Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention provides an absorbent article including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an intermediate layer positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet comprises: a resilient, three-dimensional, macroscopically expanded, fluid pervious web including a first polymeric material which exhibits a first melting point temperature and a second polymeric material bonded to the first polymeric material to form a laminate. The second polymeric material exhibits a second melting point temperature which is less than the first melting point temperature. The web has first and second surfaces spaced apart by a distance greater than the thickness of the laminate. The web includes a plurality of capillaries extending from the first surface to the second surface. The capillaries are defined by a plurality of sidewall portions interconnected to one another intermediate the first and the second surfaces and terminating in the second surface, such that when the web is heated to a temperature between the first melting point temperature and the second melting point temperature the second polymeric material of the sidewall thermally bonds to the intermediate layer along the second surface of the web.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim