U.S. patent application number 10/748646 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-13 for absorbent article featuring photoluminous graphics.
Invention is credited to Larson, Todd C., Mullen, Erica L., Van Dyke, Sherry A..
Application Number | 20050008830 10/748646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33565055 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050008830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larson, Todd C. ; et
al. |
January 13, 2005 |
Absorbent article featuring photoluminous graphics
Abstract
An absorbent article includes an outercover defining an interior
surface and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and
an absorbent body disposed on the interior surface. The absorbent
article also includes at least one non-photoluminescent graphic
disposed on the outercover and at least one photoluminescent
graphic disposed on said outercover.
Inventors: |
Larson, Todd C.; (Grayslake,
IL) ; Mullen, Erica L.; (Oshkosh, WI) ; Van
Dyke, Sherry A.; (Neenah, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
401 NORTH LAKE STREET
NEENAH
WI
54956
|
Family ID: |
33565055 |
Appl. No.: |
10/748646 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10748646 |
Dec 29, 2003 |
|
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10618030 |
Jul 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/195.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41M 3/00 20130101; A61F
13/84 20130101; Y10T 428/24851 20150115; B44F 1/08 20130101; B41M
1/40 20130101; Y10T 428/24876 20150115; Y10T 428/24901 20150115;
A61F 13/5622 20130101; A61F 2013/15243 20130101; A61F 2013/8497
20130101; Y10T 428/24802 20150115; A61F 13/51496 20130101; B41M
5/00 20130101; B41M 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/195.1 |
International
Class: |
B32B 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An absorbent article comprising: an outercover defining an
interior surface and an exterior surface opposite said interior
surface; an absorbent body disposed on said interior surface; at
least one non-photoluminescent graphic disposed on said outercover;
and at least one photoluminescent graphic disposed on said
outercover wherein said at least one photoluminescent graphic
defines a photoluminescent graphic area that is at least 10 square
cm and has a glow intensity of at least 0.5 lux at 60 seconds as
determined by a Glow Intensity Test set forth herein.
2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
non-photoluminescent graphic defines a graphic theme, and said at
least one photoluminescent graphic is related to said graphic
theme.
3. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
non-photoluminescent graphic defines a graphic theme, and said at
least one photoluminescent graphic is unrelated to said graphic
theme.
4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is a substantially solid silhouette of at
least a portion of said at least one non-photoluminescent
graphic.
5. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is an outline of at least a portion of
said at least one non-photoluminescent graphic.
6. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said outline defines an
outline thickness, and at least a portion of said outline thickness
is at least 0.30 cm.
7. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic
interior, and wherein said at least one photoluminescent graphic
comprises at least one graphic attribute in said photoluminescent
graphic interior.
8. The absorbent article of claim 7 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is a silhouette, and said at least one
graphic attribute comprise non-photoluminescent portions within
said photoluminescent graphic interior.
9. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is phosphorescent.
10. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic area
that is at least 20 square cm.
11. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic area
that is at least 40 square cm.
12. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic has a glow intensity of at least 0.75 lux
at 60 seconds as determined by a Glow Intensity Test set forth
herein.
13. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic has a glow intensity of at least 0.95 lux
at 60 seconds as determined by a Glow Intensity Test set forth
herein.
14. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic substantially overlaps said at least one
non-photoluminescent graphic.
15. The absorbent article of claim 14 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is a silhouette of said
non-photoluminescent graphic.
16. The absorbent article of claim 14 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is an outline of said non-photoluminescent
graphic.
17. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is a silhouette of said
non-photoluminescent graphic and wherein said photoluminescent
graphic is independent of said non-photoluminescent graphic.
18. An absorbent article comprising: an outercover defining an
interior surface and an exterior surface opposite said interior
surface; an absorbent body disposed on said interior surface; a
plurality of non-photoluminescent graphics disposed on said
outercover wherein said at least one non-photoluminescent graphics
define a graphic theme; and at least one photoluminescent graphic
disposed on said outercover wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic is related to said graphic theme.
19. The absorbent article of claim 18 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic area
that is at least 10 square cm.
20. The absorbent article of claim 18 wherein said photoluminescent
graphic has a glow intensity of at least 0.5 lux at 60 seconds as
determined by a Glow Intensity Test set forth herein.
21. The absorbent article of claim 18 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic
interior, and wherein said at least one photoluminescent graphic
comprises at least one graphic attribute in said photoluminescent
graphic interior.
22. An absorbent article comprising: an outercover defining an
interior surface and an exterior surface opposite said interior
surface; an absorbent body disposed on said interior surface; a
plurality of non-photoluminescent graphics disposed on said
outercover wherein said plurality of non-photoluminescent graphics
define a graphic theme; and at least one photoluminescent graphic
disposed on said outercover wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic area
that is at least 10 square cm and has a glow intensity of at least
0.5 lux at 60 seconds as determined by a Glow Intensity Test set
forth herein and wherein said at least one photoluminescent graphic
is related to said graphic theme.
23. The absorbent article of claim 22 wherein said at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic
interior, and wherein said at least one photoluminescent graphic
comprises at least one graphic attribute in said photoluminescent
graphic interior.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/618,030 entitled "Substrate With Graphic Thereon" and
filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 11, 2003. The
entirety of application Ser. No. 10/618,030 is hereby incorporated
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to absorbent articles such
as training pants, diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence
garments and the like, and more particularly to such articles
having photoluminous graphics thereon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants,
incontinence garments, and the like often include a
liquid-impermeable outercover, an absorbent body, and in some
instances, graphics disposed on the exterior surface of the
outercover. The graphics may provide a decorative feature, and
particularly when used in connection with children's training
pants, may be used to make the pants appear similar to conventional
underwear. Further, the graphics may also be used to encourage
training and/or be used to make the training experience more
enjoyable and a generally positive experience. For example, the
graphics may be used to allow the caregiver to interact with the
wearer in the training setting.
[0004] Accordingly, the graphics may take various forms, such as
the form of a character, object and/or alphanumeric (e.g., numbers,
words, phrases, instructions, etc.), and the like. Moreover, at
least some of the graphics may be configured to be capable of being
visible in low light conditions, including the dark, to further
enhance the aesthetic appearance and usefulness of the article.
[0005] Nonetheless, such graphics, in certain circumstances, may
not be completely effective. That is, in certain arrangements,
particularly when such graphics are relatively small in size, the
graphics may not be sufficiently visible in low light conditions.
