01.10.05
Patented is an absorbent article with a length and a width, front and rear areas and a central area between the front and rear areas. The absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable layer, which, when the absorbent article is in use, is turned toward a body of a wearer. It also features a liquid-impermeable layer, which, when the absorbent article is in use, is turned away from the body of a wearer. A liquid distribution layer is located between the liquid-permeable and liquid-impermeable layers. The liquid distribution layer comprises an undulating strip of material from the central area into at least one of the front and rear areas. An additional strip of material is located between the undulating strip of material and the liquid-impermeable layer. The additional strip of material extends between the front and rear areas and has openings formed exclusively in one or both of the front and rear areas of the absorbent article.
The formed openings are spaced from each other by the central area of the absorbent article, which is devoid of such formed openings. A liquid storage layer is located between the liquid-impermeable layer and the liquid distribution layer. The liquid distribution layer transfers fluid to the liquid storage layer in one or both the front and rear areas. The undulating layer comprises elongate undulations that define elongate open flow channels between the undulating layer and underlying and overlying elements of the absorbent article, which are in contact with the undulating layer.