbed fluid is contained within the portion 52 that contains the central transfer layer! of the structure, the exposed surfaces of the structure remain dry to the touch. As the exposed extensions 50 of the absorbent center 12 become saturated, the user feels the humidity as a sign that it is time to change the item. In a further embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a second structure 110 of absorbent layer / absorbent layer is laminated under a first structure 10 of that type in such a way that the first structure 10 is contained within the cavity of the second structure 110. The side walls 110 formed by the sides of the second structure 110 abut the side walls 16 of the first structure 10. A simple method for making the article of the invention with exposed extensions is illustrated in the Figure 8 Figure 8 shows the absorbent layer 12 and the layer of ^ Ransference 14 being carried together before they are formed ^ the rolled side walls 16. The method of Figure 8 allows the continuous assembly of absorbent structures with exposed extensions 50 without the need to cut shorter transfer layers 14 and place them on longer absorbent layers 12. The method of the Figure 8 shows windows 54 that are being cut from the transfer layer 14 at predetermined sites. The sites 5 correspond to the surface containing cavity, of the ends of the side walls. The windows 54 provide exposed extensions without the need to cut and place segments of absorbent layers and transfer layers. The exposed extensions 50 illustrated in Figure 8 offer the advantages of tapered ends and humidity indication. In Figure 9 an absorbent structure made by the method of Figure 8 is illustrated.

EXAMPLE 1 # A product in accordance with the present invention was prepared in the following manner. A sheet of matting transfer layer matting, carded air, 17.78 cm x 22.86 cm, consisting of a mixture of 60% bicomponent binder fiber # 1036 from BASF (10 denier) and 40% 15M Celanese polyester fiber # 374 (15 denier) was provided. A sheet of absorbent square layer of 22.86 cm - * containing a mixture of 7 grams of rakawa superabsorbent ^ 751 and 10.5 grams of pulp on a tissue carrier was placed and centered on the transfer layer sheet.

Two opposite edges of the absorbent layer sheet were aligned with two opposite edges of the transfer layer sheet. The other two edges of the absorbent layer sheet were extended 2.54 cm beyond the other two edges of the transfer layer sheet. The edges The aligned layers of the transfer layer sheet and the overlapping absorbent layer sheet were collectively rolled onto the absorbent layer sheet toward the center line of the absorbent layer sheet to form first and second side walls with a cavity therebetween. . The ends of the structure were then calendered to provide tapered and densified ends and to help maintain the configuration of the side walls during the product construction process. A surface of a non-woven sheet (4109 Enka of ^^ Fibertech) was coated with adhesive and the sheet was placed with JW the adhesive side down on the side walls and the cavity, that is, the surface that contained the cavity of the structure. The sheet was pressed down and adhered to the absorbent center surface in the cavity between the two side walls. A barrier film was placed on the opposite surface of the structure. Elastic foam strips were fixed to the barrier film along two edges in such a manner that the foam strips were parallel to the walls ^ • 'Laterals when the article was assembled. The barrier and the non-woven cover were joined to one another around the peripheral edges of the structure for forming eyelashes with the elastic foam strips enclosed within the eyelashes. The elastic foam strips caused the article to adopt a curved boat shape for good fit to the body, and the tapered ends provided discretion and comfort during use.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE This product was prepared in the same manner as the product of Example 1 above, except that the sheet of the transfer layer comprised pulp bound with latex (supplied by Merfin Hygienics Company). Tests were conducted on penetration time and surface moisture on the products of the previous examples, a superabsorbent protection POISE ™, and ILO extRabso rbente POISE ™ pad. POISE is a trade name of Kimberly-Claek Corporation.

TEST METHODS Repeated penetration times The repeated penetration test measures the time? F required for a product to absorb each of ten additions of 20 ml of test fluid. An absorbent product is placed on a flat surface with its looking surface towards the body directed upwards. A separating funnel (which has an unobstructed flow velocity of 92.5 ml / sec) with its key fully open is supported on a ring holder directly on the product. The opening of the separating funnel is allowed to rest directly on the surface of the product facing the body. Twenty milliliters of test fluid consisting of 1.59% saline with a surface tension of 62.26 dynes is added to the funnel and allowed to flow into the product. The time is measured so that the saline solution completely penetrates the product. The number is the penetration time. Penetration times for subsequent additions of 20 milliliters of saline solution each are also measured. Repeated penetration tests were performed on five samples of the product of Example 1, three samples of comparative example, three samples of superabsorbent protections POISE ™, and three # samples of POISE ™ extra absorbency pads. The results of these tests are included in Table I.

