Multiple layered absorbent fabric

Abstract

A multiple layered absorbent fabric comprising a liquid pervious layer comprising at least one hydrophilic nonwoven web of melt spun continuous multiple component fibers, a liquid impervious layer comprising a film, and an absorbent layer comprising a spunlaced web disposed between the liquid pervious layer and the liquid impervious layer.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A multiple layered absorbent fabric comprising:
 (a) a liquid pervious layer comprising at least one hydrophilic nonwoven web of melt spun continuous multiple component fibers wherein the multiple components are made from polymers with different melting points and wherein the melt spun fibers have a length and a surface and the polymers extend substantially along the complete length of the melt spun fibers with the polymer having the lowest melting point occupying at least a portion of the surface of the melt spun fiber;   (b) a liquid impervious layer comprising a film made from a polymer having a melting point below the melting point of the melt spun fiber polymers; and   (c) an absorbent layer comprising a spunlaced web disposed between the liquid perilous layer and the liquid impervious layer, and   (d) a backing layer comprising a fibrous web positioned adjacent the liquid impervious layer opposite from the absorbent layer.   
     
     
         19 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 18 , wherein the hydrophilic nonwoven web is treated with a hydrophilic surfactant. 
     
     
         20 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 19 , wherein the hydrophilic surfactant is a fatty acid ester. 
     
     
         21 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 18 , wherein the hydrophilic nonwoven web has at least one component made from a polymer with a hydrophilic additive. 
     
     
         22 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 18 , wherein the hydrophilic nonwoven web comprise at least one spunbond web. 
     
     
         23 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 22 , wherein the hydrophilic nonwoven web comprise at least one spunbond web and at least one meltblown web wherein the at least one meltblown web is disposed between the at least one spunbond web and the absorbent layer. 
     
     
         24 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 23 , wherein the hydrophilic nonwoven web comprise two spunbond webs and at least one meltblown web wherein the at least one meltblown web is disposed between the two spunbond webs. 
     
     
         25 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 18 , wherein the melt spun continuous multiple component fibers comprise bicomponent fibers. 
     
     
         26 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 25 , wherein the polymers of the multiple components are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and copolymers thereof. 
     
     
         27 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 25 , wherein a combination of polymers of the bicomponent fibers comprises a polyolefin and a polyester. 
     
     
         25 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 18 , wherein the polymer of the film is selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, and ethylene maleic anhydride. 
     
     
         29 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 18 , wherein the spunlaced web comprises at least some naturally absorbent fibers. 
     
     
         30 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 29 , wherein the naturally absorbent fibers are selected from the group consisting of wood pulp, cellulose, and cotton. 
     
     
         31 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 29 , wherein the spunlaced web further comprises at least some synthetic fibers. 
     
     
         32 . The absorbent fabric of  claim 31 , wherein the synthetic fibers are polyester fibers.