MXPA01010161A - Absorbent article with improved combination of skin feel and fluid handling - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, diapers, adult incontinence pads and briefs, and the like having an improved combination of skin feel and fluid handling properties, such as fluid acquisition and retention. This improved combination is provided by structures where the absorbent core has a high capillary pressure which helps the core to rapidly acquire bodily fluids deposited on the body surface of the absorbent article and to retain such fluids after they have been acquired. Absorbent gelling materials with reduced gel blocking are a preferred core component that aids in fluid retention by providing an osmotic fluid retention mechanism. The topsheets of the present invention cooperate with the core by being both fluid permeable and providing a barrier to rewet of acquired fluids. The topsheet also has a multiplicity of fibrils that create the body surface of the absorbent article. These fibrils are disposed at a density and have dimensions and mechanical properties such that the body surface has a soft, velutinous body feel.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED COMBINATION OF SKIN SENSATION AND FLUID HANDLING The present is a continuation in part of the application serial No. 60 / 128,267 filed in the name of Walker, and others on April 8, 1999, pending, which is a continuation in part of the application Serial No. 08 / 832,715 filed in the name of Ouelette, and others on April 11, 1997, pending, which is a continuation of the application Serial No. 08 / 442,935 filed on May 31, 1995, abandoned, which is a continuation in part of the application Serial No. 08 / 326,571 filed on October 20, 1994, abandoned, which is a continuation in part of the application Serial No. 08 / 268,404 filed on June 30, 1994, abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, diapers, pads and incontinence pads for adults, and the like, which have an improved combination of skin feel and fluid handling properties, such as acquisition and fluid retention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence pads and tampons, tampons, and the like are well known and are widely used to absorb body exudates such as urine, feces and menstruation. Typical disposable absorbent articles often comprise a liquid-permeable body-side liner and an underlying absorbent core. The absorbent core may be sandwiched between the body-side liner and a liquid-impermeable backsheet, the backsheet of which serves to protect garments and skin from contact with the absorbed bodily discharges. Typically the side-to-body liners may comprise a top sheet such as a film formed with openings or a non-woven top sheet layer. A side-to-body liner may comprise a multi-layered structure such as a top sheet in liquid communication with a secondary top sheet (which is also sometimes referred to as a distribution layer, a load handling layer, a layer absorption by capillarity, or similar term). In order to meet the fluid handling needs of a user, such absorbent articles need to rapidly remove the deposited body exudates from the surface that is in contact with the body of the absorbent article (acquisition) and retain said acquired fluids away from the surface. of body (retention or prevention of rewetting). Typically, fluid handling performance of an absorbent article represents a balance between acquisition requirements and fluid retention requirements (rewet prevention). In general, the properties of the core and the upper sheet interact to determine the equilibrium. Users of absorbent articles have other needs that must also be met to a greater extent possible. For example, the surface that is in contact with the body of the absorbent article should be as benevolent to the skin as possible. Skin friendliness includes properties such as softness, compression ability, non-retention of fluid adjacent to the skin, containing non-irritating components, not clogging the skin to cause a hot, sweaty feeling. For users of catamenial products, it is also important that the menstruation that has been absorbed by the nucleus be hidden from sight as much as possible (concealment). Properties of this type, while there is some performance requirement for the core, depend more on the performance of the top sheet. The core of the typical absorbent article described above has two basic requirements: drain the top sheet of the deposited fluids and bring these fluids to the absorbent core for storage, and resist the subsequent release of the fluid previously absorbed as a result of the pressure exerted on the core or on the article as a whole (ie, avoid "squeezing" the core) which may cause re-wetting of the body surface) . Other considerations, such as the overall capacity of the absorbent core, its thickness, and its stiffness are also important with respect to the design of superior absorbent articles. A wide variety of fibrous web structures suitable for use as core components are known in the art, and many of these have attempted to provide high capillary pressure and other desirable properties. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,009,650 and 4,699,619 both issued to Bernardin. The devices of Bernardin incorporate a layer of pulp fiber mainly of soft wood that is on a layer of fiber of pulp mainly of hard wood. However, the Bernardin device does not achieve the benefits of elevated capillary pressure and fluid retention shown by the present invention. Additionally, Bernardin's device fails to incorporate superabsorbent particles throughout the entire layer. The use of two-component fibers for improved retention properties is also not described. The topsheet of the absorbent articles preferably allows the deposited fluids to rapidly penetrate the surface thereof (ie, the topsheet must exhibit high liquid penetration). Additionally, once the upper sheet penetrates the fluids, they should not flow back to the surface of the liner (ie, the upper sheet should inhibit rewetting). The preferred top sheets are also as soft, comfortable, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin as possible. The technique has continuously tried to improve the properties of the top sheet to address those needs. For example, one approach of the prior art has been to use a top sheet comprising an apertured, formed thermoplastic film web. The commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al. On August 3, 1982, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a film formed representative of this variety. Said frames utilize the transport of capillary fluid to drive the fluid away from a surface (which is in contact with the user) to and through the web by means of the three-dimensional capillaries formed in the material, and then to the underlying absorbent structure. In order to deal with the problems of the consumer with respect to the appearance and the plastic-like feel, the thermoplastic film webs formed with openings have been developed which also include a microscopic surface texture (micro texture) and / or microscopic openings (micro openings) to further increase the visual and tactile impression of said frames. Representative film webs of this variety are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. On July 31, 1984, and 4,629,643 issued December 16, 1986 to Curro et al., Disclosures. of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Although said top sheets of formed film have enjoyed wide commercial success, many users still perceive them as being similar to plastic and not particularly soft. Another approach of the prior art is the use of non-woven webs as a material of the topsheet. For example, non-woven materials are said to have the desirable skin feel benefits compared to the aforementioned formed film topsheet materials as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-119012 issued to name of Kao Corp. on May 9, 1995. Although the fibrous nature of such non-woven top sheets may have some of the desirable skin feel benefits, non-woven materials are widely known to be deficient in avoiding rewetting. One approach to combining the benefits of formed film materials and non-woven materials has been to use a fibrous material as a cover or laminate on a formed film. The representative structures of the superior sheet of this variety are disclosed in the Mandatory Invention Register H1670 published in the name of Aziz and others on the 1st. July 1997, which describes non-woven materials that cover the formed film material; and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 744,892 filed in the name of Sugahara on November 8, 1996 and published as WO 93/09744 on May 27, 1993, which describes a structure having a central region comprising a formed film and regions laterally on the outside where a nonwoven material lies on the formed film; the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In addition to the transport through the formed film, the wefts of this variety also exhibit capillary fluid transport characteristics by means of the three-dimensional capillaries formed by the inter-fiber spaces, also driving the fluid away from the surface that is in contact with the user and towards the underlying absorbent structure. Said webs may exhibit a surface appearance similar to the fabric, aesthetically pleasing, and a tactile impression due to the fibrous nature of the surface. However, as will be recognized, such webs are much more expensive than a top sheet comprising a unitary material both because of the additional material used to produce the laminated web and the additional processing steps required for production. In addition, such wefts may still be deficient in fluid handling because the fluids may be "cornered" in the small interfiber capillaries of the non-woven portion such that they remain close to the surface in contact with the body. The technique has also attempted to provide the fluid handling benefits of the three-dimensional capillaries discussed above while reducing the plastic-like feel of such films formed using the apertured (unformed) film that attaches to an underlying nonwoven layer in a way to provide a series of high peaks that are separated by valleys. Such structures are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,536,555 issued in the name of Zelazoski, and others on July 16, 1996 and in PCT Application Serial No. WO 97/02133 published in the name of Kimberly-Clark Corporation January 23, 1997. Although such structures can reduce the contact area between the upper sheet material and the user's body, a film material is still in contact with the user with the feeling similar to the resulting plastic. Such materials also have the cost disadvantages of the laminate materials discussed above. U.S. Patent No. 5,643,240 issued to Jackson et al. On the 1st. July 1997 discloses body side liners (top sheets) for absorbent articles having a multiple layer structure with an apertured film layer superimposed on a nonwoven web where the film layer and the nonwoven web have properties, such that when the layers are used in combination, an absorbent article using said side-to-body layer is said to have a good penetration rate and a good rewet. However, when the penetration rate and the rewet values claimed for the claimed absorbent article are compared with the values for the absorbent article of the prior art having a formed film topsheet that the reference examples are described, the The performance of the prior art article and the claimed article are very similar. Also, since the surface that is in contact with the body of the '240 patent is a formed film, the deficiencies of the body feel of the formed films discussed above would also be present. Therefore there is a continuing need for improved absorbent articles that combine improved fluid handling characteristics with improved body feel. As noted above, the desired characteristics of the topsheet and the absorbent core are related. For example, a core exhibiting a high capillary pressure capacity will also have an increased tendency to drain fluids from the top sheet, thereby aiding the top sheet in inhibiting rewetting. Consequently, the design of a total absorbent article may involve several exchanges in design considerations. For example, absorbent cores having high capillary pressure and upper sheets having an improved balance of skin feel and fluid handling performance can be combined as described herein. In other words, using a core of the present invention and the topsheets of the present invention, absorbent articles having both improved skin feel and fluid handling properties are contemplated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, diapers, pads and incontinence pads for adults, and the like having an improved combination of skin feel and fluid handling properties, such as acquisition and retention of fluid. Said improved properties are achieved by combining improved cores with improved top sheets. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have a droplet acquisition time of less than about 35 seconds, a penetration time of less than about 55 seconds, and a re-humidity of less than 30 milligrams, and a result of panel softness. between 30 and 60 PSU. These properties are provided by combining improved absorbent core structures with superior sheet design that have improved skin feel and fluid handling properties. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved cores comprise a multiplicity of fibers of hardwood pulp, a multiplicity of soft wood pulp, and superabsorbent particles. Both types of fiber and the superabsorbent particles are present in a substantially uniform mixture throughout the web which is a weft structure placed with air. The hardwood pulp fibers may preferably comprise eucalyptus fibers, which eucalyptus fibers are preferably from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the web. The softwood pulp fibers may preferably comprise southern softwood kraft fibers, which fibers are preferably from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the web. Alternatively, the fibers of the pulp can also be combined with two-component thermoplastic fibers. Preferred top sheets according to the present invention have improved skin feel with excellent fluid handling properties. The upper sheets are permeable to the fluid but provide a barrier to rewet. The top sheets according to the present invention also preferably have a multiplicity of fibrils projecting above the underlying surface of the upper sheet material where the fibrils create, which produces a smooth, velvety surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an absorbent article in the form of a sanitary napkin, which includes an absorbent core and an upper sheet according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3- 3 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The absorbent article The present invention relates to absorbent articles having an improved combination of surface sensation and fluid handling properties. Absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, diapers, pads and incontinence pads for adults, panty-protectors, and the like, as described herein, generally comprise three basic structural components. A component is a backsheet substantially impermeable to liquid. At the top of this backsheet there is disposed an absorbent core such as any of the structures of the present invention described herein. At the top of this absorbent core and attached to the backsheet at least around the periphery of the absorbent article is a fluid-permeable top sheet. Optionally, at least one acquisition component (sometimes also referred to as the fluid distribution layer) can be located between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The present invention utilizes the novel combinations of top sheets and absorbent cores to provide absorbent articles having the aforementioned improved combination of fluid handling and surface feel. The absorbent articles of the prior art have been able to provide any, but not both of these properties in an article. In particular, the absorbent articles of the present invention have rapid fluid acquisition (low penetration and drop acquisition times) and low rewet (low amount of wet again) in combination with excellent softness. Example 1 below compares the fluid handling properties and the softness of various embodiments of the present invention with absorbent articles illustrative of the prior art. These examples clearly show the improved performance of the absorbent articles of the present invention. As noted above, the absorbent articles of the present invention generally provide rapid acquisition of bodily fluids that are deposited thereon. Although fluid acquisition can be assessed in many ways using a variety of test fluids, methods for the time of drop acquisition and the liquid penetration time, given in the Analytical Methods section below, are believed to provide information Useful about the ability of the absorbent article to quickly acquire bodily fluids. Both methods determine the time required for a sample to acquire a controlled volume of fluid that is rapidly deposited on the body surface of the sample. As such, a suitable absorbent article according to the present invention has a droplet acquisition time of less than about 35 seconds, preferably less than about 30 seconds, more preferably 25 seconds, still more preferably less than about 20 seconds, and very preferred less than about 15 seconds. Similarly, a suitable absorbent article according to the present invention will have a liquid penetration time of less than about 60 seconds, preferably less than about 55 seconds, and most preferably less than about 50 seconds. The absorbent articles according to the present invention also inhibit the absorbed body fluids from moving from the interior of the absorbent article back to the body surface thereof when the absorbent article is exposed to the forces due to the movements of the user to reduce the rewetted The migrant moisture test described in the Analytical Methods section below is a laboratory measurement of the rewet. The test describes a method that determines the amount of absorbed test fluid that returns to the surface of a sample after it has absorbed a controlled amount of fluid and is then loaded with controlled pressure. When evaluated according to this method a suitable absorbent article according to the present invention has a migrating moisture of less than about 40 milligrams, preferably less than 320 milligrams, more preferably less than 20 milligrams. The absorbent articles of the present invention also have a desirable skin feel. Although not bound by theory, it is believed that the primary contributor to the skin feel of the absorbent articles of the present invention is the interaction between the wearer's skin and the body surface of the absorbent article. As discussed in detail below, it is believed that the body surface has a soft, velvety texture, due to a multiplicity of fibrils projecting above the underlying structure of the upper sheet material and a compressible surface, which is contact with the body of low density.

