Abstract: Disclosed is an elongated absorbent article including a liquid absorbent layer. In a region where the liquid absorbent layer is present, compressed grooves are disposed to extend symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline, defining a central region therebetween and side regions laterally outside the central region and adjacent the compressed grooves. The central region includes front, intermediate and rear central regions. The intermediate central region has a widened portion in which the separation distance is larger than in regions positioned forward and rearward thereof. Stiffness of the side regions is lower in portions laterally outside the intermediate central region than in portions laterally outside the front and rear central regions.

Abstract: A bulky sheet material having three-dimensional protrusions 10 is disclosed. The sheet material comprises a first layer 1 and a second layer 2 adjacent to the first layer 1. The first layer 1 and the second layer 2 is partly joined together at joints 3 in a prescribed pattern. The first layer 1 has a number of raised portions which are located among the joints 3. The second layer 2 comprises a material which exhibits elastomeric behavior. The bulky sheet material 10 exhibits elastomeric behavior as a whole and breathability.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises an outer cover, and an absorbent member attached to the skin facing side of the outer cover. The absorbent member includes an absorber. At least a crotch zone of the outer cover is subjected to a softening process for softening a material of the outer cover.

Abstract: An apertured vacuum formed film for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article has raised lands in a stroking direction to impart a silky tactile impression. The stroking direction lands are raised between 15 ? and 145 ? relative to the transverse lands. The stroking direction lands may also include a microtexture to enhance the silky tactile impression. Also, the apertures may form boat shape cells to enhance the silky tactile impression.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article (14) used by being fitted to the female pubic region, which comprises: an absorbent sheet body made of a water permeable sheet (11), a water impermeable sheet (12), and an absorbent body (13) being formed into one body; and a body fluid inflow hole (14b) in a cylindrical shape with the garment side being the bottom, having an opening in a size capable of being fitted to cover a pair of labia majoras from outside.

Abstract: Absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, with a stiffening element which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the article during its use. The stiffening element is in a plane state before use of the article. The stiffening element has in the rear portion an elongate through-hole which extends in the longitudinal direction of the article and along the centre line of the article, as a result of which the article is during use provided, by virtue of lateral forces arising in the rear portion of the article, with a fold along the longitudinal direction of the article along the hole. The fold extends into the cleft between the buttocks of the wearer during use of the article and in this way stabilizes the article in position on the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and a liquid absorbent core disposed therebetween. The diaper has openings, which pass through the top sheet and the core, and are formed in at least the crotch region of the diaper. The back sheet has a free portion which is disposed beneath the core and extendible downwards in its thickness direction. The back sheet further has a fixed edge portion which is outside an outer periphery of the free portion and fixed to the top sheet. A plurality of longitudinally extending contractible elastic members are disposed at least in the free portion and the fixed edge portion. A plurality of transversely extending gathers are formed under the contraction of the elastic members.

Abstract: An inter-labium product capable of disintegration in water, fitted to the inter-labium part; and a surface-side sheet for inter-labium product that simultaneously realizes comfortability at wearing of the inter-labium product and capability of water disintegration such that the inter-labium product is disintegrated when thrown in flush water of water closet after use. The surface-side sheet for use in an inter-labium product fitted to the inter-labium part is comprised of hydrophilic fibers composed of single fibers and fibril fibers having fuzzes branched from the surface thereof, wherein at least some of the branched fuzzes link the single fibers and the fibril fibers to each other. Thus, not only can the wet tensile strength be increased but also inter-fibrous bonds are slowly decomposed in the presence of a large amount of water to thereby enable disposal of the inter-labium product in a flush toilet.

