Unitized cover and absorbent transfer layer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a unitized cover and transfer layer for an absorbent article comprising a blend of thermoplastic fibers and absorbent fibers. The absorbent fibers are present in an amount sufficient to efficiently draw fluid from the outer surface of the unitized cover and transfer layer, without competing with the absorbent core, thereby providing fast fluid penetration with minimal rewet.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer for an absorbent article, comprising: 
 a) a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof for covering at least a portion of an absorbent core;    b) thermoplastic fibers proximal the first surface; and    c) a blend of thermoplastic fibers and absorbent fibers proximal the second surface, the absorbent fibers making up 20 weight percent or less of the blend.    
     
     
         2 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 1  wherein the nonwoven has a basis weight and the blend of thermoplastic and absorbent fibers proximal the second surface make up from about 50 to about 75 weight percent of the basis weight.  
     
     
         3 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 2  wherein the basis weight is from about 20 to about 80 grams per square meter.  
     
     
         4 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic fibers proximal the first surface have a denier of 5 or less.  
     
     
         5 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic fibers proximal the second surface have a denier of 6 or greater.  
     
     
         6 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic fibers proximal the first surface have a denier of 3 or less and the thermoplastic fibers proximal the second surface have a denier of 6 or greater.  
     
     
         7 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent fibers are cellulosic.  
     
     
         8 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 7  wherein the cellulosic fibers are rayon.  
     
     
         9 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the thermoplastic fibers proximal the first and second surfaces are bicomponent fibers.  
     
     
         10 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 9  wherein the bicomponent fibers comprise a polyester core and a polyethylene sheath.  
     
     
         11 . A unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer for an absorbent article, comprising: 
 a) a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof for covering at least a portion of an absorbent core;    b) thermoplastic fibers having a denier of 3 or less proximal the first surface; and    c) a blend of thermoplastic fibers and absorbent fibers proximal the second surface, wherein the absorbent fibers make up 20 weight percent or less of the blend and the thermoplastic fibers have a denier of 6 or greater.    
     
     
         12 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 11  wherein the nonwoven has a basis weight and the blend of thermoplastic and absorbent fibers proximal the second surface make up from about 50 to about 75 weight percent of the basis weight.  
     
     
         13 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 12  wherein the nonwoven basis weight is from about 20 to about 80 grams per square meter.  
     
     
         12 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 11  wherein the thermoplastic fibers proximal the first surface have a denier of 2 or less.  
     
     
         13 . The unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer of  claim 11  wherein the thermoplastic fibers proximal the second surface have a denier of 10 or greater.  
     
     
         14 . An absorbent article, comprising a unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer according to  claim 1;  a liquid impermeable barrier layer; and an absorbent core therebetween.  
     
     
         15 . An absorbent article, comprising a unitized nonwoven cover and transfer layer according to claim  11 ; a liquid impermeable barrier layer; and an absorbent core therebetween.  
     
     
         16 . An absorbent article comprising: 
 a) a nonwoven web having a first surface and second surface thereof, thermoplastic fibers proximal the first surface, and a blend of thermoplastic fibers and absorbent fibers proximal the second surface, wherein the absorbent fibers make up 20 weight percent or less of the blend; and    b) a liquid impermeable barrier layer adhered to at least a portion of the second surface.    
     
     
         17 . The absorbent article of  claim 16  wherein the nonwoven web has a basis weight from about 20 to about 80 grams per square meter.  
     
     
         18 . The absorbent article of  claim 16  wherein the blend of thermoplastic fibers and absorbent fibers proximal the second surface make up from about 50 to about 75 weight percent of the basis weight.