Although the present invention is suitable for all types of absorbent articles, including baby diapers and adult incontinence products, it will be illustrated in a particularly preferred embodiment, a catamenial pad, sanitary napkin 20, shown in Figure 1. As used herein, the term "sanitary napkin" refers to an absorbent article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudendal region, generally external to the genitourinary region, and which is intended to absorb and contain the fluids. Menstrual and other vaginal discharges from the user's body (eg, blood, menstruation, and urine) are also within the scope of this invention, the interlabial devices that reside partially within and partially external to the wearer's vestibule. As used herein, the term "pudendo" refers to the externally visible female genital organs. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other feminine or catamenial hygiene pads such as pantiliners, or other absorbent articles such as incontinence pads, tampons and the like. Figure 1 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention in its flattened state with parts of the structure that are cut away to more clearly show the construction of the sanitary napkin 20. The part of the sanitary napkin 20 that gives towards or in contact with the user 20 is oriented towards the observer. As shown in Figure 1, the sanitary napkin 20 preferably comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet 21, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 23 bonded to the upper sheet 21, and an absorbent core 25 of the present invention placed on the upper sheet. 21 and the backsheet 23. The sanitary napkin 20 illustrated in Figure 1 is a simplified absorbent article that can represent a sanitary napkin before being placed in an undergarment of the wearer. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the particular type or configuration of the sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1. The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a surface that is in contact with the body or "surface" of the sanitary napkin. body "20A and a garment surface. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in Figure 1 as seen from its body surface. The body surface is intended to be worn adjacent to the wearer's body while the garment surface is on the opposite side and is intended to be placed adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the sanitary towel 20 is worn. sanitary napkin 20 has two center lines, a longitudinal center line "L" and a transverse center line "T". The term "longitudinal" as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin is worn 20. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 also shows that the sanitary napkin 20 has a periphery 30 which is defined by the outer edges of the sanitary napkin 20 in which the longitudinal edges (or "side edges") are designated 26 and the end edges (or " "ends") are designated 28. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably symmetric with respect to both longitudinal and transverse but asymmetric centerlines about one of the centerlines that is within the scope of the invention. The sanitary napkin 20 preferably includes side flaps or "wings" 34 that are folded around the crotch portion of the wearer's panties. The side flaps 34 can serve a number of purposes, including, but not limited to, protecting the wearer's panties against staining and keeping the sanitary towel secured to the wearer's panties. Although the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations (including the so-called "tube" products or side flap products), preferred configurations of the sanitary napkin are generally described. in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984; U.S. Patent No. 4,321,924 issued to Ahr on March 30, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 in which the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of the absorbent core 25. The topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 25 to thereby form not only portions of the periphery but also the side flaps. As best seen from Figure 1, the backsheet 23 and the topsheet 21 are positioned adjacent the garment surface and the body surface, respectively, of the sanitary napkin 20 and are preferably bonded together to form a perimeter 30. For example, the backsheet 23 and the top sheet 21 can be secured together by a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines, spirals or spots of adhesive. The adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H.B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, MN under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031. Alternatively, the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 can be joined together by thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical dynamic bonding, or any other suitable method for joining top and back sheets known in the art. Figures 1 to 3 show the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin comprises at least three main components.

These include a liquid-permeable upper sheet 38, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 40, an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. Preferably, the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 also comprises at least one optional acquisition component 44. The acquisition component 44 may be any of a separate component placed between the topsheet 38 and the absorbent core 42, or it may comprise part of a composite top sheet or part of the absorbent core 42.