Abstract: An improved absorbent article is disclosed. The absorbent article has a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline, and comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent component. The topsheet has a topsheet opening. The absorbent component comprises a storage member and a distribution member. The storage member has a storage member opening surrounded by a periphery edge. The distribution member comprises an acquisition portion and a main portion wherein. The main portion extends underneath the storage member. The acquisition portion protrudes through the topsheet opening and the storage member opening, and extends over the topsheet longitudinally outwardly or laterally outwardly beyond the periphery edge of the storage member opening.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a porous, macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional, elastomeric web suitable for use in elasticized portions of disposable absorbent articles such as bandages, diapers and pull-up diaper training pants. In a preferred embodiment the web has a continuous first surface and a discontinuous second surface remote from first surface. An elastomeric web of the present invention preferably comprises a formed film having at least two polymeric layers, with at least one of the layers being an elastomer and at least one of the other layers being a substantially less elastomeric skin layer. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric web exhibits a multiplicity of primary apertures in the first surface of the web, the primary apertures being defined in the plane of the first surface by a continuous network of interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member exhibits an upwardly concave-shaped cross-section along its length.

Abstract: A liquid permeable covering sheet of an absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence protector, or a sanitary napkin which comprises an apertured textile material. The covering sheet has a plurality of holes, each of which is surrounded by an essentially liquid-type edge. The invention further comprises an absorbent article with a covering sheet according to the invention. A method of making the covering sheet by causing heated needles to penetrate a textile material layer comprising at one thermoplastic component is also covered by the invention.

Abstract: In an absorbent article, a formed film topsheet provides good rewet performance and a silky tactile impression in a stroking direction. The topsheet has a plurality of Boat Shape Cells substantially aligned in the stroking direction at a mesh greater than about 25 cells per linear inch, as measured perpendicular to the stroking direction. The topsheet may have additional features to enhance the silky tactile impression such as microridges on the lands between the cells, raised lands in the stroking direction, and other parameters as described in the specification and claimed in the claims.

Abstract: Method for directed drainage of fluids emerging in a localized manner, and further absorbent article which comprises: a front region; a rear region; a central region between the front and rear regions; an upper layer permeable to body fluids and which faces the body of the user when the absorbent article is in use; a lower layer impervious to body fluids and which is remote from the body of the user when the absorbent article is in use; a fluid-distribution layer disposed between the fluid-permeable layer and the impervious layer, the fluid-distribution layer extending from the front region to the rear region; and a fluid-storage layer disposed between the lower layer and the fluid-distribution layer. The absorbent article comprises one or more transport layers transferring fluid from the fluid-distribution layer at least into the part of the fluid-storage layer located in the front and/or rear region of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A body fluids absorbent article including an absorbent structure that includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The topsheet is divided into a first absorbent surface zone and a second absorbent surface zone. The first absorbent surface zone has no gathers and is formed with a plurality of liquid-passages extending therethrough. The second absorbent surface zone is formed with a plurality of gathers extending longitudinally of the absorbent structure. Compressed grooves extend along boundary lines of the first and second absorbent surface zones in transversely opposite side regions of the body facing surface.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first region juxtaposed with the front of the wearer and a second region juxtaposed with the back of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Since the first region is juxtaposed with the front of the wearer it should be superior in the handling of urine while the second region which is juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of low-viscosity fecal material. The first region has a PACORM value of less than 120 mg and the second region has a trans-topsheet capacity of at least 0.2 grams per square inch.

Abstract: A thermally stable microporous breathable film is provided comprising at least 35% filler, by weight of the filled-film, and a thermoplastic polymer blend of a first polyethylene polymer and a second polyethylene polymer. The first polyethylene polymer comprises 30%-70% by weight of the polymer blend and can have a density between about 0.86 g/cm3 and 0.89 g/cm3 and the second polyethylene polymer can have a density between about 0.90 g/cm3 and 0.92 g/cm3. The filled-film can be uniaxially or biaxially oriented to form a microporous film and/or film laminate having good body conformance and which retains a high WVTR at 37° C. and above.