TABLE I Penetration Time 15 Protection Absorbent Pad - Absorbent - Addendum Example 1 Example Comparative Poise Comparison POISE ™ nal POISE ™ JWjt ml of Des. Des. Des. Des. 27 solution time es- time es- time es- time es- salina (sec) tan (sec) tan (sec) tan- (seg) 1 1.39 0.45 4.92 0.66 4.84 0.62 7.69 0.21 2 1.52 0.54 8.02 1.17 10.21 0.61 10.18 1.10 3 1.85 0.70 8.90 0.90 11.65 1.64 10.39 0.28 4 1.78 0.55 9.28 1.06 12.71 1.69 10.47 0.58 1.76 0.43 10.35 0.75 16.34 3.32 11.26 1.04 6 1.54 0.38 10.32 1.23 13.86 0.29 11.30 0.81 7 1.64 0.56 10.44 0.19 15.39 0.79 11.05 2.32 8 1.59 0.42 11.07 0.14 18.35 2.86 9.79 0.42 9 1.50 0.63 10.36 0.79 21.73 3.61 11.17 1.20 10 1.48 0.34 11.55 1.18 19.96 0.30 11.49 0.82 Table I shows that the additions of fluid to the article of Example 1 were absorbed almost instantaneously, each of the ten additions being absorbed in less than 2 seconds. On the other hand, the article of the Comparative Example, made with an absorbent transfer layer, absorbed the first addition of saline in J ¥) approximately 5 seconds, but subsequent additions required 8 to 11.5 seconds for full penetration. Likewise, the superabsorbent POISE protection required only 5 seconds to absorb the first 20 ml portion of saline; however, for this product the time of penetration increased in each addition until the tenth addition that required almost 20 seconds to penetrate the product. The - additional absorbency pad POISE required between approximately 7.7 and 11.5 seconds to absorb each fluid addition. The product of the invention, modalized in the article of Example 1, clearly had a much faster penetration time, even after multiple additions of fluid. It is desired that the absorbent articles can absorb multiple fluid additions rapidly, since the Fluid frequently leaves the body in multiple discharges. Absorbent articles that have longer penetration times may allow the fluid to puddle on the "* upper surface for a few seconds before it is absorbed and immobilized by the article.When the fluid is lying on the surface of the article, it can drain freely from the surface and onto the user's fabric, therefore, the penetration times more Rapids are preferred to prevent fluid from leaking from the product.

Surface Moisture Test The surface moisture test measures the amount of fluid that is squeezed through the surface facing the body of a wet absorbent article under a pressure of approximately 0.035 kg / cm2. The test is performed placing an article on a flat surface with the surface facing the body facing upwards. A separation funnel is suspended on the article with the bottom tip of the funnel positioned at a distance of 2.54 cm from the surface of the article. The funnel is used to supply 200 ml of test fluid at a rate of 20 ml / minute on the top surface of the article. The test fluid comprises 1.59% saline solution with a surface tension of 62.26 dynes. The fluid that drains from the sides of the article is captured and weighed to determine the overflow of the pad. After 15 seconds, a pre-weighed filter pad is placed on the surface facing the body of the article, and a pressure of 0.035 kg / cm2 is applied to the top of the filter pad for 2 minutes. The wet filter pad is then weighed. The difference between the weight of the wet filter pad and the weight of the dry filter pad determines the amount of fluid absorbed. If the amount absorbed is less than 1 gram, the test is completed. If the amount is greater than 1 gram, another pre-weighed dry filter pad is placed on the surface facing the body of the article, and the 0.035 kg / cm2 pressure is applied to the filter pad for 2 minutes. The wet filter pad is then removed and weighed to determine the amount of fluid absorbed. If the amount of fluid absorbed is less than 1 gram, the test is completed. If the amount of fluid absorbed is greater than 1 gram, the test is continued in the same manner until the wet filter pad has absorbed less than 1 gram of fluid. When the test is completed, the total amount of fluid absorbed from all the filter pads is added to the amount of the pad overflow and this sum is reported as the surface moisture.