The upper sheet The topsheet 38 is a liquid permeable component that allows liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. The topsheet 38 is preferably docile, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. As distinguished above, preferred top sheets according to the present invention have both excellent skin feel and fluid handling properties. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the body surface of the topsheet 38 is hydrophilic in such a manner that liquids will be transferred more rapidly through the topsheet. This decreases the likelihood that the body fluids will flow out of the topsheet instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the absorbent core 42. The body surface of the topsheet 38 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. Suitable methods of treating a topsheet with a surfactant are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,254 issued to Osborn and in U.S. Patent No. 5,520,875 issued to Wnuk, and others on May 28, 1996. Particularly preferred surfactant materials are disclosed in the co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Serial No. 09 / 287,986 filed in Stone's name on April 8, 1999. Preferred upper sheets 38 in accordance with the present invention achieve their desirable balance of skin feel and fluid handling properties by having means such that the bodily fluids that are deposited on the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 pass rapidly through the topsheet 38 for the absorption by the absorbent core 42. Said preferred top sheets also provide a barrier that inhibits said fluids from flowing. two absorbed move in the opposite direction when the sanitary towel 20 is exposed to forces due to the movements of the wearer to minimize the rewet. The topsheet also has the desirable properties of the skin feel as provided by a multiplicity of fibrils projecting above the underlying structure of the upper sheet material where the fibrils originate to provide a substantially uniform softness and feel silky to the skin. An upper sheet 38 suitable to be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials, polymeric materials such as formed thermoplastic films, with openings, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be composed of synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers). These suitable top sheets can also be composite structures comprising either a layer of thermoplastic film formed as a fibrous layer or two layers of thermoplastic film which are subsequently formed. As noted above, said preferred top sheets 38 are permeable to liquid to provide for the rapid penetration of bodily fluids deposited for absorption by means of the core 42. One means of achieving this rapid penetration is to provide a multiplicity of openings through the top sheet Said upper sheets with openings are described in greater detail in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Serial No. 08/832, 715, which describes formed films having separate microscopic depositions of a material with low surface energy thereon and in U.S. patent application Serial No. 09 / 217,736 filed in the name of Curro and others on 21 December 1998, which describes a laminate of a nonwoven material with openings and an apertured thermoplastic film, formed. Preferably, the surface that is in contact with the body is provided with a plurality of discrete, discontinuous, microscopic regions comprising deposits of a material with low surface energy. The deposits have a surface energy that is less than the surface energy of the underlying polymer substrate that creates a gradient of surface energy between the deposits and the underlying substrate. This gradient of surface energy exerts a force on the fluid that is in contact with the surface that is in contact with the body of the upper sheet to direct the fluids away from the surface that is in contact with the body and through the upper sheet for absorption by means of the core 42. Said surface deposits are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,025,049 issued to Ouelette et al. on February 15, 2000.

Although an upper sheet 38 can have rapid penetration (i.e., rapid movement of the fluid from the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 to the core 42), it is also important for the purposes of the present invention that a suitable upper sheet 38 it also inhibits the rewetting of said acquired fluids. As is well known, the movement of the wearer applies forces to the absorbent articles which can cause the movement of fluid from the core to the body surface of the article which can cause the fluids to re-wet the body surface. Rewetting can be inhibited by providing a barrier to said inverted fluid flow towards the body surface. This barrier can take many forms. For example, the structures described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 use capillary sizes to partially inhibit the reverse flow of the fluid. In addition, the formed film webs disclosed therein are somewhat resistant to the shear forces caused by body movement and provide some separation between the body surface and the upper part of the absorbent core. Another means to inhibit rewetting is to provide a surface chemical barrier for the reverse fluid flow. The surface energy gradients disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,025,049 and the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 832,715 are believed to provide said surface chemical barrier for rewetting. In addition to the fluid handling properties discussed above, the topsheets of the present invention have the desirable skin feel. As noted above, it is believed that said desirable sensation to the skin is due to the presence of multiplicity of fibrils projecting above the underlying surface of the upper sheet material where the fibrils originate. These fibrils produce a soft, velvety surface, which makes contact with the wearer's body and increases the sensation to the skin of the upper sheet. Depending on the structure of the upper sheet 38, said fibrils may comprise the micro-openings discussed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,025,049 or part of the fibers of a non-woven structure that can extend above the volume of the structure. This softness is easily perceived by touch evaluation. As clearly seen in Examples 1 and 2, when the upper sheets 38 according to the present invention are evaluated for softness using the panel softness method given in the Analytical Methods section below, the people who classify evaluate the upper sheets 38 of the present invention very high. Suitably, an absorbent article using a topsheet 38 according to the present invention has a smoothness that is considered to be between about 30 units of the panel result (PSU) and about 60 PSU. Preferably, the softness rating is between about 30 PSU and about 60 PSU. More preferably, the smoothness is between about 40 PSU and about 60 PSU. The fibrils provide a compressibility to the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 because these towels are above the underlying surface of the upper sheet material. How this compressibility will be recognized depends both on the dimensions of the individual fibrils and on the mechanical properties of the fibrils. The thickness test under load described in the Analytical Methods section below evaluates both of these contributors to provide a global response that relates to this aspect of the sensation to the body. As you can see there, this method measures the force required to compress a sample by the approximate length of the fibrils. Therefore, samples having a low compressibility value are believed to be particularly preferred because of their "comfortable" feel. The data of the illustrative compression capacity is given in Example 2 which compares the top sheets according to the present invention with several top sheets of the prior art. Suitably, an upper sheet according to the present invention has a compression capacity of less than about 400 grams / cm 3. Preferably, the compression capacity is less than about 375 grams / cm 3, more preferably less than about 350 grams / cm 3. This compression capacity is believed to be due to a region of the top sheet that is defined by the volume that lies between the underlying surface of the top sheet material and the distant ends of the fibrils. As will be recognized, because this region is occupied only by the material comprising the fibrils, the region has a low density. A method to determine this surface density is given in the thickness under load method described in the Analytical Methods section below. The reason that the compression capacity of this region is low is because only the material that resists compression is the material that comprises the fibrils. As the compression continues to lead the fibrils into closer contact so that the density in the region begins to approximate the density of the underlying upper sheet material, the compressive force must, of necessity, increase. It has been found that a material having a surface density that is less than about 0.035 gram / cm2 has the desirable softness. Preferably, the surface density is less than about 0.03 gram / cm 3. The fibrils that provide said desirable surface sensation to the top sheets according to the present invention can be provided using some means. Suitable means include: hydroforming as described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,629,643; body surfaces comprising a non-woven material as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Serial No. 08 / 832,715; perching and separation of the softened polymeric material from model or pattern as disclosed in PCT application Serial No. WO 99/06623 published in the name of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company on February 1, 1999; printing a thermal fusion material on the body surface as described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,763,044 issued to Ahr et al. on June 9, 1998; brushed; and other means as would be known by those who have experience in the art. The topsheets 38 having the particularly preferred combination of fluid handling and skin feel include: materials formed of thermoplastic film having a plurality of macroabsorb and a multiplicity of micro openings wherein the seating area between the micro openings and the macro openings it is also provided by a plurality of discrete, discontinuous, microscopic regions comprising deposits of a low surface energy material. Said structure creates a gradient of surface energy between the deposits and the underlying polymer structure of the film formed as described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,025,049; nonwoven materials having deposits of a low surface energy material that creates a gradient of surface energy between the deposits and the underlying polymer structure of the nonwoven material as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 832,715 filed in the name of Ouelette et al. On April 1, 1997 and in United States Patent No. 5,792,404 issued to Cree et al. On August 1, 1998. The disclosure of each of which are incorporated here by reference. Other materials suitable for use as the topsheet 38 include the nonwoven materials provided with openings in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097 issued to the name of Benson et al. On May 13, 1997; the laminate of a non-woven material and of a thermoplastic formed film with openings, the non-woven material having deposits of a low surface energy material which creates a gradient of surface energy between the deposits and the underlying polymeric structure of the non-woven material as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/761, 905 filed in the name of Bien on December 5, 1996 and in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 217,736; the permanently hydrophilic formed film materials described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 344,161 filed in the name of Lee et al. on June 24, 1999; and the micro-textured, textured polymeric film webs, which are described in the U.S. patent application Serial No. and the apertured polymeric webs having a multiplicity of three-dimensional surface structures as described in the US Pat. United States Serial No., both filed in the name of Lee and others on April 7, 2000 (Case P &G Nos. 801 1 and 8012 respectively, the applicant will add the presentation information when known). The disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The back sheet The backsheet 40 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained within the absorbent core 42 from wetting the articles that are in contact with the sanitary napkin such as underpants, pajamas and undergarments. The backsheet 40 is preferably resistant to the flow of liquids, and is more preferably impermeable to liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine). The backsheet 40 is preferably manufactured from a flexible material. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are docile and that will easily conform to the figure and general contour of the human body. The backsheet 40 may comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet 40 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. The backsheet 40 can be finished in highlight and / or dull to provide a more fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet 40 can allow the vapors of the absorbent core 42 (ie, breathable) to escape while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 40. A suitable material from the backsheet is obtained as the product No. 18-1401 by the Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, OH. A suitable breathable backsheet material is a laminate of an apertured film such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson which is inverted such that the smaller openings of the tapered capillaries face the absorbent core 42, which is adhesively laminated to a microporous film such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,777,073 to Exxon.