Further, the graphics may be sufficiently visible in low light
conditions, but may be relatively amorphous and difficult to
discern as a particular shape or object.
[0006] There is need, therefore, to provide graphics that are
sufficiently visible in low light conditions. Moreover, there is a
need to provide such graphics such that the depicted object is
readily discernable by the wearer and/or caregiver to maximize the
effectiveness of the graphic.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an
absorbent article including an outercover defining an interior
surface and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface. The
absorbent article also includes an absorbent body disposed on the
interior surface, at least one non-photoluminescent graphic
disposed on the outercover, and at least one photoluminescent
graphic disposed on the outercover. The at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic area
that is at least 10 square cm and has a glow intensity of at least
0.5 lux at 60 seconds as determined by a Glow Intensity Test set
forth herein.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an
absorbent article including an outercover defining an interior
surface and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface. The
absorbent article also includes an absorbent body disposed on the
interior surface, a plurality of non-photoluminescent graphics
disposed on the outercover where the at least one
non-photoluminescent graphics define a graphic theme, and at least
one photoluminescent graphic disposed on the outercover where the
at least one photoluminescent graphic is related to the graphic
theme.
[0009] In general, an article according to another aspect of the
present invention is directed to an absorbent article including an
outercover defining an interior surface, and an exterior surface
opposite the interior surface. The absorbent article also includes
an absorbent body disposed on the interior surface, a plurality of
non-photoluminescent graphics disposed on the outercover. The
plurality of non-photoluminescent graphics define a graphic theme.
The absorbent article also includes at least one photoluminescent
graphic disposed on the outercover. The at least one
photoluminescent graphic defines a photoluminescent graphic area
that is at least 10 square cm and has a glow intensity of at least
0.5 lux at 60 seconds as determined by a Glow Intensity Test set
forth herein and is related to the graphic theme.
[0010] The above-mentioned and other aspects of the present
invention will become more apparent, and the invention itself will
be better understood by reference to the drawings and the following
description of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a side view of a pair of
training pants with a mechanical fastening system of the pants
shown fastened on one side of the training pants and unfastened on
the other side of the training pants;
[0012] FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a plan view of a pair of
training pants similar to those illustrated in FIG. 1 in an
unfastened, stretched and laid flat condition, and showing the
surface of the training pants that faces away from the wearer;
[0013] FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to
FIG. 2, but showing the surface of the training pants that faces
the wearer when worn, and with portions cut away to show underlying
features;
[0014] FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to
FIG. 2 with one aspect of a graphic of the present invention
applied to the pants;
[0015] FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to
FIG. 2 with another aspect of a graphic of the present invention
applied to the pants;
[0016] FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to
FIG. 2 with yet another aspect of a graphic of the present
invention applied to the pants;
[0017] FIG. 7 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to
FIG. 2 with yet another aspect of a graphic of the present
invention applied to the pants; and
[0018] FIG. 8 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to
FIG. 2 with still yet another aspect of a graphic of the present
invention applied to the pants.
[0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a
disposable article in the form of children's toilet training pants
is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 20. The
article may or may not be absorbent, which generally refers to
absorbent articles that may be placed against or in proximity to
the body of the wearer to absorb and/or retain various liquid waste
discharged from the body. The term "disposable" as used herein
refers to articles that are intended to be discarded after a
limited period of use instead of being laundered or otherwise
restored for reuse. It is understood that the present invention is
suitable for use with various other articles such as diapers,
feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, medical articles
such as medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other
personal care or health care garments, apparel for institutional,
industrial or consumer use, and the like without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0021] By way of illustration only, training pants suitable for use
with the present invention and various materials and methods for
constructing the training pants are disclosed in PCT Patent
Application WO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et
al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,389 issued Jun. 16, 1998 to Brandon et
al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,190 issued Nov. 11, 2003 to Olson et
al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety
to the extent they are consistent (i.e., not in conflict)
herewith.
[0022] The training pants 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in a
partially fastened condition and includes a front waist region 22,
a back waist region 24, a crotch region 26 interconnecting the
front and back waist regions, an inner surface 28 configured for a
facing relationship with the wearer, and an outer surface 30
opposite the inner surface. With additional reference to FIGS. 2
and 3, the training pants 20 also has a pair of laterally opposite
side edges 36 and a pair of longitudinally opposite waist edges,
respectively designated front waist edge 38 and back waist edge
39.
[0023] The illustrated pants 20 includes a central absorbent
assembly, generally indicated at 32, which when laid flat can be
rectangular or any other desired shape, a pair of laterally
opposite front side panels 34 extending outward therefrom at the
front waist region 22 and a pair of laterally opposite back side
panels 134 extending outward therefrom at the back waist region 24.
The absorbent assembly 32 and side panels 34, 134 may comprise two
or more separate elements, as representatively illustrated in FIG.
1, or be integrally formed. The central absorbent assembly 32 of
the illustrated aspect includes an outercover 40, a bodyside liner
42 (FIGS. 1 and 3) connected to the outercover in a superposed
relation, an absorbent body 44 (FIG. 3) disposed between the
outercover 40 and the bodyside liner 42, and a pair of containment
flaps 46 (FIG. 3). The central absorbent assembly also has opposite
ends 45 which can form portions of the front and back waist edges
38 and 39, and opposite side edges 47 which can form portions of
the side edges 36 of the training pants 20 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
Integrally formed side panels 34, 134 and absorbent assembly 32
would comprise at least some common materials, such as the bodyside
liner 42, flap composite, outercover 40, other materials and/or
combinations thereof, and could define a one-piece elastic,
stretchable, or nonstretchable pants. For further reference, arrows
48 and 49 depict the orientation of the longitudinal axis and the
transverse or lateral axis, respectively, of the training pants
20.
[0024] With the training pants 20 in the fastened position as
partially illustrated in FIG. 1, the front and back side panels 34,
134 are connected together by a fastening system 80 to define a
three-dimensional pants configuration having a waist opening 50 and
a pair of leg openings 52. The front waist region 22 comprises the
portion of the training pants 20 which, when worn, is positioned on
the front of the wearer while the back waist region 24 comprises
the portion of the training pants which is positioned on the back
of the wearer. The crotch region 26 of the training pants 20
comprises the portion of the training pants 20 which is positioned
between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the
wearer. The front and back side panels 34 and 134 comprise the
portions of the training pants 20 which, when worn, are positioned
on the hips of the wearer. The waist edges 38 and 39 of the
training pants 20 are configured to encircle the waist of the
wearer and together define the waist opening 50 (FIG. 1). Portions
of the side edges 36 in the crotch region 26 generally define the
leg openings 52.
