Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted. The liquid impervious shelves comprise a multiplicity of shelf layers formed from a portion of the backsheet being folded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted. The resilient shaping members of the present invention provide an improved absorbent article design having raised side edges and an acquisition channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, which utilize substantially water-insoluble hydrogel material to enhance the absorbent capacity of such articles. In these articles, the hydrogel material, combined in particulate form with hydrophilic fiber material, is primarily placed in a lower fluid storage layer of the absorbent core of the article. Such a fluid storage lower layer of the absorbent core is placed underneath an upper, preferably larger, fluid acquisition/distribution layer containing little or no hydrogel. This lower fluid storage layer is positioned in such a manner that at least about 75% of the hydrogel in the lower layer is found in the front two-thirds of the absorbent article and such that at least about 55% of the hydrogel in the lower layer is found in the front half of the absorbent article. Absorbent articles of this type make especially effective and efficient use of the hydrogel material and may also provide a diaper rash control benefit.