The absorbent core The absorbent core 42 may be any absorbent means that is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine). A suitable core for the purposes of the present invention has a high affinity for said liquids. Because of this high affinity, the absorbent core 42 is particularly effective in removing said liquids from the topsheet 38 and in retaining the acquired liquids. The structures suitable for the core 42 have a high capillary pressure which allows the core 42 to effectively remove liquids that are deposited on the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 through the topsheet 38 for storage. Suitable core structures also retain fluids either because of their elevated capillary desorption pressure or because the core structure also comprises a superabsorbent material that can store fluids acquired by osmotic means. As noted above, the cores 42 of the present invention, because of their high capillary absorption pressure, can dry the upper sheet 38 more completely than the cores con tain a lower capillary absorption pressure. A method for measuring the absorption pressure is provided in the Analytical Methods section below. Because the cores 42 have a particularly high absorption pressure, they are very effective in acquiring fluids that are deposited on the topsheet 38. Suitably, the average absorption pressure is at least about 7 cm. Preferably, the average absorption pressure is at least 10 cm; more preferably, at least about 12 cm. Typically, the average absorption pressure is between about 7 cm and about 25 cm. More typically, the average absorption pressure is between about 10 cm and about 25 cm. The absorbent core 42 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetrical, etc.). The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 42 can also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core can have zones of varying gauge (e.g., profiled to be thicker in the center), or may comprise one or more layers or structures). The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core must, however, be compatible with the design load the intended use of the sanitary napkin. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core can be varied to encompass the different uses such as incontinence pads, panty pads, regular sanitary napkins, or nighttime sanitary napkins. A wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles are suitable for the manufacture of the absorbent core 42, such as blends comprising ground wood pulp which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include meltblown polymers including coform; chemically hardened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as pleated polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core can also be varied (for example, the absorbent core can have variable zones of gauge (for example, profiled to be thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or acquisition zones with density minor and average average base weight, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). A particularly preferred absorbent core 42 according to the present invention utilizes a combination of hardwood pulp fibers and softwood pulp fibers in a fibrous web placed with air. The incorporation of the hardwood fibers in the combinations described allows for increased capillary pressure and improved fluid distribution compared to absorbent webs without said fiber content. Additionally, by making the structure a structure placed with air, it is possible to incorporate particulate superabsorbent material throughout the core 42 and gain control of the improved stiffness over the resulting core as compared to the prior art. Accordingly, the absorbent core 42 of the present invention is particularly well suited for use with the above-described sheet materials due to its high capillary pressure, its high capacity through the use of the superabsorbent material, and its high control over the rigidity and other physical properties. The particularly preferred absorbent core 42 of the present invention is an air-laid fibrous web comprising a substantially uniform mixture of hardwood pulp fibers and softwood pulp fibers. Preferably, the absorbent fibrous web also incorporates superabsorbent particles throughout the web. Additionally, the fibrous web layer may also incorporate synthetic fibers, such as bicomponent binder fibers, into the uniform blend of fibers described above. Unless otherwise stated, all percentages of the composition given below are expressed in terms of the weight of the quantities considered. Preferably, the absorbent fibrous web 40 of the present invention includes a ratio of soft wood pulp fibers to hard wood pulp fibers in the range of about 4: 1 to about 1: 2, more preferably about 3: 1 to about 1: 1, most preferably about 2: 1. A particularly preferred hardwood pulp fiber is a eucalyptus fiber. A particularly suitable eucalyptus fiber includes those of the eucalyptus species. The fibers of hardwood pulp, and in particular eucalyptus, have a high surface area, thus providing the absorbent web with high capillary pressure. However, too much hardwood pulp fiber, in the weft will reduce its total absorbent capacity. Additionally, the presence of excess hardwood pulp fiber can reduce the handling speed of the weft fluid to an unacceptably low level. Other pulp fibers suitable for use as the hardwood fiber in the absorbent core 42 of the present invention may include acacia, oak, maple or cherry fibers. The hardwood pulp fibers are mixed in the absorbent core 42 with a multiplicity of soft wood pulp fibers. The soft wood pulp fibers are preferably mixed into the structure in the proportions indicated above. A particularly preferred softwood pulp fiber is the softwood kraft fibers of the south. Other suitable softwood fibers include soft wood kraft fibers from the east and north. The mixture of the hardwood pulp fibers and the softwood pulp fibers provides a weft with fibers with different sizes incorporated throughout it. This provides a good distribution of the surface area of the fiber and provides, in the preferred embodiments, a high total surface area. As noted above, the use of hardwood fibers involves exchanges between capillary pressure, and the capacity and / or speed of fluid handling. Because the cores 42 of the present invention are placed with air, these are easily treatable upon the inclusion of a superabsorbent material. Said superabsorbent material will improve the total capacity of the core 42, advantageously combining high capacity and high capillary pressure in this way. The preferred absorbent core 42 of the present invention preferably also incorporates bicomponent binder fibers and / or superabsorbent particles. In the most preferred embodiments, both the two-component fibers and the superabsorbent particles are present in the web and are mixed in a substantially uniform mixture throughout the thickness of the web. As will be recognized, the addition of two-component fibers allows for thermal bonding processes, such as bonding with continuous air, bonding using hot rolls, ultrasonic bonding, and other media where the bonding material is melted. Said joint also allows the positive control of the stiffness of the total layer. The stiffness or inflexibility of the weft is controlled by adjusting the amount of the fiber of two components as well as the time and temperature parameters of the thermal bonding process. Suitably, between about 5% and about 30% of the web is two-component fibers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, between about 15% and about 25% of the fiber are two-component fibers. A preferred fiber comprises a polyethylene / polypropylene fiber in which the polypropylene core is surrounded by a polyethylene cover. Said 50% / 50% two-component concentric fiber is available from Danakion de Varde, Denmark. Other binder materials may be included within the frame structure as well. The polyethylene powder binders and / or the latex binder material can be, but need not be, incorporated into the weft structure. The use of a powder binder such as polyethylene allows the weft to be a thermally bonded structure as is the case with the bicomponent binder fibers described above. If latex, or a similar binder, is used, the latex will act as the binder and the structure can be described as "latex-bound". Although the above discussion indicates how the components of the fibrous portion of the particularly preferred core structure interact to provide elevated capillary pressure, other components of the absorbent core 42 may also contribute to the performance thereof. Specifically, as noted above, the use of the superabsorbent materials in the cores 42 of the present invention is preferred. An illustrative superabsorbent material is SAB 960, as available from Stockhausen Louisiana Limited of Garyville, LA. The preferred particulate superabsorbent materials for use in the present invention have a high permeability due and a reduced gel block compared to the commonly used superabsorbent materials. Illustrative preferred materials include surface-crosslinked polyacrylates such as ASAP 2300 as available from Chemdal, Corp. of Palatine, IL and the mixed bed materials described in the co-pending, commonly assigned United States patent application No. series 09 / 258,890 filed in the name of Hird and others on 1st. March 1999. The AGM particles preferably comprise from about 10% to about 50% of the absorbent core 42. A larger amount of said superabsorbent material increases the total capacity of the absorbent core 42. However, the excess of the superabsorbent material can reduce the permeability of the core. due to gel block or similar effects. The absorbent fibrous web of the present invention can be made by any suitable air-laying technique known in the art. The use of the placement with air allows the incorporation of superabsorbent material in particles throughout the structure, as well as a greater positive control over the physical properties of the frame that may be possible with other techniques of formation of the frame. When the web incorporates two-component fibers, the web is preferably formed using a thermally bonded air-laying technique as described above. In such construction, the use of additional binder material, such as powder binder or latex is not required. Said additional materials may, however, be included in order to form a weft laid with multiple-junction air. Additionally, the weft does not need to incorporate any two-component fiber, and may use latex in combination with the superabsorbent particles and the fibers of hardwood pulp and softwood as described above to form a structure placed with air bound with latex. Suitable methods for forming such structures placed with air are well known in the art. Another alternative includes the use of a powder binder such as polyethylene together with a multiplicity of fibers of hardwood pulp and soft wood pulp to form a web placed with thermally bonded air. U.S. Patent No. 5,445,777 discloses a preferred method of adding a particulate superabsorbent material and / or a powder binder material (such as the polyethylene binder described above) to a fibrous web placed with air. Said techniques are suitable for the construction of absorbent fibrous webs 40 of the present invention. The air laid structure of the present invention can be made with any suitable basis weight and density for the article in which it is to be used. Suitably, the basis weight may be between 60 g / m2 and approximately 400 g / m2 and the density may be between approximately 0.05 g cm3 and approximately 0. 2 g / cm3. A preferred structure for use in a sanitary napkin may have a total weight of about 200 g / m2, a preferred density of about 0. 13 g / cm3 and a caliber of approximately 1.5 mm. For thicker products, the absorbent core 42 of the present invention may comprise a flock of hardwood pulp fibers and softwood pulp fibers wherein the gauge and basis weight are custom-made to meet the needs of the customers. users who will want those products.

