U.S. patent application number 14/294182 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for absorbent articles with primary and secondary indicating.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Michael Divo, Miguel Alvaro Robles, Donald Carroll Roe, Mattias SCHMIDT.
Application Number | 20140276507 14/294182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42140060 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140276507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCHMIDT; Mattias ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
ABSORBENT ARTICLES WITH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY INDICATING
Abstract
An absorbent article with a primary visual fullness indicator
and a secondary visual wetness indicator.
Inventors: |
SCHMIDT; Mattias; (Idstein,
DE) ; Robles; Miguel Alvaro; (Wyoming, OH) ;
Roe; Donald Carroll; (West Chester, OH) ; Divo;
Michael; (Friedrichsdorf, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
42140060 |
Appl. No.: |
14/294182 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12646414 |
Dec 23, 2009 |
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14294182 |
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61141573 |
Dec 30, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/42 20130101;
A61F 2013/422 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/361 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/42 20060101
A61F013/42 |
Claims
1. An absorbent article comprising a visual fullness indicating
system, the visual fullness indicating system comprising: a primary
visual fullness indicator; a plurality of discrete secondary visual
wetness indicators disposed along a pathway; wherein each secondary
visual wetness indicator has an overall shape that is substantially
elongated and substantially rectangular, with each of the secondary
visual wetness indicators having a substantially uniform width
along the entire overall indicator length.
2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the primary visual
fullness indicator and the secondary visual wetness indicators are
each disposed in a lateral orientation.
3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein a first secondary
visual wetness indicator is disposed longitudinally outboard from
the primary visual fullness indicator and each subsequent secondary
visual wetness indicator is disposed longitudinally outboard to the
preceding secondary visual wetness indicator.
4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the primary visual
fullness indicator and the secondary visual wetness indicators each
change to a subsequent visual state in sequence.
5. The absorbent article of claim 4, wherein the primary visual
fullness indicator changes to its subsequent visual state before
any of the secondary visual wetness indicators change to their
subsequent visual states.
6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the primary visual
fullness indicator has an outboard end and the first secondary
visual wetness indicator has an inboard end, wherein the first
secondary visual wetness indicator inboard end is disposed
longitudinally outboard of the primary visual fullness indicator
outboard end.
7. The absorbent article of claim 6, wherein each secondary visual
wetness indicator has an inboard end and an outboard end, and each
subsequent secondary visual wetness indicator from the first
secondary visual wetness indicator has an inboard end that is
longitudinally outboard from the preceding secondary visual wetness
indicator's outboard end.
8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
discrete secondary visual wetness indicators are configured to
change to a subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of
at least a particular concentration of a bodily exudate.
9. The absorbent article of claim 1, further comprising a
liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet that is at
least partially joined to the topsheet, comprising a film layer and
a nonwoven layer, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially
between the topsheet and the backsheet.
10. The absorbent article of claim 9, wherein the absorbent core is
a rectangular shape.
11. The absorbent article of claim 9, wherein the absorbent core is
an oval shape.
12. The absorbent article of claim 9, further comprising outer leg
cuffs and inner leg cuffs.
13. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein the outer leg cuffs
do not overlap the core.
14. The absorbent article of claim 9, further comprising
elastically extensible side panels and a fastening system
comprising refastenable seams on the side panels.
15. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a
longitudinal centerline and the pathway is along the longitudinal
centerline.
Description
FIELD
[0001] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
wetness indicating for absorbent articles. In particular,
embodiments of the present disclosure relate to visual fullness
indicating for absorbent articles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Absorbent articles can absorb liquid bodily exudates such as
sweat, blood, urine, menses, etc. An absorbent article can include
a wetness indicator. The wetness indicator can indicate the
presence of a liquid bodily exudate in the article. Unfortunately,
some wetness indicators for absorbent articles can be difficult to
understand. If the signal from a wetness indicator is misunderstood
then the absorbent article may be changed too soon. The wearer may
underutilize the capacity of the article. If the signal from a
wetness indicator is misunderstood then the absorbent article may
be changed too late. The bodily exudates may exceed the capacity of
the article resulting in leaks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1A illustrates a pant-type disposable wearable
absorbent article with a primary visual fullness indicator and a
secondary visual wetness indicator in the front, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0004] FIG. 1B illustrates a pant-type disposable wearable
absorbent article with a primary visual fullness indicator and a
secondary visual wetness indicator in the back, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 1C illustrates a pant-type disposable wearable
absorbent article with a number of primary visual fullness
indicators and secondary visual wetness indicators, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates a front-fastenable disposable wearable
absorbent article with a primary visual fullness indicator and a
secondary visual wetness indicator in the front, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates a front-fastenable disposable wearable
absorbent article with a primary visual fullness indicator and a
secondary visual wetness indicator in the back, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2C illustrates a front-fastenable disposable wearable
absorbent article with a number of primary visual fullness
indicators and secondary visual wetness indicators, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3A illustrates a portion of an absorbent article with a
primary visual fullness indicator and three secondary visual
wetness indicators, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3B illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3A, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3C illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3B, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3D illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3C, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3E illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3D, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3F illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3E, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 3G illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3F, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a pant-type disposable wearable absorbent
article with a number of secondary visual wetness indicators,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary loading profile for an
absorbent core of a disposable wearable absorbent, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5B illustrates a disposable wearable absorbent article
having the exemplary loading profile of FIG. 5A, a primary visual
fullness indicator, and two secondary visual wetness indicators,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary absorbent core, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary curve that describes a
probability of leakage risk for an absorbent core, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0021] The present disclosure includes absorbent articles with
indicators that are easy to understand. The absorbent articles of
the present disclosure are easy to understand because they have
primary visual fullness indicators and secondary visual wetness
indicators.
[0022] As an example, an absorbent article can have a primary
visual fullness indicator and a secondary visual wetness indicator.
The indicators can change visual states in sequence. First the
primary visual fullness indicator can begin to change visual
states, providing a primary indicating signal. The primary signal
can indicate that the absorbent article is somewhat filled. Second,
the secondary visual wetness indicator can begin to change visual
states, providing a secondary indicating signal that is separate
from and in addition to the primary indicating signal. The
secondary indicating signal can indicate that the absorbent article
is approaching full. The combination of the primary indicating
signal and the secondary indicating signal can be easily understood
as indicating degrees of fullness. Together, the combination of a
primary visual fullness indicator and a secondary visual wetness
indicator can be considered a visual fullness indicating
system.
[0023] An absorbent article having a primary visual fullness
indicator and a secondary visual wetness indicator can help provide
certainty about the fullness of the absorbent article. By knowing
how full an article is, the article can be changed after the wearer
has appropriately utilized the capacity of the article. Also, by
knowing how full an article is, the article can be changed before
it is likely to leak.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The primary and secondary indicators of the present
disclosure can be used with all kinds of absorbent articles. An
absorbent article can absorb liquid bodily exudates such as sweat,
blood, urine, menses, etc. An absorbent article can be a product or
a material. Examples of absorbent articles include products and/or
materials for sanitary protection, hygienic use, and/or wound
care.
[0025] Some absorbent articles are disposable. A disposable
absorbent article is configured to be partly or wholly disposed of
after a single use. A disposable absorbent article is configured
such that the soiled article, or a soiled portion of the article,
is not intended to be restored and reused (e.g., not intended to be
laundered). Examples of disposable absorbent articles include wound
care products, such as bandages and dressings, as well as feminine
care products, such as pads and liners. