Absorbent fibrous structure and disposable diaper including same
 An absorbent fibrous structure includes intermingled absorbent fibers of a varying length up to about 6.35 mm. These absorbent fibers are graded by length through the thickness of the structure so that long length absorbent fibers are more concentrated than shorter length absorbent fibers at a first surface of the structure, and the shorter length fibers are more concentrated than the longer length fibers at an opposing second surface of the structure. The grading of absorbent fibers by length provides a capillary gradient through the thickness of the absorbent structure wherein capillary pores are graded by size so that large capillary pores are more concentrated than small capillary pores at the first surface of the absorbent structure, and smaller capillary pores are more concentrated than larger capillary pores at the opposing second surface of the structure. The absorbent fibrous structure of this invention may be employed as an absorbent core of an improved disposable diaper. The core is disposed between a liquid-pervious facing sheet and a backing sheet so that the long length absorbent fibers are more concentrated than the shorter length fibers at the surface of the core closest the facing sheet, and the shorter length fibers are more concentrated than the longer length fibers at the surface of the core closest the backing sheet. Absorbent fibrous structures made according to this invention may also be suitably treated with adhesive or other materials, such as plastic, and employed as absorbent wipers, incontinent pads, and the like. 
Scott Paper Company
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James E.
Anderson