| abstract |
A disposable multi-layer diaper includes at one surface a porous fibrous facing layer to be brought into contact with the infant''s skin, and includes at the other surface, a water-impervious backings sheet, with an absorbent batt being interposed between the facing layer and backing sheet. The facing layer is comprised of two half-thickness portions, the outer half-thickness portion to be positioned adjacent the infant''s skin, being readily separable from the inner half-thickness portion, and from the remainder of the diaper, so that the outer half-thickness portion and any fecal matter thereon can be flushed down a standard toilet separate and apart from the remainder of the diaper including the non-degradable water-impervious backing sheet. The outer half-thickness portion is characterized by a given overall concentration of long and short fibers, the outer face having a concentration of long fibers in excess of the given overall concentration of long fibers in the half-thickness portion, with the long fibers decreasing in concentration closer to the inner face of the outer half-thickness portion. In the preferred embodiment, the inner half-thickness portion of the facing layer is of the same fiber concentration structure as the first halfthickness portion and through-bonded thereto with the short fiber enriched faces in juxtaposition. The concentration of short fibers at the interior of the facing layer provides a layer of weakness therein which permits the facing layer to be manually delaminated along the short fiber plane for the disposal of fecal matter. |