| abstract |
ABSTRACT The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-soluble or -swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses. |