TABLE II Surface Humidity Example 1 Example Protection Compatibility Pad of Super-Absorbency Additional Absorbency P0ISET M POISE ™ Humidity Des. Humidity Des. Humidity Des. Humidity Des. from suesdan from suestánde suestánde his- are- perfidar to perfidar perfidar pe rfidar cieci cie (9) (g) (g) (g) 10.31 1.00 63.41 6.59 86.33 6.13 64.19 6.40 * Table II shows the moisture data of surface for 5 samples each of the article of Example I, POISE superabsorbent protections and additional POISE absorbency pads. The data for the comparative example is a result of the test of three samples. Both POISE articles demonstrated fluid overflow during the test, but no example had fluid overflow. In addition, POISE articles and the comparative example had much higher surface moisture values than those of Example 1. It is desired that the absorbent articles demonstrate low surface humidity for user comfort.

Any fluid that remains on the surface facing the body of the article can easily drain from the article to stain the user's clothes, or to moisten the wearer's skin. Skin that is in prolonged contact with body fluid is susceptible to irritation and infection. Besides, the The humidity of the article against the user's skin is uncomfortable for the user. The article of Example 1, with a non-absorbent transfer layer, had reduced surface moisture on a similar article with an absorbent transfer layer and on commercially available products of similar size. The descriptive memory and the modalities are presented to help cope rather than limit the understanding of the invention described herein. Since many variations and embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from its writing and scope, the invention is based on the appended claims.

Claims (27)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION # CLAIMS

1. An absorbent structure having a longitudinal axis and comprising a substantially continuous absorbent mat having first and second opposite side edges disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structure, the absorbent mat "comprising an absorbent layer in liquid communication with a layer transfer comprising a non-absorbent material wherein: 1) the absorbent layer defines an absorbent layer surface and the transfer layer defines an opposing transfer layer surface, 2) the first edge of said absorbent mat is arranged and configured wherein a region of the surface of the transfer layer near the first edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form an increased first portion; 3) the second edge of said absorbent mat is arranged and configured where a region of the surface of the next transfer layer the second edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a second, increased portion.

2. The absorbent structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that the mk transfer layer has at least one window provided therein at a predetermined site, thus exposing the absorbent layer at the site.

3. The absorbent structure according to claim 2, further characterized in that the structure has first and second ends subetancialmente perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the window (at least one) being located in at least one of the first and second side walls adjacent to at least one of the first and second increased portions.

4. The absorbent structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that the absorbent layer has a central line and the increased portions substantially support one another as 15 along the center line of the absorbent layer.

5. The absorbent structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that the transfer layer has a first longitudinal dimension and the absorbent layer has a second longitudinal dimension, the second longitudinal dimension being greater than the first longitudinal dimension.

6. The absorbent structure according to claim 5, further characterized in that the transfer layer is substantially longitudinally centered. 25 under the absorbent layer to form absorbent layer extensions wherein the absorbent layer extends beyond the transfer layer.

7. The absorbent structure according to claim 6, further characterized in that the absorbent layer contains superabsorbent particles.

8. The absorbent structure according to claim 6, further characterized in that the extensions of the absorbent layer are compressed.

9. The absorbent structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that the portion The increased ftrrr comprises at least three layers of the absorbent mat.

10. An absorbent article comprising: a fluid-permeable layer facing the body and a fluid barrier layer facing the garment; the layer 15 ^ fluid permeable and the fluid barrier layer substantially enclosing an absorbent structure, the absorbent structure having a longitudinal axis and comprising a substantially continuous absorbent mat having first and second side edges arranged 20 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structure, the absorbent mat comprising an absorbent layer in liquid communication with a transfer layer comprising a non-absorbent material wherein: 1) the absorbent layer defines an absorbent layer surface 25 and the transfer layer defines an opposite transfer layer surface; 2) the first edge of said absorbent mat is arranged and configured wherein a region of the surface of the transfer layer near the first edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a first increased portion; 3) the second edge of said absorbent mat is arranged and configured wherein a region of the surface of the transfer layer next to the second edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form an increased second portion, 4) the first and second portions or increments define a cavity therebetween, and the cavity is disposed towards the fluid permeable layer.

11. The absorbent structure according to claim 10, further characterized in that the transferase layer has at least one window provided therein at a predetermined site, thus exposing the absorbent layer at the site.

12. The absorbent structure according to claim 11, further characterized in that the structure has first and second ends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the window (at least one) being located in at least one of the first and second side walls adjacent to at least one of the first and second increased ends.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the transfer layer has a first longitudinal dimension and the? The absorbent layer has a second longitudinal dimension that is greater than the first longitudinal dimension.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 13, further characterized in that the transfer layer is substantially longitudinally centered under the absorbent layer to form extensions of absorbent layer wherein the absorbent layer extends beyond the transfer layer.