Optionally, a superabsorbent material can be incorporated homogeneously throughout the structure. A preferred alternative material for the absorbent core 42 comprises polymeric foams formed from high internal phase emulsions (HIPE foams) as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,795,921 issued Dyer et al. On August 18, 1998. foam materials can be produced to have a suitably small cell size to provide the elevated capillary absorption pressure discussed above, still having enough opening to allow free movement of the insoluble components in blood-based fluids such as menstruation . These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing the HIPE wherein the volume to weight ratio of the water phase to the oil phase is in the range of about 20: 1 to about 125: 1. In addition to the absorbent materials described above, the absorbent core 42 may comprise other types of absorbent materials known in the art such as accrete cellulose wadding.; blown polymers under fusion including coform; chemically hardened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as pleated polyester fibers, peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. Said additional materials may either be in the form of additional layers as discussed below with respect to the acquisition component 44 or may comprise preferred alternative structures for the absorbent core 42. Although said preferred alternative structures must still meet the fluid handling requirements. for the absorbent core 42 discussed above, the structures provide the designer of an absorbent article with additional design flexibility to meet performance requirements different from those discussed herein while still providing absorbent articles having fluid handling and feel to the desirable overall skin of the absorbent articles of the present invention. Illustrative core structures that are also suitable for the purposes of the present invention include an acquisition component that is patterned to the top sheet to create a loose window which is on an absorbent core comprising a nonwoven material placed thereon. multi-junction air comprising a mixture of cellulose fibers, two-component fibers, superabsorbent particles, and latex binder as described in the commonly assigned and co-pending United States patent application Serial No. 09 / 074,909 filed May 8, 1998 in the name of Daniels et al. And international patent application Serial No. PCT / YS96 / 20873 filed December 20, 1996, in the name of Lynard et al., Whose application designates the States United of America; and mixtures of the chemically hardened, twisted and crimped coarse fibers, high surface area fibers, and thermoplastic binder fibers as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,549,589 issued to Horney et al. on August 27, 1996 The disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent cores 42 may also comprise blends or combinations of fibrous materials and HIPE foams, wherein the foam is either in sheet or particulate form. The acquisition component (or "acquisition layer" or "distribution layer") 44, if used, is located below the upper sheet 38. The terms "layer" or "pattern", as used herein, include but they are not limited to single unfolded sheets, folded sheets, strips of material, loose or bonded fibers, multiple layers or laminates of material, or other combinations of such materials. These two terms are therefore not limited to single layers without bending or sheets of material. The acquisition component 44 may provide hollow volume below the topsheet 38 to increase the capacity of the sanitary napkin to carry liquids through the topsheet 38. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the acquisition component 44 preferably provides flexibility to the lateral compression forces such that the sanitary napkin 22 has improved resistance to stacking. The acquisition layer serves to collect quickly and temporarily retain the discharged body fluids, as well as facilitate the transport of the fluid from the point of initial contact of the fluid to other parts of the acquisition layer and the absorbent core. There are several reasons why improved transport of the exudates is important, including providing a more even distribution of the exudates throughout the absorbent core and allowing the sanitary napkin 20 to be made relatively thin. The transport referred to herein may encompass the transportation of liquids in one, two or all directions (ie, in the x-y plane and / or in the z-direction). The acquisition layer may be comprised of several different materials including non-woven or woven webs of synthetic fibers including polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene, natural fibers including cotton or cellulose, mixtures of said fibers, or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials . Examples of sanitary napkins having an acquisition layer and an upper sheet are more fully described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 810,774. "Absorbent article having melted layers" filed on December 17, 1991 in the name of Cree, et al. And published as PCT Application Serial No. WO 93 / 117,725 on June 24, 1993, and the aforementioned international patent application Serial No. PCT / US96 / 20873. Each of these references are incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition layer may be joined to the topsheet by any conventional means for joining webs together, most preferably by fusion bonds as described more fully in the Cree application referred to above. The acquisition component 44 must be permeable to the liquid. The acquisition component 44 is also preferably docile, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The acquisition component 44 has a face that faces the body (or side), and a face that gives the garment. The acquisition component 44 may be of any suitable size and shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the acquisition component 44 is in the form of a race track with slightly concave side edges, since it is the portion of the top sheet 38 that is on the main body portion 22 of the Sanitary towel 20. The dimensions of the procurement component 44, however, they are preferably not as large as those of the topsheet 38. The acquisition component 44 is preferably made from any of the materials suitable for the above purposes which are capable of having the topsheet 38 molten thereto. The acquisition component 44 can, for example, be comprised of woven or non-woven materials. The fibers or other components of these materials can be synthetic, or partially synthetic and partially natural. Suitable synthetic fibers include polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, viscose rayon, or cellulose acetate fibers. Suitable natural fibers include cotton fibers, cellulose or other natural fibers. The acquisition component 44 can also be at least partially comprised of cross-linked cellulose fibers. The acquisition component 44, if non-woven, can be made by a number of different processes. These include, but are not limited to: placed with air, placed in wet, blown in the molten state, bound by spinning, carded, thermally bonded, bonded with continuous air, bonded with dust, bonded with latex, bound with solvent, bonded by spin and combinations of the above. The acquisition component 44 can be constructed in the manner described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,549,589, with respect to the distribution layer described therein. Another preferred construction for the acquisition component 44 is a laminate of two non-woven materials. The uppermost layer of this laminate (or "secondary topsheet") 46 preferably comprises a 22.5 g / m2 spin-linked polypropylene nonwoven referred to as the product No. 065MLPV60U (or "P-9") obtained by the party. of Fiberweb, North America from Washougal, WA. The underlying layer of the laminate (or "tertiary top sheet") 48 preferably comprises a nonwoven material placed with multiple binding air that is thermally bonded using powder binding or latex bonding. In a preferred embodiment, this nonwoven material placed with multiple bond air comprises about 77% cellulose fibers, about 20% binder powder, and about 3% latex binder (1.5% sprayed on each side of the screen). ) and has a basis weight of approximately 60 g / m2. (Unless stated otherwise, all percentages here are by weight). Said nonwoven material placed with multiple bond air is preferably obtained as product No. 90830X312 by Merfin Hygienic Products, Ltd., Delta, British Columbia. These two non-woven layers are preferably laminated together by depositing the non-woven material placed with multiple-bonding air into the spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven. The material bound by spinning is used as a process aid or a carrier web in the process of forming this laminate. In alternative embodiments, the spunbond polypropylene nonwoven material may have a higher or lower basis weight, or it may be replaced by a tissue placed with air, a tissue placed wet, or any of the materials described above. If a moist placed tissue is used instead of a non-woven polypropylene material, the orientation of the laminate is preferably inverted such that the finished product, the non-woven material placed with multiple-junction air, was located above the layer of tissue placed in wet. In the case of the thickest sanitary napkins, any of the acquisition components described above may be used. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of coarse sanitary napkin, a material placed with air attached with low density latex as the total acquisition component (ie, the tertiary top sheet) is not required. A material placed with air coupled with low density latex suitable for this purpose is a material having a basis weight of approximately 80 g / m2 known as product No. FG413MHB, which is obtained from Waikisoft, USA of Mt. Holly, NC The topsheet 38 described herein is preferably fused to the acquisition component 44 or the absorbent core 42, or both. One suitable way to melt (or integrate) the top sheet to the underlying components at discrete sites is described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 074,909. As described in the aforementioned applications, the attachment of the top sheet to the underlying layers is preferably done at discrete sites and the center of the article is provided with a "loose window".

Sanitary Towel Assembly The topsheet 38, the acquisition component 44, if included, the backsheet 40, and the absorbent core 42 can be assembled in a variety of configurations known in the art (including layered or "sandwich" configurations and configurations). wrapped or "tube"). Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of sanitary napkin 20 assembled in a sandwich construction. In Figures 1 to 3, the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of the absorbent core 42. The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 to form portions of the periphery 30. The garment-facing side of the topsheet 38 is preferably attached to the side that faces the body of the acquisition component 44 as described above. The acquisition component 44 can be attached to the absorbent core 42, if desired. If these components are joined, they can be joined in any of the ways described herein to join the top sheet 38 to the acquisition component 44. However, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the acquisition component 44 is not directly attached to the absorbent core 42. The backsheet 40 is preferably attached to the garment-side of the absorbent core by means of adhesives. The portions of the upper sheet 38 and of the rear sheet 40 extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 and the acquisition component 44 are also preferably joined together. These portions of the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 can be joined in any suitable manner known in the art. The term "attached", as used in this description, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to the other element by fixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. Preferably, in the embodiment shown, these portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are joined using adhesives on substantially the total portions extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 and a crimping seal on the end edges. of the main body portion 22 where the topsheet 38 and the backsheet are densified by the application of pressure or heat and pressure.

