11.07.06
An absorbent article has been granted a patent. It comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet appearing on a skin surface; a backsheet appearing on a garment surface and a liquid absorbent layer between the topsheet and the backsheet. A liquid acquisition layer is located between the liquid absorbent layer and the topsheet. The liquid acquisition layer is kept in a three-dimensionally deformed state, wherein the liquid acquisition layer is an absorbent sheet that is three-dimensionally deformed to include longitudinal ribs projecting toward the topsheet and extending parallel with each other in a longitudinal direction of the article. Transverse ribs project toward the topsheet and extend in a transverse direction of the article. The transverse ribs are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction and connect adjacent longitudinal ribs, thereby providing a plurality of recesses surrounded by the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs. At least the longitudinal ribs are in contact with the topsheet, whereas bottoms of the recesses are in contact with the liquid absorbent layer. The liquid acquisition layer has flat portions extending from each of two opposing sides of an uneven portion that is defined by the longitudinal and transverse ribs. Each flat portion has a greater width and a lower fiber density than any of the longitudinal ribs.