[0025] The central absorbent assembly 32 is configured to contain
and/or absorb exudates discharged from the wearer. For example, the
containment flaps 46 are configured to provide a barrier to the
transverse flow of body exudates. A flap elastic member 53 (FIG. 3)
can be operatively joined with each containment flap 46 in any
suitable manner as is well known in the art. The elasticized
containment flaps 46 define a partially unattached edge which
assumes an upright configuration in at least the crotch region 26
of the training pants 20 to form a seal against the wearer's body.
The containment flaps 46 can be located along the side edges 36 of
the pants 20, and can extend longitudinally along the entire length
of the absorbent assembly 32 or may extend only partially along the
length of the absorbent assembly. Suitable constructions and
arrangements for the containment flaps 46 are generally well known
to those skilled in the art and are described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,704,116 issued Nov. 3, 1987 to Enloe, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety to the extent it is consistent
(i.e., not in conflict) herewith.
[0026] To further enhance containment and/or absorption of body
exudates, the training pants 20 also suitably includes a front
waist elastic member 54 (FIGS. 1 and 3), a rear waist elastic
member 56, and leg elastic members 58, as are known to those
skilled in the art. The waist elastic members 54 and 56 can be
operatively joined to the outercover 40 and/or the bodyside liner
42 along the opposite waist edges 38 and 39, and can extend over
part or all of the waist edges. The leg elastic members 58 can be
operatively joined to the outercover 40 and/or the bodyside liner
42 along the opposite side edges 36 and positioned in the crotch
region 26 of the training pants 20. The leg elastic members 58 can
be longitudinally aligned along each side edge 47 of the absorbent
assembly 32.
[0027] The flap elastic members 53, the waist elastic members 54
and 56, and the leg elastic members 58 can be formed of any
suitable elastic material. As is well known to those skilled in the
art, suitable elastic materials include sheets, strands or ribbons
of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric
polymers. The elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to a
substrate, adhered to a gathered substrate, or adhered to a
substrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example with the
application of heat, such that elastic retractive forces are
imparted to the substrate. In one particular aspect, for example,
the leg elastic members 58 comprise a plurality of dry-spun
coalesced multifilament spandex elastomeric threads sold under the
trade name LYCRA.RTM. and available from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours
and Company, Wilmington, Del., U.S.A.
[0028] The outercover 40 defines an exterior surface corresponding
to the outer surface 30 of the training pant and an opposite
interior surface. The outercover 40 desirably comprises a material
that is substantially liquid impermeable. The outercover 40 can be
a single layer of liquid impermeable material, but desirably
comprises a multi-layered laminate structure in which at least one
of the layers is liquid impermeable. For instance, the outercover
40 can include a liquid permeable outer layer and a liquid
impermeable inner layer that are suitably joined together by a
laminate adhesive (not shown). Suitable laminate adhesives, which
can be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, a spray,
parallel swirls, or the like, can be obtained from Findley
Adhesives, Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wis., or from National Starch and
Chemical Company, Bridgewater, N.J. The liquid permeable outer
layer can be any suitable material and desirably one that provides
a generally cloth-like texture. One example of such a material is a
20 gsm (grams per square meter) spunbond polypropylene nonwoven
web. The outer layer can also be made of those materials of which
liquid permeable bodyside liner 42 is made. While it is not a
necessity for outer layer to be liquid permeable, it is desired
that it provides a relatively cloth-like texture to the wearer.
[0029] The inner layer of the outercover 40 can be both liquid and
vapor impermeable, or can be liquid impermeable and vapor
permeable. The inner layer is desirably manufactured from a thin
plastic film, although other flexible liquid impermeable materials
can also be used. The inner layer, or the liquid impermeable
outercover 40 when a single layer, prevents waste material from
wetting articles, such as bedsheets and clothing, as well as the
wearer and caregiver. A suitable liquid impermeable film for use as
liquid impermeable inner layer, or a single layer liquid
impermeable outercover 40, is a 0.025 millimeter (1.0 mil)
polyethylene film commercially available from Edison Plastics
Company of South Plainfield, N.J. If the outercover 40 is a single
layer of material, it can be embossed and/or matte finished to
provide a more cloth-like appearance. As earlier mentioned, the
liquid impermeable material can permit vapors to escape from the
interior of the disposable absorbent article, while still
preventing liquids from passing through the outercover 40. A
suitable "breathable" material is composed of a microporous polymer
film or a nonwoven fabric that has been coated or otherwise treated
to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. A suitable
microporous film is a PMP-1 film material commercially available
from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, or an XKO-8044
polyolefin film commercially available from 3M Company,
Minneapolis, Minn.
[0030] The liquid permeable bodyside liner 42 is illustrated as
overlying the outercover 40 and absorbent body 44, and may but need
not have the same dimensions as the outercover 40. The bodyside
liner 42 is desirably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating
to the child's skin. Further, the bodyside liner 42 can be less
hydrophilic than the absorbent body 44, to present a relatively dry
surface to the wearer and permit liquid to readily penetrate
through its thickness. Alternatively, the bodyside liner 42 can be
more hydrophilic or can have essentially the same affinity for
moisture as the absorbent body 44 to present a relatively wet
surface to the wearer to increase the sensation of being wet. This
wet sensation can be useful as a training aid. The
hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties can be varied across the length,
width and depth of the bodyside liner 42 and absorbent body 44 to
achieve the desired wetness sensation or leakage performance.
[0031] The bodyside liner 42 can be manufactured from a wide
selection of web materials, such as synthetic fibers (for example,
polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example,
wood or cotton fibers), a combination of natural and synthetic
fibers, porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films,
or the like. Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the
bodyside liner 42. For example, the bodyside liner can be composed
of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The bodyside
liner can also be a bonded-carded web composed of natural and/or
synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner can be composed of a
substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material
can, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise
processed to impart a desired level of wettability and
hydrophilicity. For example, the material can be surface treated
with about 0.45 weight percent of a surfactant mixture such as
AHCOVEL N-62 from Hodgson Textile Chemicals of Mount Holly, N.C.,
U.S.A. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means,
such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The
surfactant can be applied to the entire bodyside liner 42 or can be
selectively applied to particular sections of the bodyside liner,
such as the medial section along the longitudinal center line.
[0032] A suitable liquid permeable bodyside liner 42 is a nonwoven
bicomponent web having a basis weight of about 27 gsm. The nonwoven
bicomponent can be a spunbond bicomponent web, or a bonded carded
bicomponent web. Suitable bicomponent fibers include a
polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber available from CHISSO
Corporation, Osaka, Japan.
[0033] The absorbent body 44 (FIG. 3) can be positioned between the
outercover 40 and the bodyside liner 42, which can be joined
together by any suitable means such as adhesives, ultrasonic bonds,
thermal bonds, or the like. In particular, the absorbent body 44
may be disposed on the outercover 40, for example, on the interior
surface of the outercover 40. As used herein, the term "disposed
on" and variations thereof are intended to mean that one element
can be integral with another element, or that one element can be a
separate structure bonded to or placed with or placed near another
element.
[0034] The absorbent body 44 can be any structure which is
generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the child's
skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain
body wastes, and may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and
shapes, and from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials
commonly used in the art. For example, the absorbent body 44 can
suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of
cellulosic fluff, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency
material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In a particular
aspect, the absorbent body 44 comprises a matrix of cellulosic
fluff, such as wood pulp fluff, and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming
particles. The wood pulp fluff can be exchanged with synthetic,
polymeric, meltblown fibers or short cut homofil bicomponent
synthetic fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles
can be substantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic
fibers' or can be nonuniformly mixed. The fluff and superabsorbent
particles can also be selectively placed into desired zones of the
absorbent body 44 to better contain and absorb body exudates. The
concentration of the superabsorbent particles can also vary through
the thickness of the absorbent body 44. Alternatively, the
absorbent body 44 can comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and
superabsorbent material or other suitable means of maintaining a
superabsorbent material in a localized area.
[0035] Suitable superabsorbent materials can be selected from
natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials.
The superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as
silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers,
for example, sodium neutralized polyacrylic acid. Suitable
superabsorbent materials are available from various commercial
vendors, such as BASF Aktiengesellschaft located in Ludwigshafen,
Germany, and Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG, Krefeld, Germany.
Typically, a superabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at
least about 10 times its weight in water, and suitably is capable
of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in water.
[0036] In one aspect, the absorbent body 44 comprises a blend of
wood pulp fluff and superabsorbent material. One preferred type of
pulp is identified with the trade designation CR1654, available
from U.S. Alliance, Childersburg, Ala., U.S.A., and is a bleached,
highly absorbent sulfate wood pulp containing primarily soft wood
fibers and about 16 percent hardwood fibers. As a general rule, the
superabsorbent material is present in the absorbent body 44 in an
amount of from 0 to about 90 weight percent based on total weight
of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent body 44 may or may not be
wrapped or encompassed by a suitable tissue or nonwoven wrap that
may help maintain the integrity and/or shape of the absorbent
assembly.
[0037] The central absorbent assembly 32 can also incorporate other
materials or components designed primarily to receive, temporarily
store, and/or transport liquid along the mutually facing surface
with the absorbent body 44, thereby maximizing the absorbent
capacity of the absorbent assembly. One suitable additional
component is commonly referred to as a surge layer (not shown) and
comprises a material having a basis weight of about 50 to about 120
grams per square meter, and more particularly comprises a
through-air-bonded-carded web of a homogenous blend of 60 percent 3
denier type T-256 bicomponent fiber comprising a polyester
core/polyethylene sheath and 40 percent 6 denier type T-295
polyester fiber, both commercially available from Kosa Corporation
of Salisbury, N.C., U.S.A.
[0038] As noted previously, the training pants 20 may have front
and back side panels 34 and 134 disposed on each side of the
absorbent assembly 32. The side panels 34, 134 can be permanently
bonded along seams 66 to the central absorbent assembly 32 in the
respective front and back waist regions 22 and 24. More
particularly, as seen best in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front side panels
34 can be permanently bonded to and extend transversely outward
beyond the side edges 47 of the absorbent assembly 32 in the front
waist region 22, and the back side panels 134 can be permanently
bonded to and extend transversely outward beyond the side edges of
the absorbent assembly in the back waist region 24. The side panels
34 and 134 may be bonded to the absorbent assembly 32 using
attachment means known to those skilled in the art such as
adhesive, thermal, pressure or ultrasonic bonding. Alternatively,
the side panels 34 and 134 can be formed as an integral portion of
a component of the absorbent assembly 32. For example, the side
panels can comprise a generally wider portion of the outercover 40,
the bodyside liner 42, and/or another component of the absorbent
assembly 32. The front and back side panels 34 and 134 can be
permanently bonded together or be releasably connected with one
another such as by the fastening system 80 of the illustrated
aspect.
[0039] The front and back side panels 34, 134 each have an outer
edge 68 spaced laterally from the seam 66, a leg end edge 70
disposed toward the longitudinal center of the training pants 20,
and a waist end edge 72 disposed toward a longitudinal end of the
training pants. The leg end edge 70 and waist end edge 72 extend
from the side edges 47 of the absorbent assembly 32 to the outer
edges 68. The leg end edges 70 of the side panels 34 and 134 form
part of the side edges 36 of the training pants 20. The leg end
edges 70 of the illustrated aspect are suitably curved and/or
angled relative to the transverse axis 49 to provide a better fit
around the wearer's legs. However, it is understood that only one
of the leg end edges 70 may be curved or angled, such as the leg
end edge of the back waist region 24, or neither of the leg end
edges may be curved or angled, without departing from the scope of
this invention. The waist end edges 72 are suitably parallel to the
transverse axis 49. The waist end edges 72 of the front side panels
34 form part of the front waist edge 38 of the training pants 20,
and the waist end edges 72 of the back side panels 134 form part of
the back waist edge 39 of the pants.
[0040] The side panels 34, 134 suitably, although not necessarily,
comprise an elastic material capable of stretching in a direction
generally parallel to the transverse axis 49 of the training pants
20. Suitable elastic materials, as well as one process of
incorporating elastic side panels into training pants, are
described in the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464
issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,405
issued Jul. 6, 1993 to Pohjola; U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,116 issued Apr.