Illustrative Structure of the Absorbent Article A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a top sheet according to the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,025,049 and the particularly preferred core described above. The performance of this particularly preferred structure is shown as sample 2 in table 1 below. As can be seen from the data presented in Table 1, this particularly preferred embodiment has a very desirable balance of fluid handling properties and softness. In particular, the topsheet 38 of this particularly preferred embodiment comprises a thermoplastic film formed having a plurality of macro apertures that allow fluids that are in contact with the body surface of the topsheet 38 to pass therethrough and a multiplicity of micro-openings that extend upwards and form the surface that is in contact with the body 20A when the formed film is used as a top sheet. The seating area between the micro-openings and the macro-openings is also provided with a plurality of discrete, discontinuous, microscopic regions comprising deposits of a low surface energy material. There is a gradient of surface energy between the reservoirs and the underlying polymeric structure of the particularly preferred topsheet 38 that creates a force that encourages bodily fluids deposited on the body surface 20A to move towards the macro apertures and through them for absorption by the core 42. This preferred embodiment also comprises an acquisition component 44 which is below the top sheet 38 as described above. An acquisition component 44 comprises the secondary upper sheet 46 of spunbond polypropylene nonwoven and a tertiary upper sheet 48 of a nonwoven material placed with multiple bonding air that is thermally bonded using powder binding and latex bonding as it was described above and in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,549,589. The core 42 for this preferred embodiment was described in detail above and in greater detail in the commonly assigned, co-pending patent application of the United States Serial No. 60 / 128,352 filed in the name of Noel et al. On April 8, 1999. As noted above, these preferred structures for the core 42 comprise mixtures of hardwood and softwood fibers that provide the pressure high capillary and absorbent polymers that provide a high osmotic storage capacity. The preferred components discussed above, together with the liquid-impermeable backsheet 40 as may be known in the art are assembled in a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention in accordance with the configuration discussed in the Assembly section of the sanitary towel above.

Optional Components Fins The sanitary towel 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as discussed above, preferably comprises a pair of optional fins 24 that are attached to the main body portion 22. The fins 24 extend laterally outward beyond the fins. longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 from its proximal edges 60 to its distant edges (or "free end") 62. The fins 24 extend outwardly from at least the central region 36 of the main body portion 22. As shown in Figure 1, each fin 24 is divided into a front half 64, and a rear half 66 by a transverse centerline of fin T1. The transverse center line of flap T1 may coincide with the transverse center line T of the sanitary napkin, but this is not absolutely required. The fins 24 can be attached to the main body portion 22 in any suitable manner. Preferably, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the fins 24 are integral with the main body portion 22 (i.e., the fins 24 comprise integral extensions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40). In other alternative embodiments, the fins 24 may comprise separate components that are attached to the main body portion 22. The fins 24 are each attached to (or associated with) the main body portion 22 along a joint. This is a longitudinally oriented (or "longitudinal") juncture, such as juncture lines 68. As used herein, the terms "juncture" (or joint line) refers to the regions where the fins 24 extend from or are joined to the main body portion 22. The joint line 68 in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings may be considered to be defined by inward facing concave regions or flaps 24. The fins 24 may be in any suitable configuration. in the reexamined patent No. B1 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg, reexamination certificate issued on April 27, 1993; patent of the United States No. 4,687,478 which was issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 issued to Lavash, and others on February 14, 1995, U.S. Patent No. 5,558,663 issued to Weinberger, and others on September 24, 1996 (which discloses an alternative to fins which are applied by the user); and in the international patent application PCT serial number US 96/15957 filed on October 3, 1996 in the name of Lash, et al. Other preferred features for the fins 24 that include a deformed region forming a joint and zones of extension capacity or zones of differential extension capacity are described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 074,909 filed on 8 May 1998, in the name of Daniels et al. and in the international patent application Serial No. PCT / US96 / 2087 filed on December 20, 1996, in the name of Lynard et al., whose application designates the United States of America.

Fastening means The garment surface 20B of the sanitary napkin 20 can include, and preferably includes, fasteners for securing the sanitary napkin to the wearer's undergarment. Figure 3 shows the central fastener of the pad 82 which is adapted to secure the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin to the crotch region of an undergarment. Any of the types of fasteners known in the art can be used, such as adhesive fasteners and mechanical fasteners. Fasteners comprising adhesives have been found to work well for this purpose, with pressure sensitive adhesives being preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the central pad holder 82 comprises a pair of longitudinally oriented tapered adhesive strips or areas that are centered around the longitudinal center line L. The outer surface of the flaps 24, adjacent to the remote edges 62 of the fins, is preferably provided with a fin adhesive 84. The fin adhesive 84 is used to help keep the fins 24 in position after they are wrapped around the edge of the crotch portion of the panty . Suitable adhesive fasteners are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. The flaps 24 can be held in position by fixing the flaps 24 to the undergarment, or to the opposite flap. The fasteners used with the present invention are not limited to adhesive fastening means. Any type of fastener used in the art can be used for that purpose. For example, the sanitary napkin 20 can be secured to the wearer's undergarment by mechanical fasteners such as VELCRO, or the fasteners described in U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527 issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990, or the U.S. Patent No. 5,392,498 issued to Goulait, and others on February 28, 1995. However, for simplicity, the fasteners will be described in terms of adhesive attachment means. The adhesive attachment means are respectively covered by removable removable liners, central removable pad liner and removable fin liner, both designated 86. Pressure sensitive adhesives must be covered with release liners 86 to prevent adhesives from sticking to foreign surfaces before use. Suitable release liners are described in the patent of the United States No. 4,917,697. A particularly preferred release liner which also serves as an individual package for wrapping the sanitary napkin is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146 issued to Swanson, et al. The sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by removing the release liners. and placing the sanitary towel 20 in a pantyhose. The main body portion 22 is placed in the crotch portion of the pantyhose with one end of the main body portion 22 extending toward the front section of the pantyhose and the other end towards the posterior section of the pantyhose. The adhesive central fastener of the panty 82 holds in place the main body portion 22. The distal portions of the fins 24 are folded around the lateral edges of the panty. The fin adhesives 84 secure the fins 24 to the underside of the panty or to the opposite fin.

EXAMPLES Example 1 This example compares fluid handling and softness, as evaluated in accordance with the methods given in the Analytical Methods section below, of various embodiments of a sanitary napkin of the present invention with illustrative sanitary napkins of the prior art and commercially available sanitary napkins which are believed to represent best in class those of the prior art.

Table 1 Sample Penetration Moisture migrant Acquisition of drop Softness No. (Seconds) (Milligrams) (Seconds) (PSU) 1 43 45 3 34 2 47 9 5 35 3 10 5 5 37 4 13 5 6 8 95 1 1 25 31 6 55 1 1 6 9 7 195 330 0.2 49 8 33 749 18 49 9 38 8 8 8 134 19 0.2 22 1 1 1 1 4 0.3 5 12 49 43 49 41 13 63 6 52 36 14 60 46 3 38 55 28 0.6 36 16 64 83 47 26 17 71 30 0.5 23 Sample No. Description of the sample Previous technique: top sheet according to the patent of the States United No. 6,025,049, core according to the application Serial No. 09 / 074,909 Present invention: top sheet according to the patent of the States No. 6,025,049, particularly the preferred core described above. Present invention: top sheet according to the patent of the United States.