Abstract: A topsheet 10 for an absorbent article comprising a first fiber layer 1 disposed on the side of a wearer and a second fiber layer 2 disposed on the side of an absorbent member, the first fiber layer 1 and the second fiber layer 2 being partially bonded together at joints 3 in a prescribed pattern, the first fiber layer 1 having protrusions 4 on the wearer's side in portions other than the joints 3, and the second fiber layer 2 being a fiber aggregate containing heat shrinkable fiber and having heat shrunken parts 5 that have shrunken and densified parts 6 that have been inhibited from heat shrinkage.

Abstract: In a method for alerting the wearer of an absorbent article to the wearer's release of liquid body waste to the article, a flow control layer is placed between a liner and an absorbent body of the article to substantially retard the flow of liquid body waste from the liner to the absorbent body. Liquid body waste is pooled adjacent the liner whereby the pooled liquid body waste flows back through the liner and contacts the wearer's skin to thereby alert the wearer to the release of liquid body waste.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided comprising a liquid absorbent pad having a large single through slit designed to control fluid surge and minimize fluid leakage when fluid is discharged suddenly during the use of the article.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable wearing article that is formed with a plurality of fine openings each having an area of about 0.16-5 mm2 and a part of the peripheral edge of each opening is protuberated upward from an upper surface of the topsheet. The topsheet is thereby improved so that body fluids can be rapidly absorbed and stuffiness as well as eruption of the wearer's skin can be reliably avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles for retaining body fluids such as urine, menses, or fecal material. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid handling member that collapses at a pressure between 2756 Pascal (0.4 psi) and 3447 (0.5 psi) in order to reduce the likelihood of causing skin marking.

Abstract: An absorbent article having extensibility at waist panel is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core disposed underneath the topsheet, and a chassis layer. A first or second waist panel includes a portion of the chassis layer. The chassis layer includes a plurality of spaced discontinuities regularly disposed in at least a portion of the first or second waist panel. The discontinuities are open to provide the chassis layer with extensibility in the transverse direction when the first or second waist panel is subjected to tension. The absorbent article also includes an extensibility controlling means to control the extensibility of the chassis layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid pervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes an acceptance element having an effective open area of at least about 30 percent and a storage element having a compressive resistance of at least about 70 percent.

Abstract: A disposable diaper that includes a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region extending therebetween. An end portion of the rear waist region is provided with an elastic member associated with a waist-opening. The diaper has transversely opposite side edges and upper and lower edges. A plurality of slits extend through the diaper in its thickness direction and in a longitudinal direction so as to be spaced one from another by a predetermined dimension in a waist-surrounding direction between the side edges. The slits are also spaced one from another by a predetermined dimension in the longitudinal direction between a vicinity of the upper edge and a vicinity of the lower edge.

Abstract: An apertured, film-coated nonwoven fabric or material and a process for making the film-coated nonwoven fabric or material are provided. A nonwoven material layer is formed and extrusion coated with a polymer film to form a film-coated nonwoven material, the film-coated nonwoven material including a film layer having a thickness not greater than about 0.30 mils. A plurality of apertures may be formed in at least the film layer to form the apertured, film-coated nonwoven material. In alternative embodiments of this invention, a plurality of “peaks” or “cones” may be formed in the film layer having an aperture at a “valley” formed between adjacent peaks or cones.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: An apertured film cover for an absorbent article is disclosed. The cover has an additive combination comprising a diol and a surfactant applied thereto. The additive combination provides surprisingly improved fluid transfer across the cover. It can also provide a benefit by reducing frictional forces during the manufacture of a tampon.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for personal wear has a generally liquid permeable liner adapted for contiguity with the wearer's skin, and an outer cover. An absorbent body lies between the liner and the outer cover for absorbing liquid body waste. A surge layer lies between the liner and the absorbent body for receiving liquid body waste penetrating the liner and for subsequently releasing liquid body waste to the absorbent body. The surge layer has an inner surface, an outer surface generally facing the absorbent body and an opening extending from its inner surface toward its outer surface. A flow control layer between the liner and the absorbent body at least retards the flow of liquid body waste from the surge layer opening to the absorbent body to facilitate a prolonged feeling of wetness against the wearer's skin upon the release of liquid body waste into the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of a crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes an acceptance element having an effective open area of at least about 30 percent and a storage element having a compressive resistance of at least about 70 percent.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the topsheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article including a first plastic film layer, a second plastic film layer and a fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced one from another and extending in parallel one to another in one direction and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced one from another and extending in parallel one to another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge-like regions and first rising regions.