14, 1992 to Pohjola; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,272 issued Sep. 10,
1991 to Vogt et al.; all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety to the extent they are consistent
(i.e., not in conflict) herewith. In particular aspects, the
elastic material may comprise a stretch-thermal laminate (STL), a
neck-bonded laminate (NBL), a reversibly necked laminate, or a
stretch-bonded laminate (SBL) material. Methods of making such
materials are well known to those skilled in the art and described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,220 issued May 5, 1987 to Wisneski et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,992 issued Jul. 13, 1993 to Morman; European
Patent Application No. EP 0 217 032 published on Apr. 8, 1987 in
the name of Taylor et al.; and PCT application WO 01/88245 in the
name of Welch et al.; all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety to the extent they are consistent
(i.e., not in conflict) herewith. Alternatively, the side panel
material may comprise other woven or nonwoven materials, such as
those described above as being suitable for the outercover 40 or
bodyside liner 42; mechanically pre-strained composites; or
stretchable but inelastic materials.
[0041] The fastening system 80 comprises laterally opposite first
fastening components 82 adapted for refastenable engagement to
corresponding second fastening components 84. In one aspect, a
front or outer surface of each of the fastening components 82, 84
comprises a plurality of engaging elements. The engaging elements
of the first fastening components 82 are adapted to repeatedly
engage and disengage corresponding engaging elements of the second
fastening components 84 to releasably secure the pants 20 in its
three-dimensional configuration. A suitable fastening system is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,190 to Olson, et al., previously
incorporated herein.
[0042] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 1, when the
fastening components 82, 84 are releasably engaged, the side edges
36 of the training pants 20 in the crotch region 26 define the leg
openings 52, and the waist edges 38 and 39 including the waist end
edges 72 of the side panels 34, 134 define the waist opening 50.
For improved formation of the leg openings 52, it can be desirable
in some aspects for the front side panels 34 to be longitudinally
spaced from the back side panels 134 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
3. For example, the front side panels 34 can be longitudinally
spaced from the back side panels 134 by a distance equal to about
20 percent or greater, particularly from about 20 to about 60
percent, and more particularly from about 35 to about 50 percent,
of the overall length of the pants 20.
[0043] When engaged, the fastening components 82, 84 of the
illustrated aspect define refastenable engagement seams 88 (FIG. 1)
which desirably although not necessarily extend substantially the
entire distance between the waist opening 50 and the leg openings
52.
[0044] The training pants 20 of the various aspects of the present
invention further include at least one graphic 61. For example, as
representatively illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4-8, the pants 20 include
a plurality of graphics 61 disposed on the outercover 40. That is,
the graphics 61 can be formed or applied directly or indirectly to
a surface of the outercover 40, formed or applied between layers of
a multiple layer outercover 40, formed or applied to a substrate
that is placed with or near the outercover 40, formed or applied
within a layer of the outercover 40 or another substrate, or other
variations or combinations thereof. In particular aspects and as
will be discussed in greater detail below, the graphics 61 can be
printed, sprayed, or otherwise applied directly on a layer of the
outercover 40. In other aspects, the graphics 61 can be applied to
a layer placed with or near the outercover 61, such as a substrate
associated with the absorbent body 44, including but not limited to
tissue layers, liquid handling layers, absorbent layers, or the
like.
[0045] The graphics 61 may include, but are not limited to, scenes,
characters, animals, objects, alphanumerics such as numbers,
letters, words, phrases and the like, that may capture the
attention of the wearer and engage them to facilitate training;
highlighting or emphasizing leg and waist openings 52, 50 in order
to make product shaping more evident or visible to the user;
highlighting or emphasizing areas of the product to simulate
functional components such as elastic leg bands, elastic
waistbands, simulated "fly openings" for boys, ruffles for girls;
and highlighting areas of the product to change the appearance of
the size of the product.
[0046] The graphics 61 of the present invention further include at
least one non-photoluminescent graphic 62 (shown in solid lines in
FIGS. 2, 4-8), and at least one photoluminescent graphic 64 (shown
in phantom lines in FIGS. 2, 4-8). As used herein, the term
"photoluminescent" refers to the ability to luminesce as a result
of absorbing electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) from a source
thereof and emitting electromagnetic radiation at a different
wavelength than the source of electromagnetic radiation. For
example, phosphorescent materials and fluorescent materials are
both photoluminescent. As used herein, the term "phosphorescent"
refers to the ability to phosphoresce, i.e., to absorb
electromagnetic energy (e.g., light) from a source thereof and
subsequently emit electromagnetic energy at a different wavelength
than the source following removal of the electromagnetic energy
source (e.g., in the absence of light). The term
"non-photoluminescent" therefore refers to an inability to
luminesce in response to exposure to electromagnetic energy.
[0047] Thus, the non-photoluminescent graphic 62 is generally
visible under "normal" light conditions but becomes substantially
less visible in low light conditions, and in particular in the
absence of light. In contrast, upon exposure of the
photoluminescent graphic to light sufficient to cause luminescence
of the photoluminescent graphic, the photoluminescent graphic
luminesces, i.e., emits electromagnetic radiation in low light
conditions and/or upon the removal of light so that the
photoluminescent graphic is visible or otherwise glows in low light
and/or dark conditions. The term "visible" as used herein means
visible to the human eye unaided by detecting, enhancing and/or
magnifying devices.
[0048] Further, and as representatively illustrated in FIG. 2, 4-8,
the photoluminescent graphic 64 may define a photoluminescent
graphic outer perimeter 92 and a photoluminescent graphic interior
96, which is that area of the article 20 that is within the
photoluminescent graphic outer perimeter 92. Moreover, as will be
discussed in greater detail below, the photoluminescent graphic 64
may define a photoluminescent graphic length 74 and a
photoluminescent graphic width 76.
[0049] The photoluminescent graphic 64 and the non-photoluminescent
graphic 62 may be arranged on the article 20 in a variety of ways.
For example, as representatively illustrated in FIG. 2, 4, 6-8 the
non-photoluminescent graphic 62 may be in a substantially
overlapping relationship with the photoluminescent graphic 64.
Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in FIG. 5 and 7, the
non-photoluminescent graphic 62 and the photoluminescent graphic 64
may be independent, (i.e., separated) from each other. Still
further, the non-photoluminescent graphic 62 and the
photoluminescent graphic may be in a partially overlapping
relationship (not shown).