No. 6,025,049, coarse core, air filter 4 Prior art: top sheet according to U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, coarse core, air filter 5 Present invention: top sheet according to the application No series 09 / 217J36, particularly preferred core described above 6 Prior art: top sheet according to the patent of the States No. 4,342,314, core according to the application Serial No. 09 / 074,909 7 Previous art: a thin sanitary napkin available in Japan from Kao Mfg. Co. as Laurier Softmesh Ultra 8 Prior art: a thick sanitary napkin available in Japan from Kao Mfg. Co as Laurier Softmesh Slim 9 Previous art: a thin sanitary napkin available in Japan from UniCharm as Sofy Sara 10 Previous art: a thin sanitary napkin available from Personal Products Co. of Skillman, NJ as Stayfree Ultra Thin 1 1 Technique previous: a thick sanitary napkin as available in Venezuela from Johnson & Johnson from Venezuela as Stayfree Wings Normal Mesh Always Dry 12 Previous Technique: A thin sanitary towel as available in Germany from Kimberly-Clark GmbH as Kotex Camelia 13 Previous Technique: A thin cough is available in Korea from Elleair as Elis 14 Present invention: permanently hydrophilic top sheet according to the aforementioned US patent application Serial No. (Case P &G 8012, the applicant will add the serial number of the application when known) having a core according to that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,795,921 15 Present invention: film polyethylene top sheet formed in accordance with the aforementioned U.S. patent application serial number (Case P &G 8012 applicant will add the serial number of the application when it is known) that has a nucleus according to that described in the patent d No. 5,795,921 16 Prior art: hydrophobic nonwoven top sheet available from Corovin GmbH of Penne, Germany as Corolind and with openings to have a basis weight of 20 grams / m2 according to the patent of the United States No. 5,628,097 17 Prior art: hydrophobic non-woven upper sheet treated with surfactant available from Corovin GmbH of Penne, Germany as Corolind and with openings to have a basis weight of 20 grams / m2 according to the patent of US Pat. United States No. 5,628,097 Example 2 This example compares the properties related to the softness of the upper sheets according to the present invention and according to the prior art. Table 2 Sample No. Softness Compression capacity Surface density (PSU) (g / cm3) (g / cm3) 1 32 325 0.027 2 4 549 0.037 3 43 581 0.072 4 46 226 0.018 5 - 714 0.050 6 - 592 0.073 7 - 653 0.150 8 - 488 0.058 9 - 205 0.037 10 47 339 1 1 33 430 12 48 939 13 - 250 14 41 350 Sample No. Description of the sample 1 top sheet according to U.S. Patent No. 6,025,049 2 top sheet according to U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 3 top sheet according to the application Serial No. 09 / 217J36 4 a nonwoven material used as a top sheet in the thin sanitary napkin available in Japan by Mao Mfg. Co as Laurier Softmesh Ulta 5 a formed film used as a top sheet in a thin sanitary napkin available in Japan by UniCharm as Sofy Sara 6 a nonwoven material used as a top sheet in the thin sanitary napkin available from Personal Products Co. of Skillman, NJ as Stayfree Ultra Thin a formed film used as a top sheet in the thick sanitary napkin as it is available in Venezuela by Johnson & Johnson from Venezuela as Stayfree Wings Normal Mesh Always Dries a non-woven material used as a top sheet in the thin sanitary napkin as is available in Germany from Kimberly-Clark GmbH as Kotex Camelia a non-woven material used as a top sheet in the thin sanitary napkin as it is available in Japan by Elleair as Elis a film polyethylene top sheet formed in accordance with the aforementioned United States patent application Serial No. (Case P &G 8012 the applicant will add the serial No. when known) a top sheet of film formed according to U.S. Patent No. 4,629,643 a hydrophobic non-woven material as is available on the part of Corovin GmbH de Penne, Germany as Corolind which is perforated in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097 to have a basis weight of 20 grams / m 2 a top sheet of film formed permanently hydrophilic according to the above-mentioned patent application of the United States Serial No. (Case P &G 8012 the applicant will enter the serial number of the application when known) a film formed, textured, permanently hydrophilic, according to the above-mentioned US patent application No series (Case P &G 801 1 the applicant will enter the serial number of the application when known) ANALYTICAL METHODS Drop acquisition time 1) Place a top sheet sample, approximately 18 cm x 28 cm, on a layer of the BOUNTY towel (available from Procter &Gamble of Cincinnati, OH) on a flat surface. Place a clean Lexan® plate, 15 cm long x 20 cm wide x 1 cm thick, with 18 holes of 1.9 cm perforated to 2.5 cm apart in 3 rows of 6 holes each, on top of the sample of the top sheet. The pressure exerted on the sample by this plate is -0.02 psi (0.14 kPa), ensuring intimate contact between the upper sheet and the Bounty towel. Alternatively, if you are going to evaluate complete products do not use the plate, instead, apply 18 drops (see step 2) to the sample of the product in a pattern where: apply six drops adjacent to the intersection of the longitudinal and lateral center lines of the product; three drops are applied adjacent to each end adjacent to the longitudinal center line; and three drops are applied adjacent to each side, adjacent to the longitudinal center line. 2) Unload a 45 microliter drop of sheep blood from a pipette (an Eppendorf air displacement pipette with a capacity of 100 microliters that has been found to be satisfactory) onto the surface of the sample into one of the holes in the sample. license plate. The tip of the pipette should be approximately 3 to 5 mm above the surface of the upper sheet, and the drops should be applied so that the force exerted by the pipette discharge is minimized. 3) Start the acquisition timer as soon as the drop contacts the sample. 4) Stop the stopwatch when the top plane of the sample surface again becomes visible as a result of the drop passing to and through the sample. Record this time of drop acquisition. 5) If the acquisition time exceeds 60 seconds, record the result as 61 seconds. 6) Repeat steps 1 to 5 seventeen additional times through the remaining holes in the Lexan plate to provide eighteen measurements per sample. 7) Repeat steps 1 to 6 in two more samples of the upper sheet. 8) Calculate the average time of acquisition of the drop, using 61 seconds for those drops that did not pass in and through the sample within 60 seconds.

Liquid penetration time This test method measures the penetration time, i.e. the time required by a known volume of liquid applied to the body surface of an upper sheet material or absorbent article, in which it is in fluid contact with an underlying absorbent. , to pass through the sample. The method used here is described the standard method of the European Association of Disposables and Nonwovens (Brussels, Belgium) number 150.3-96 with the following differences: Test condition EDNA Method 150.3-96 Method of the present invention Ambient temperature 20 ± 2 ° C 22 ± 1 ° C Relative humidity 65 ± 2% 50 ± 2% Test fluid Synthetic urine Sheep blood Underlying absorbent Paper filter Absorbent item finished Containment pressure 500g / (12.5cm) 2 (~ 0.3 kPa) 0.25 psi (1.7 kPa) Fluid volume at 5 ml, one 10 ml discharge, one download Migratory humidity Migrating moisture is a test designed to measure the amount of liquid that emerges from an absorbent structure through a top sheet to cause moisture on the surface of the top sheet. The method used here is described in the standard method of the European Association of Disposables and Nonwovens (Brussels, Belgium) number 151.1-96 with the following differences: Test condition EDNA method 151.1 -96 Method of the present invention Ambient temperature 20 ± 2 ° C 22 ± 1 ° C Ambient humidity 65 ± 2% 50 ± 2% relative Type of filter paper ERT FF3 Ahlstrom (Mt. Holly Springs, PA) # 632 Number of pieces of 5 7 filter paper Confining pressure 4000g / (10cm) 2 (~ 3.9 kPa) 0.77 psi (5.2 kPa) Test fluid Synthetic urine Sheep blood Fluid loading 3.3 times weight of paper 7.5 ml filter Exposure time: Distribution 3 minutes under load 15 minutes Rewet 2 minutes 15 seconds Softness of the panel Summary A trained panel of sorting people is used to compare the softness to the touch of a series of proven products or top sheet materials.

Sorters Sorters are all female and are selected and trained for the ability to discriminate small differences in softness to touch. As part of this training, each grading person identifies a "dominant" hand (ie, more sensitive) that is used in all evaluations.The graders are monitored on the study to study the bases and returns to train as needed. to minimize drift over time.

Sensory Box Apparatus: Although a room designed for sensory evaluations that have characteristics such as separation of sorters from other sorters, barriers between sample and panelists which allows access to the sample through the slit, and other features as are known in the art is preferred, the sensory box described hereinafter has been found to be suitable for softness evaluations. A rectangular box of 33 cm x 43 cm (face) x 20 cm (depth) that has an open back for the presentation of the sample and a front opening covered by a black curtain (the curtain is in 2 parts each of approximately 21 centimeters wide and separated in half to allow easy access to the sorting person). Felt: A felt of 23 cm x 18 cm is used as a substrate when the samples are only classified from the top sheet. A suitable material is polyester felt 54, Rainbow Classic, Royal Blue as available from Kunin Felt of Hampton, NH.

Method 1) The moderator of the panel introduces the first sample in the sensory box. Up to 6 test samples can be evaluated in any test period. Two control samples, one with a relatively high softness reading (a hydroformed film made according to the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,629,643 -35) and one with relatively low softness reading (a formed film made according to with the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 -5) is used in each of the series. Samples are presented to each classifier in a random order. When only top sheet samples are evaluated, the sample is first displayed smoothly on the felt surface before presentation to the classifier. Each sample is only classified once. 2) The classifier classifies each sample using a 60 point scale for softness where, for smoothness, 0 is identified as not soft at all and 60 is identified as very soft / spongy. The classifier uses the fingertips of the first three fingers of your dominant hand to determine the degree of softness for the sample (the fingers are arched in such a way that only the tips contact the sample). The control samples are used to maintain consistency between the tests. The grade of each sample is recorded by marking the grade on a linear scale on the sample data sheet. 3) Steps 1 and 2 are repeated for a minimum of 12 classifiers.

Report The report of the average and standard deviation for each sample tested, including the control samples. Known methods can be used to terminate statistically significant differences (eg, analysis of variance, Newman-Keuls multiple-interval test, etc.) Thickness under load Summary This test procedure determines the thickness of the material as a function of the applied load. The generated data used in this procedure can be used to calculate the compression capacity and the surface density as functions of the applied load.

Scope This procedure applies to materials from 0.2 mm to 5 mm thick. The samples tested by this procedure should be flat and have no significant curvature. The upper and lower surface of the material must be essentially parallel.

