A nonwoven fabric is provided. The nonwoven fabric can include a first surface and a second surface and a visually discernible pattern of three-dimensional features on one of the first or second surface. Each of the three-dimensional features can define a microzone comprising a first region and a second region. The first and second regions can have a difference in values for an intensive property, wherein at least one of the surfaces has a TS7 value of less than about 15 dB V.sup.2 rms, and wherein the first surface has a TS7 value that is higher than the second surface TS7 value.

An absorbent core suitable for use in an absorbent article comprising: a first absorbent layer, the first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, and a layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers deposited on the first substrate, a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate, a layer of superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the second substrate and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of superabsorbent polymer particles. The first and second absorbent layers being combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material contacts at least a portion of the layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers of the first absorbent layer.

An absorbent core suitable for use in an absorbent article comprising: a first absorbent layer, the first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, and a layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers deposited on the first substrate, a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate, a layer of superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the second substrate and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of superabsorbent polymer particles. The first and second absorbent layers being combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material contacts at least a portion of the layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers of the first absorbent layer.

Absorbent structures for absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent structure includes an absorbent layer with absorbent material supported by a supporting sheet, and a channel that is free of the absorbent material. The channel has a wet integrity of at least 20%.

Absorbent structures for absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent structure includes an absorbent layer with absorbent material supported by a supporting sheet, and a channel that is free of the absorbent material. The channel has a wet integrity of at least 20%.

The invention described herein is directed to athletic apparel having a novel integrated gusset structure positioned in the apparel's crotch and further configured to capture and retain bodily fluids, and preferably uncontrolled urine released during athletic stress.

Absorbent laminates and folded multi-layer absorbent cores including one or more of the present absorbent laminates The present absorbent laminates comprise an absorbent layer between two laminate layers, at least one of which absorbent laminates including a spunlace nonwoven. Some of the present multi-layer absorbent cores are folded to define a channel running longitudinally along the core to enhance liquid distribution and absorption.

The present invention relates to an absorbing and distributing layer for a liquid to be absorbed, to a sheet material at least including a corresponding absorbing and distributing layer, to a hygiene article at least including a corresponding absorbing and distributing layer, to a method for producing a corresponding sheet material, and to the use of the corresponding absorbing and distributing layer.

The present invention relates to an absorbing and distributing layer for a liquid to be absorbed, to a sheet material at least including a corresponding absorbing and distributing layer, to a hygiene article at least including a corresponding absorbing and distributing layer, to a method for producing a corresponding sheet material, and to the use of the corresponding absorbing and distributing layer.

A manufacturing apparatus for an absorbent body including: a first conveyor that conveys an air-permeable first sheet while sucking the first sheet along a flat first slope surface; a second conveyor that conveys an air-permeable second sheet while sucking the second sheet along a flat second slope surface having a slope opposite to the first slope surface; a first distribution device that forms a first absorbent layer in the first sheet by distributing absorbent powder on an upper surface of the first sheet being conveyed along the first slope surface; a second distribution device that forms a second absorbent layer in the second sheet by distributing absorbent powder on an upper surface of the second sheet being conveyed along the second slope surface; and a stacking part that stacks the first sheet conveyed by the first conveyor and the second sheet conveyed by the second conveyor in such a manner as to cause the first absorbent layer of the first sheet and the second absorbent layer of the second sheet to face each other.