[0050] As mentioned above, the graphics of the present invention
can be a variety of configurations. For example, the
photoluminescent graphic 64 may be a silhouette of at least a
portion of the non-photoluminescent graphic 62. As used herein, a
"silhouette" refers to a graphic that is a substantially solid or
substantially filled in outline of an object. Thus, the
photoluminescent graphic 64 may be a substantially solid (that is,
nearly completely photoluminescent) silhouette (FIGS. 4 and 6).
Alternatively, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the
photoluminescent silhouette may have certain portions be
non-photoluminescent in order to provide a more distinct and
distinguishable photoluminescent graphic 64 (FIGS. 2, 6 and 8). In
yet another alternative, the photoluminescent graphic 64 may be an
outline of at least a portion of the non-photoluminescent graphic
62 (FIGS. 5 and 7). In such an arrangement, in the absence of light
or in low light, the photoluminescent graphic 64 may be readily
discernable due to its relationship to the non-photoluminescent
graphic 62.
[0051] The photoluminescent graphic 64 and the non-photoluminescent
graphic 62, when overlapping, may be substantially co-extensive and
superposed over each other (FIGS. 4 and 6). Alternatively,
photoluminescent graphic 64 and the non-photoluminescent graphic 62
may be in an overlapping relationship, but one may be larger than
the other (FIG. 8). That is, the photoluminescent graphic outer
perimeter 92 may be substantially equal to the non-photoluminescent
graphic perimeter 93, or the photoluminescent graphic outer
perimeter 92 may be larger or smaller than the non-photoluminescent
graphic perimeter 93. In yet another alternative, the
photoluminescent and non-photoluminescent graphics 64 and 62 may
overlap, but the non-photoluminescent 62 graphic may be a different
object than the photoluminescent graphic 64 (not shown).
[0052] Similarly, when photoluminescent graphic 64 is independent
of the non-photoluminescent graphics 62, it may still be a
silhouette or an outline of one of the non-photoluminescent
graphics 62 (FIG. 5). Alternatively, the photoluminescent graphic
62 may be a completely different object from the
non-photoluminescent graphic 64 (FIG. 7).
[0053] In certain aspects, the non-photoluminescent graphics 62 of
the present invention may also be configured to define a graphic
theme. Thus, when the photoluminescent graphic 64 and the
non-photoluminescent graphics 62 are different objects, the
photoluminescent graphic may be related or unrelated to the graphic
theme defined by the non-photoluminescent graphics 62. Suitably,
the photoluminescent graphic 64 is related to the graphic theme. As
such, the object that is depicted by the photoluminescent graphic
64 may be more readily discernable by the wearer or caregiver due
to its association with the graphic theme. As can be readily
appreciated, when photoluminescent graphic 64 is the substantially
the same (for example, either an outline or silhouette) as the
non-photoluminescent graphic 62, the photoluminescent graphic 62 is
related to the theme of the non-photoluminescent graphic 64.
[0054] It should be noted that in order to establish a graphic
theme, not every non-photoluminescent graphic 62 need be directly
related to the graphic theme; however, it can be appreciated that
to effectively establish a graphic theme, it is suitable to have at
least half of the non-photoluminescent graphics 62 contribute to
defining the graphic theme, more suitably the majority of the
non-photoluminescent graphics 62 contribute to defining the graphic
theme, and still more suitably substantially all of the
non-photoluminescent graphics 62 contribute to defining the graphic
theme. Similarly, it can be appreciated that where certain
non-photoluminescent graphics 62 are not contributing to defining
the theme of the other non-photoluminescent graphics 62, it is most
effective to at least have the non-contributing
non-photoluminescent graphics 62 be neutral or non-opposing toward
the graphic theme.
[0055] The non-photoluminescent graphics 62 may define a graphic
theme when the subject matter of one non-photoluminescent graphic
62 is the same as or is associated with the subject matter of
another non-photoluminescent graphic 62. By way of example, two
objects are considered related in subject matter where the images
are identical; separately illustrate different sizes, shapes,
colors of a common object; each illustrate one and the other of two
objects that are commonly associated with one another, such as the
moon and stars, a body of water and water toys, a sandbox and
suitable toys, a baseball bat and ball, a barn and animals, or the
like; illustrate different items used in a particular activity,
such as a sporting activity, a gardening activity or the like;
jointly illustrate geometrically mating or engaging elements such
as a triangle and a triangularly-shaped aperture, or two halves of
a zipper; each illustrate one part of a multipart picture; or the
like. Similarly, two text messages are considered related in
subject matter where the messages: are identical; jointly form a
sentence, thought, or action such as "jump" and "up"; each refer to
one and the other of two items that are commonly associated with
one another, such as "bat" and "ball," "Big" and "Kid," "Big" and
"Girl," or "Big" and "Boy"; jointly present a question and answer;
or the like. Likewise, a text message and a pictorial image are
considered to be related in subject matter where the text names,
defines or describes the image; or the like.
[0056] Conversely, and by way of illustration and without wishing
to be limited to the enumerated examples, two objects are
considered unrelated in subject matter where the images: illustrate
items that are neither identical nor illustrate two objects that
are commonly associated with one another, such as an animal and a
building block, a jump rope and a flower, a car and a star, a
letter of the alphabet and a water toy, a fish and an apple,
illustrate items used in unrelated activities, such as items used
in sporting activities and items used in gardening activities, or
other unrelated activities; or the like. Similarly, two text
messages are considered unrelated in subject matter where the
messages: are neither identical nor jointly form a sentence,
thought, or action; refer to two items that are not commonly
associated with one another, such as "ball" and "flower," "fish"
and "pencil," "car" and "ghost," or other such unrelated words; or
the like. Likewise, a text message and a pictorial image are
considered to be unrelated in subject matter where the text does
not name, define, describe or otherwise relate to the image.
[0057] As such, the graphic theme of the non-photoluminescent
graphics 62 may, for example, be related by a unifying subject or
common story line, which would be generally known through books,
movies, or other media sources. Moreover, as mentioned above, the
photoluminescent graphic 64 may be related to the graphic theme to
facilitate the identification of the photoluminescent graphic 64.
