Transfer layer for absorbent article

Abstract

Three-dimensional formed films particularly useful as transfer layers in absorbent articles comprise a base plane having land areas defining a plurality of protuberances having sidewalls and a bottom wall, a plurality of the protuberances having an aperture in substantially at least one sidewall. In preferred embodiment, the film further comprises a plurality of capillaries, which can originate in the base plane or in a secondary plane spaced from the base plane. In preferred embodiments, the capillaries terminate in a common plane with the bottom surfaces of the protrusions.

1 . A three-dimensional formed film comprising protuberances, each protuberance having sidewalls and a bottom wall disposed substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls, a plurality of the protuberances having an aperture in substantially at least one sidewall. 
     
     
         2 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of capillaries. 
     
     
         3 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 2 , wherein at least some of the capillaries originate from a common plane with the protuberances. 
     
     
         4 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 3 , wherein the capillaries terminate in a common plane with the bottom surfaces of the protuberances. 
     
     
         5 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 2 , wherein the at least some of the capillaries originate from a plane different from the protuberances. 
     
     
         6 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 5 , wherein the capillaries terminate in a common plane with the bottom surfaces of the protuberances. 
     
     
         7 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , wherein the film comprises a raised plateau region and wherein a first plurality of capillaries originate from said raised plateau region. 
     
     
         8 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 7 , wherein the plateau region is raised relative to a base plane of the film, and wherein the protuberances and a second plurality of capillaries originate from said base plane. 
     
     
         9 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 8 , wherein the first plurality of capillaries, the second plurality of capillaries and the bottom surface of the protrusions all terminate in a common plane. 
     
     
         10 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 2 , wherein the capillaries have an average diameter between 50 microns and 400 microns. 
     
     
         11 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall of said protuberance is substantially unapertured. 
     
     
         12 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , wherein the apertures have an average hydraulic diameter between 0.55 mm and 1.2 mm. 
     
     
         13 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , said film comprising a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         14 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 13 , wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from polyolefins made from olefin monomers having up to 10 carbon atoms; polyesters; plastomers; polyamides (e.g., nylon);polystyrenes; polyurethanes; vinyl polymers; acrylic and/or methacrylic polymers; elastomers (e.g., styrene block copolymer elastomers); polymers from natural renewable sources; biodegradable polymers; and mixtures or blends thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the formed film is hydrophilic. 
     
     
         16 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , wherein the formed film comprises two layers, wherein each layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         17 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 1 , wherein the protuberances originate from a base plane comprising and further comprising a plurality of capillaries, at least a portion of the capillaries originating from a secondary plane, said secondary plane being spaced from the base plane in the z-direction. 
     
     
         18 . The three-dimensional formed film of  claim 17 , wherein the base plane comprises continuous lands defining said protuberances and wherein said secondary plane comprises an elevated plateau of discontinuous lands defining said capillaries. 
     
     
         19 . An absorbent article, comprising a topsheet; an transfer layer; an absorbent core; and a backsheet; wherein the transfer layer comprises a three-dimensional formed film comprising protuberances, each protuberance having sidewalls and a bottom wall disposed substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls, a plurality of the protuberances having an aperture in substantially at least one sidewall. 
     
     
         20 . The absorbent article of  claim 19 , wherein the film further comprises a plurality of capillaries, wherein the capillaries terminate in a common plane with the bottom surfaces of the protrusions.