15. The absorbent article according to ILG * 'claim 14, further characterized in that the extensions of the absorbent layer are densified.

16. The absorbent article according to claim 13, further characterized in that the layer * Absorbent ~ has a centerline and lots 15 substantially increased support one another along the center line of the absorbent layer.

17. The absorbent article according to claim 10, further characterized in that it comprises elastic means substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

18. An absorbent article comprising: a fluid-permeable layer facing the body and a fluid-facing barrier layer facing the garment, the fluid-permeable layer and the fluid barrier layer substantially enclosing an absorbent structure , the absorbent structure having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second continuous absorbent absorbers, each mat having first and second opposite edges disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structure, the absorbent mat comprising a layer absorbent in liquid communication 5 with a transfer layer comprising a non-absorbent material wherein: 1) the absorbent layer defines an absorbent layer surface and the transfer layer defines an opposite transfer layer surface of each absorbent mat; 2) the first edge of the first absorbent mat LLCG is arranged and configured wherein a region of the surface of the transfer layer near the first edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a first increased portion; 3) the * • Second edge of the first absorbent mat is arranged and 15 configured wherein a region of the surface of the transfer layer near the second edge contacts a r region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a second increased portion, 4) the first and second increased portions of the first mat absorbent define a 20 cavity therebetween, 5) the first edge of the second abetorbent mat is arranged and configured wherein a region of the surface of the transference layer next to the first edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a first portion 25 increased; 6) the second edge of the second absorbent mat is arranged and configured wherein a region of fm the surface of the transfer layer near the second edge contacts a region of the surface of the absorbent layer to form a second increased portion, 7) the first and second increased portions of the second absorbent mat 5 define a second recess therebetween, 8) the second absorbent mat is disposed within the cavity of the first absorbent mat; and the fluid-impermeable layer is disposed towards the first and second cavities.

19. An absorbent structure comprising: a IUJ 'absorbent mat, the absorbent mat comprising a transfer layer having side edges, the transfer layer comprising non-absorbent fibers, and an absorbent layer having side edges; and side walls * ~ substantially coiled; where the lateral edges of 15 ^ the transfer layer and the absorbent layer are completely enclosed within the substantially coiled side walls jjj.

20. The absorbent structure according to claim 19, further characterized in that the absorbent layer 0 has a central line and the wound side walls substantially abut one another along the center line of the absorbent layer.

21. The absorbent structure according to claim 19, further characterized in that the transfer layer has a first longitudinal dimension and the absorbent layer has a second longitudinal dimension, the rt second longitudinal dimension being greater than the first longitudinal dimension.

22. The absorbent structure according to claim 21, further characterized in that the transfer layer is substantially longitudinally centered under the absorbent layer to form extensions of absorbent layer wherein the absorbent layer extends beyond the transfer layer.

23.- The absorbent structure in accordance with the XO claim 22, further characterized in that the absorbent layer contains superabsorbent particles.

24. The abject structure according to claim 22, further characterized in that the extensions r- of the absorbent layer are compressed.

25.- A method for making an absorbent structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mat-absorbent, comprising a transfer layer defining a surface of the transfer layer defining a surface of the absorbent layer; roll up substantially 20 inwards a first edge of the absorbent mat to form a first side wall, the first edge being completely contained within the first side wall; and substantially rolling in a second edge of the absorbent mat to form a second side wall, the 25 second edge being completely contained within the second side wall.

26. - The method of compliance with the claim < # 25, further characterized in that the first and second side walls overlap the surface of the absorbent layer.

27. The method according to claim 25, further characterized in that it comprises the step of compressing at least one end of the absorbent structure. 28.- A method for making an absorbent structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a continuous transfer layer having separate windows cut in J? sites rdede rminadoe; provide a continuous absorbent layer; combining the transfer layer and the absorbent layer to form an absorbent mat, the absorbent mat comprising a surface of the radiation layer and a surface of the absorbent layer; roll up substantially 15 # inwards a first edge of the absorbent mat to form a first side wall, the first edge being - completely contained within the first side wall; and substantially rolling in a second edge of the absorbent mat to form a second side wall, the Second edge being completely contained within the second side wall; wherein the side walls bring the surface of the absorbent layer, and portions of the absorbent layer are exposed through the separate windows of the transfer layer; and cut the absorbent mat to 25 through the separate windows to form individual absorbent structures.