In particular, and without wishing to be limited to the specific
embodiments listed, suitable examples of a graphic theme with a
related photoluminescent graphic 64 can include: the
non-photoluminescent graphics 62 being a racquet, bat, glove, other
sporting equipment or the like and the photoluminescent graphic 64
comprising balls, or being related sporting equipment or the like
(FIG. 7); the non-photoluminescent graphic 62 being a butterfly net
or the like and the photoluminescent graphics 64 comprising
butterflies or the like; the non-photoluminescent graphic 62 being
a fish, a boat or the like and the photoluminescent graphic 64
being a boat, water toys or the like (FIG. 5); the
non-photoluminescent graphic 62 being flowers, plants, gardening
tools or the like and the photoluminescent graphic 64 comprising
flowers or plants; the non-photoluminescent graphics 62 being a
specific environment such as a barn, silo, tractor or the like and
the photoluminescent graphic 64 comprising cows, chickens, sheep,
or the like which are specifically adapted to the environment; the
non-photoluminescent graphic 62 being a telescope, stars, planets
or the like and the photoluminescent graphic 64 being rockets,
spaceships, or flying saucers or the like (FIG. 8).
[0058] In the various aspects of the present invention, the
photoluminescent graphic 64 may advantageously be of a particular
size. That is, the photoluminescent graphic 64 of the present
invention may define a photoluminescent graphic area. The
photoluminescent graphic area may be determined by multiplying the
largest dimension of the photoluminescent graphic 64 in the lateral
direction 49 (the photoluminescent graphic width 76) by the largest
dimension of the photoluminescent graphic 64 in the longitudinal
direction 48 (the photoluminescent graphic length 74). The
photoluminescent graphic length and width 74 and 76 are
representatively illustrated in FIG. 4. In one aspect, the
photoluminescent graphic area may be at least 10 square cm.
Alternatively, in another aspect, the photoluminescent--graphic may
suitably be at least 20 square cm; more suitably at least 25 square
cm; still more suitably at least 30 square cm; yet more suitably at
least 40 square cm; and still yet more suitably at least 45 square
cm. As such, when the photoluminescent graphic 64 defines a
photoluminescent graphic area as described above, it is more
readily discernable in low light by the wearer and the
caregiver.
[0059] Similarly, in aspects where the photoluminescent graphic 64
is an outline of an object (FIGS. 5 and 7) the photoluminescent
graphic 64 may define an outline thickness 78 as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 7. The outline thickness 78 may be determined by
measuring the narrowest distance between the photoluminescent
graphic outline inner perimeter 90 and the photoluminescent graphic
outer perimeter 92 at any given location along the photoluminescent
graphic outer perimeter 92. Accordingly, in one aspect, at least a
portion of the photoluminescent graphic outline thickness 78 may be
at least 0.30 cm. Alternatively, in another aspect, the outline
thickness 78 may suitably be at least 0.60 cm; more suitably may be
at least 0.90 cm and still more suitably may be at least 1.20 cm.
Accordingly, when the photoluminescent graphic 64 defines a
photoluminescent graphic outline thickness 78 as described above,
the photoluminescent graphic 64 may be more readily discernable in
low light by the wearer and the caregiver.
[0060] The photoluminescent graphic 64 of the present invention may
also include graphic attributes 94 (FIGS. 2, 5-8). The graphic
attributes 94 may be portions of the photoluminescent graphic 64
that assist the wearer or caregiver in recognizing the object
depicted by the graphic 64 by adding a characteristic or feature to
the photoluminescent graphic 64 that may otherwise be an outline or
a silhouette of an object. That is, the graphic attribute 94 may
represent a feature or element of the photoluminous graphic 64 such
as a detail or structural component. The graphic attributes 94 may
be incorporated in the photoluminescent graphic 64 in various ways
as necessary in order to assist the viewer in recognizing the
object depicted by the graphic. For example, the graphic attribute
may be located in the graphic interior 96 of the photoluminescent
graphic 64. As representatively illustrated in FIG. 2, the
photoluminescent graphic 64 may include graphic attributes in the
form of eyes. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in
FIG. 6, the photoluminescent graphic may include graphic attributes
94 in the form of windows in a photoluminescent castle.
[0061] In particular aspects, the graphic attributes 94 may be a
non-photoluminescent portion or portions within an otherwise
completely photoluminescent graphic interior 96. For example, a
photoluminescent graphic 64 may define a photoluminescent
silhouette and may include graphic attributes 94 that are
non-photoluminescent portions in the graphic interior 96 to
indicate eyes (FIG. 2) in a person or animal, windows in a
building, edifice, or the like (FIGS. 6, 8), a smiling mouth in a
face, or the like. Alternatively, the graphic attribute 94 may
represent a detail such as a wall or other structural component
that may completely or partially separate a portion of the
photoluminescent graphic 64 from another portion of the
photoluminescent graphic 64. For example, a wall or turret may be
indicated in a photoluminescent castle by way of a
non-photoluminescent line passing through the castle.
[0062] Similarly, the graphic attributes 94 may be discrete
photoluminescent portions within a non-photoluminescent portion of
a photoluminescent graphic 64. For example, the photoluminescent
graphic 64 may be an outline of the object depicted, and thus
defines a non-photoluminescent graphic interior 96. Accordingly,
the graphic attributes may be photoluminescent portions within the
graphic interior 96. As representatively illustrated in FIG. 5, the
graphic attributes 94 may, in such a configuration, be
photoluminescent portholes in the photoluminescent outline of a
ship. Alternatively, the graphic attributes 94 may be
photoluminescent threads within the photoluminescent outline of a
ball (FIG. 7).
[0063] As mentioned above, the non-photoluminescent graphic and the
photoluminescent graphic may be disposed on the outercover using a
variety of methods. For example, the graphics 61 may suitably be
disposed on the pants 20 by being imprinted thereon using a
flexographic printing process. Flexographic printing is a
conventional printing technique which uses flexible, raised rubber
or photopolymer plates to carry an inked image to a substrate, such
as the inner layer of the outercover 40 of the pants 20. As an
example, flexographic printing apparatus are shown and/or described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,590 (Schleinz et al.); U.S. Pat. No.
5,566,616 (Schleinz et al.); U.S. 2003/0019374A1 (Harte); and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,896,600 (Rogge et al.). Moreover, suitable techniques
for applying a photoluminescent graphic are described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/618030 filed Jul. 11, 2003, and
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent that
it is consistent (i.e., not in conflict) herewith.