Abstract: A tampon, particularly for feminine hygiene, includes an absorbent body and a variably perforated or apertured cover. The absorbent body has an introduction end, a withdrawal end, and a longitudinal main portion therebetween. The cover includes a fluid-impervious plastic material in the form of a resilient three-dimensional web having a multiplicity of perforations. The perforations are varied over the length of the tampon so that a differentiated expansion of the tampon while absorbing fluid is achievable. Preferably, the degree of perforations of the cover increases towards the withdrawal end of the tampon at least over a portion of its length.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the liquid components of the fecal material are absorbed by the core and the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first region juxtaposed with the front of the wearer and a second region juxtaposed with the back of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Since the first region is juxtaposed with the of the wearer it should be superior in the handling of urine while the second region which is juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of low-viscosity fecal material. The first region has a PACORM value of less than 120 mg and the second region has a trans-topsheet capacity of at least 0.2 grams per square inch.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the topsheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface layer formed of continuous filaments individually extending over the entire length of the surface layer, the continuous filaments including at least heat-fusible continuous filaments; a backing sheet; and a fibrous absorbent core located between the surface layer and the backing sheet and containing heat-fusible fibers. Between the surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core, disposed is an absorbent sheet which is formed of superabsorbent polymer to have a plurality of through passages. The surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core are partially fusion-bonded to each other via the through passages formed in the absorbent sheet for retaining the absorbent sheet between the surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core.

Abstract: A toilet flushable diaper for use by infants and incontinent adults. The diaper has a liquid impervious back sheet comprised of a soluble film center layer covered on both sides with flocking or nonwoven material. An absorbent member is carried on the inner surface of the back sheet comprises a liquid pervious cover which encapsulates an inner body for absorbing urine and other body fluids. The diaper is formed with a weakened tear sheet which enables manual tearing of it into several pieces, allowing the pieces to dissolve when absorbing water as they are flushed down a toilet.

Abstract: A compression recovery sheet which comprises a fiber aggregate containing 10 to 90% by weight of an elastomeric component and has a basis weight of 15 to 100 g/m2, a no-load thickness of 1 to 10 mm, and a compressive recovery of 60% or more and an absorbent article containing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: “A collection device for self-collecting bodily substances can take the form of a sanitary napkin comprising a porous outer sleeve opened at one end thereof and including upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet is outwardly provided with an impermeable sheet coated with an adhesive covered with a removable protective peel-off strip. The sanitary napkin comprises between the upper and lower sheets an absorbent layer and a removable sampling filter. The filter is slidably received in the outer sleeve, extends between the upper sheet and the absorbent layer and is removable from the sanitary napkin once bodily substances have collected thereon for being then sealingly packaged and stored until its analysis. The sampling strip can also be made more or less integral with the sanitary napkin such that the complete napkin is forwarded by the end user to the laboratory.

Abstract: A resilient, three dimensional, perforated plastic webs which allow passage of water vapor and preferably air, and are resistant to the transmission of aqueous fluids at least in one direction. According to the present invention the perforated plastic webs consist of a liquid impervious polymeric film having open and closed capillaries. More than half of the capillaries are closed and preferably shorter than the capillaries with aperatures, and provide the resilient three dimensional web with an increased resistance crush and to collapse the capillaries under compression. The resilient, three dimensional, perforated plastic webs can be used as one of the layers of a backsheet in an absorbent articles, such as, sanitary napkins, pantiliners. baby diapers, adult incontinence, and the like.

