Absorbent structure having zones surrounded by a continuous region of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Disclosed are absorbent structures comprising a first layer, a second layer juxtaposed in facing relation with said first layer, wherein at least one of the layers is fluid pervious. These structures also have a continuous region between said first and second layers comprising hydrogelforming polymer that is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the region. The continuous region at least partially surrounds multiple, spaced-apart zones between said layers which zones are substantially devoid of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer. The first and second layers are bonded together such that said hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is substantially immobilized when in dry state …