[0064] Photoluminescent ink (broadly, photoluminescent material)
suitable for use with flexographic printing to provide a
photoluminescent graphic may include a photoluminescent substance
and a solvent blend. For example, one suitable photoluminescent
substance is strontium aluminate. Another suitable photoluminescent
substance is zinc sulfide. The solvent blend is suitably the same
as that described previously as suitable for preparing the
non-phosphorescent ink. As an example, one suitable phosphorescent
ink is available from Sun Chemical of Fort Lee, N.J., U.S.A. under
the designation GlowPac.
[0065] It is understood that conventional printing techniques other
than flexographic printing may be used to apply the graphics 61 of
the present invention. For example, other suitable printing
techniques include, without limitation, screen printing,
rotogravure printing in which an engraved print roll is utilized,
and ink jet printing in which nozzles spray ink droplets that are
selectively deflected by an electrostatic charge onto a
substrate.
Glow Intensity Test
[0066] The following Glow Intensity Test can be performed to
determine the glow intensity, in terms of lux value, of a
photoluminescent graphic of the present invention, such as on a
substrate or an article incorporating the graphic.
[0067] Test equipment to be used for the Glow Intensity Test
comprises a table having a flat table top of at least about 24
inches by about 24 inches. The table is covered by a black cloth.
Two pair of flood lamps (or more as needed to obtain the required
incident lux values) are positioned approximately 12 inches above
opposite sides of the table and are pointed down toward the center
of the table generally at an angle of about 45 degrees. The lamps
should be no more than 24 inches apart. The lamps are incandescent
Sylvania 150 watt flood lamps. The intensity of the flood lamps is
controlled with a suitable voltage regulator to have an
illumination of about 2080 lux (9.7 aperture reading) as determined
by a flashmeter, such as is commercially available from Minolta as
model designation Flashmeter IV, positioned approximately 5 cm
above the center of the table top and facing directly up between
the lights.
[0068] An image analysis system such as one available from Carl
Zeiss, Inc. of Thornwood, N.Y., U.S.A. under model designation
Zeiss KS400 Image Analysis System is used to capture and analyze an
image of the sample during testing. The system as described is
equipped with an Axiocam CCD camera (1,300.times.1,300 pixels full
chip, 8 bit gray scale) using 4.times.4 binning (325.times.258
pixels) with a camera gain of 2 for an integration time of 5
seconds. An attached Nikon 20 mm lens (f2.8) provides an
approximately 80 mm by 63 mm field of view. The camera is centrally
positioned above the table at a height such that the overlapping
region of the photoluminescent graphic on the sample comprises in
the range of at least about 10% to about 30% of the 80 mm by 63 mm
field of view of the camera.
[0069] To conduct the Glow Intensity Test, a sample, such as an
article, or a cut portion thereof, having photoluminescent and
non-photoluminescent regions is used. The sample may be of
substantially any size as long as it can lie flat on the table top
with each of the photoluminescent and non-photoluminescent regions
of the article comprising in the range of at least 1% of the field
of view of the camera, for example, at least 10% to 30%. This
allows sufficient contrast between the glowing region and
non-glowing region of the sample within the images captured by the
camera.
[0070] In addition to containing at least 1% non-photoluminescent
area, the sampling region should also contain at least one
photoluminescent graphic. The photoluminescent graphic should be
approximately centered within the field of view, where possible.
Where the photoluminescent graphic exceeds the size of the field of
view of the camera, the greatest possible amount of the
photoluminescent graphic should be fit into the field of view,
while still including the necessary amount of non-photoluminescent
area. Any photoluminescent portions of the graphic outside the
field of view of the camera should be masked or cropped.
[0071] The sample should be kept in a dark environment (e.g., below
flashmeter sensitivity) for a minimum of five minutes prior to
conducting the test. The sample is then laid flat on the table. If
necessary to maintain the sample flat, a 1/8 inch glass plate sized
larger than the portion of the sample within the field of view may
be placed over the viewed portion of the sample. The flood lamps
are then turned on so that the sample is exposed to the incident
light from the lamps for a period of 10 minutes. The lux level of
the flood lamp illumination should be determined using the
flashmeter.
[0072] After the 10 minute period of exposure, the flood lamps are
turned off and allowed to power down for a period of about 0.5
seconds. A timer is then started and data acquisition is intiated
with a first image of the viewed portion of the sample being
captured by the image analysis system at 0.01 seconds. A binary
mask can be created from the first image, using the KS400 system
automatic contrast enhancement, delineation (size: 10, thr: 3) and
thresholding to discriminate the glowing portion of the image from
the non-glowing portion of the image. Pixels at greater than or
equal to 50% of the light intensity of the brightest pixel in the
image should be classified as glowing, while all other pixels
should be classified as non-glowing and should be masked. The mask
is also used in processing all subsequent images captured of the
particular sample being tested. Additional images are captured and
analyzed every 10 seconds up to 280 seconds. Each image is captured
over a five second period.
[0073] For each captured image, the mean glow intensity for the
glowing region of the image and the mean glow intensity for the
non-glowing region are calculated. This is done by determining the
mean pixel intensity for all pixels classified as glowing (from the
analysis of the first image), and the mean pixel intensity for all
non-glowing pixels (again, as determined by the analysis of the
first image). The mean glow intensity of the specimen is then
adjusted by subtracting the mean glow intensity determined for the
non-glowing region from the mean glow intensity determined for the
glowing region (otherwise referred to as determining the glow
intensity difference). With appropriate calibration of the camera
using standard illuminants, as is known in the art, the calculated
glow intensities can be converted to lux values.
[0074] The test should be repeated for each sample at least three
times, with the results for each given timepoint averaged.
[0075] It is understood that where a non-woven web is laminated
over the tested film, such as in the manner of the outercover 40 of
the training pants 20 described herein, the glow intensity may be
less than that set forth in the above table depending on the
construction of the non-woven web.
[0076] In one aspect, the mean glow intensity photoluminescent
graphic as determined by the Glow Intensity Test after 60 seconds
may be 0.30 lux, can suitably be at least about 0.40 lux, more
suitably at least about 0.50 lux, still more suitably at least
about 0.75 lux and still yet more suitably at least about 0.95 lux.
Photoluminescent graphics having such glow intensities are more
readily visible to the wearer and the caregiver in low light. As
such, the value of such graphics in the training process is thereby
enhanced.
[0077] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
and methods, without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description and
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0078] When introducing elements of the invention or the preferred
aspect(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements.
* * * * *