Abstract: A sanitary article includes an absorbent structure composed of a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween, an absorbent upper panel which is formed with a fibrous web and attached to an upper surface of the topsheet. The absorbent upper panel has a plurality of openings extending through the panel in its thickness direction and spaced one from another in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and a wall defining each of the openings wherein the wall has a fiber density grade which is higher in an upper region of the wall and lower in a lower region of the wall lying adjacent the topsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as baby diapers or sanitary napkins having a breathable yet liquid leakage retarding backsheet which comprises an inner and an outer layer. The inner layer being closer to the absorbent structure of the article is a formed film with directional liquid transport characteristics while the outer layer is a fibrous fabric.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-dimensional apertured film having a caliper defined by a first plane and a second plane. The film comprises a plurality of disconnected macrofeatures and a plurality of apertures. The apertures are defined by sidewalls that originate in the film's first surface and extend generally in the direction of the film's second surface to terminate in the second plane. The first surface of the film is coincident with the first plane at said macrofeatures. The film may be used in personal care products, such as sanitary napkins, and has stable, low Penetration Rate when used in conjunction with an absorbent core containing superabsorbent material.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, has a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region located between the waist regions. The disposable absorbent article also includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is provided with a plurality of openings which direct bodily exudates received into or by the crotch region to a storage space disposed below the topsheet. The topsheet is spaced generally upward from the core such that the storage space is disposed between the topsheet and the core. The disposable absorbent article further includes at least one or more elongated elastic strands which are attached to the topsheet so as to space or urge the topsheet generally upwardly from the core.

Abstract: A topsheet 10 for an absorbent article comprising a first fiber layer 1 disposed on the side of a wearer and a second fiber layer 2 disposed on the side of an absorbent member, the first fiber layer 1 and the second fiber layer 2 being partially bonded together at joints 3 in a prescribed pattern, the first fiber layer 1 having protrusions 4 on the wearer's side in portions other than the joints 3, and the second fiber layer 2 being a fiber aggregate containing heat shrinkable fiber and having heat shrunken parts 5 that have shrunken and densified parts 6 that have been inhibited from heat shrinkage.

Abstract: Provided are highly dispersible absorbent products, comprising an absorbent structure and preferably a water soluble barrier layer, wherein the absorbent products have a high rate of dispersibility, can exhibit low residual by-product in urinals upon flushing, resist strikethrough of absorbed fluid onto the hand of the user, and can absorb a sufficient amount of fluid without becoming overloaded or leaking. In one embodiment, provided is a ring rolled cellulosic sheet having a water soluble polymeric film laminated thereto. Also provided is a method of making such dispersible absorbent products comprising mechanically weakening an absorbent structure. Also provided are packaged products comprising a package and a plurality of dispersible absorbent products or articles.

Abstract: A composite sheet comprises a hydrophobic first plastic film layer forming an upper surface of the sheet, a second plastic film layer forming a lower surface of the sheet and a hydrophobic intermediate fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced one from another and extending parallel one to another in one direction and sawtooth-shaped first rising regions formed along edges of the first plane regions and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions. Such composite sheet is breathable but liquid-resistant and suitable for use for disposable garments.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured. film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the topsheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to. unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon having an absorbent structure and a multilayered cover substantially enclosing the absorbent structure. The cover has an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. The inner layer creates a controlled interruption of fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. This interruption allows the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize vaginal wall drying prior to saturation of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: A fluid absorbent article for surgical applications includes a top layer including an apertured film having a plurality of apertures formed therein. Each aperture includes a base and an apex with the aperture base oriented in an upper surface of the top layer and the apex positioned a depth below the base and upper surface. An absorbent layer includes an absorbent media positioned to underlie the top layer generally coextensive with the top layer and receive fluids passing through the top layer. The absorbent media is operable for dispersing and containing the fluid within the article. Bases of the apertures have a plurality of generally straight sides and are positioned with respect to the upper surface to present a plurality of different angles to fluid flowing on the upper surface to hinder and divert the fluid so that it more readily passes through the apertures to the absorbent layer.