Sampling Samples should be cut so that they are larger than the 25.4 mm diameter platen used to compress the sample. A die of rectangular cut of 3.81 cm x 6.99 cm is suitable. The area to be tested should be able to lie flat. Samples can be cut from individual materials or finished products but the cut area must be free of wrinkles or curvature and the sampling procedure must not distort the dimensions of the material. For example, when finished products are shown, the sample material must be cleanly separable from other materials. At least three different samples must be measured with the average result reported.

Apparatus Use a constant extension rate tester (CRE). A suitable CRE tester is the Instron model 5564, available from Instron Corporation, Canton, MA. The CRE tester must have the control and the exact measurement of the crosshead position at 0.01 mm. The CRE tester should be able to measure the load to an accuracy of 0.5 grams force (5 mN). The CRE tester must have less than 0.02 mm of compliance to the applied load of 1 N. The mobile crosshead must be fixed with a flat plate disk, with a circular diameter of 25.4 mm (area of 5.07 cm2) fixed rigidly to the load cell. The flat circular plate, at least 100 mm in diameter, must be fixed rigidly to the lower fixed clamp. The faces must be parallel to each other with a tolerance of 0.02 mm or less.

Procedure 1. The weight of the sample on the top sheet must be finished by weighing a precisely known area of 100 cm2 or more on an analytical balance at the nearest 0.0002 g. 2. With the parallel plates at a known distance apart, place the flat sample on the lower stage. For a sample of thickness of 1.00 mm, the start separation of 3.00 mm is recommended. The load cell of the CRE must be zeroed at the start of each test while the platens are not in contact with the sample. 3. The CRE tester lowers the upper stage towards the sample at a speed of 2.54 mm per minute, registering at least 100 data points per tripmile, until the sample is compressed and a load of 500 grams is reached. 4. The thickness of the material at any given load is determined by the position of the top plate. The thickness should be measured at a load of 5 grams and 50 grams of force, corresponding to the pressure of 100 Pa and 1000 Pa on the sample.

Calculations The compression capacity is determined by calculating the secant inclination of the stress / tension compression curve between 5 g and 50 g and dividing this inclination by the compressed area. The units for compression capacity are grams per cm3. This inclination is calculated by dividing the change in the load by the change in thickness. For example, if a material was 1.00 mm thick under a load of 5 g and compressed to EIGHT mm thick under a load of 50 g: 50 g-5 g = 150 g / mm Compression Tilt 1.01 mm - EYE mm Capacity compression = (150g / mm) (10mm / cm) (1 / 5.07 cm2) = 296 g / cm3 Similarly, the surface density at a given load is calculated by dividing the grammage (grams of material per square centimeter) by the thickness under the load of interest. Surface density at X load = gramaie Low thickness X load eg the surface density of a material having a grammage of 0.00325 grams / cm2 and a thickness of 0.065 cm at an applied pressure of 100 Pascais is: 0.00325 grams / cm2 = 0.0500 g / cm3 0.065 cm Average absorption pressure This test measures the height at which the amount of fluid absorbed or desorbed is equal to half of an amount absorbed at a height of 0 centimeters (free absorbent capacity). The method for capillary sorption as described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 258,889 entitled Absorbent Members comprising a material with high surface area for absorbing body fluids which was presented to Young and others on the 1st. March 1999, was used with the following differences. 1) The initial suction height is 50 centimeters instead of 200 centimeters. 2) The test is conducted at ambient laboratory conditions instead of controlled relative humidity and temperature. 3) The glass frit 202 is not packaged. 4) The container 206 and balance 207 are not enclosed. 5) Cylinder 266 and piston 288 are not balanced at 31 ° C: 6) An occlusive film is used instead of a film with openings to minimize evaporation. 7) The installation height is 50 centimeters. 8) There is no correction of the evaporation loss. 9) The mean capillary absorption pressure is determined from the absorption isotherm as the height where the consumption of the sample is equal to half the sample consumption at a height of 0 centimeters. The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any of the patents issued thereon, as well as any of the corresponding published foreign patent applications), and the publications mentioned throughout this patent application are hereby incorporated by reference here. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated by reference herein teach or disclose the present invention. It is also not expressly admitted that any of the commercially available materials or products described herein teach or disclose the present invention. Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that some other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. An absorbent article, the absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface and comprising: a liquid pervious top sheet, said top sheet providing a barrier that inhibits rewetting, wherein the top sheet has a lower compression capacity of about 488 g / cm3; a backsheet impermeable to the liquid exposed below the topsheet and attached thereto at least around the periphery of the absorbent article; and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having a high internal surface area that creates a high capillary pressure to increase the absorption of bodily fluids deposited on the body surface; wherein the topsheet and the core cooperate to provide the absorbent article with a liquid penetration of less than about 55 seconds and a migrating moisture of less than 30 milligrams.

2. An absorbent article, said absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface and comprising: a liquid pervious top sheet, the upper sheet providing a barrier that inhibits rewetting, wherein the top sheet has a capacity of Less compression of approximately 488 g / cm3. a liquid impervious back sheet disposed below the top sheet and attached thereto at least about a periphery of the absorbent article; and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having an elevated internal surface area that creates a high capillary pressure to increase the absorption of bodily fluids deposited on the body surface; wherein the top sheet and the core cooperate to provide an absorbent article with a drop acquisition time of less than about 30 seconds and a migrating moisture of less than 30 milligrams.

3. An absorbent article, said absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface and comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet, the top sheet providing a barrier that inhibits rewetting; a liquid impervious back sheet disposed below the top sheet and attached thereto at least around a periphery of the article; and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, said absorbent core having a high internal surface area that creates a high capillary pressure to improve the absorption of bodily fluids deposited on the body surface; wherein the absorbent article has a panel smoothness of between 30 and about 60 PSU and the topsheet and core cooperate to provide the absorbent article with a drop acquisition time of less than about 30 seconds and a migrating moisture of less than 30 milligrams .

An absorbent article, said absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface and comprising: a liquid pervious top sheet, said top sheet providing a barrier that inhibits rewetting, wherein the top sheet has a surface density less than about 0.035 grams per cubic centimeter; a liquid impervious back sheet disposed below the top sheet and attached thereto at least about a periphery of the absorbent article; and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; the absorbent core having an elevated internal surface area that creates a high capillary pressure to improve the absorption of bodily fluids deposited on the body surface; wherein the upper sheet and the core cooperate to provide the absorbent article with a drop acquisition time of less than about 30 seconds and a migrating moisture of less than 30 milligrams.

An absorbent article, the absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface and comprising: a liquid pervious top sheet, said top sheet providing a barrier that inhibits rewetting; a liquid impervious back sheet disposed below the top sheet and attached thereto at least about a periphery of the absorbent article; and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; the absorbent core having an elevated internal surface area that creates a high capillary pressure to improve the absorption of bodily fluids deposited on the body surface; wherein the top sheet has a panel smoothness of between about 30 and about PSU and the top sheet and core cooperate to provide the absorbent article with a drop acquisition time of less than about 30 seconds and a migrating moisture of less than 30 milligrams .

6. An absorbent article according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the absorbent core has an average absorption pressure greater than about 7 cm.

7. An absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the absorbent core has an average absorption pressure of between about 7 cm and about 25 cm.

An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the topsheet comprises formed thermoplastic film materials having a plurality of macro apertures and a multiplicity of micro openings wherein the seating area between the micro apertures and the macro apertures is also provided with a plurality of discrete, discontinuous, microscopic regions comprising deposits of a low surface energy material that create a gradient of surface energy between the deposits and the underlying polymer structure of the formed film.

An absorbent article according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the topsheet comprises nonwoven materials having deposits of a low surface energy material that creates a gradient of surface energy between the deposits and the underlying polymer structure of the nonwoven material.

An absorbent article according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the top sheet comprises a laminate of a non-woven material and a thermoplastic film formed with openings, the nonwoven material having deposits of a low surface energy material on the surface thereof which is opposite the surface bonded to the thermoplastic film to form the laminate, wherein the low surface energy material creates a gradient of surface energy between the deposits and the underlying polymer structure of the nonwoven material. 1.

An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core comprises a polymeric foam formed from a high internal phase emulsion.

12. An absorbent article according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the absorbent core comprises a mixture of chemically hardened, twisted and crimped thick fibers, fibers with high surface area, and thermoplastic binder fibers.

13. An absorbent article according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the absorbent core comprises a fibrous web placed with air comprising a substantially uniform mixture of hardwood fibers and softwood fibers.

14. An absorbent article according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the core further comprises superabsorbent particles.

15. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article further comprises an acquisition component that is patterned to the upper sheet to create a loose window, wherein the acquisition component is disposed between the upper sheet and the absorbent core, and said absorbent core comprises a nonwoven material placed with multiple bond air comprising a mixture of cellulose fibers, two component fibers, superabsorbent particles, and latex binder.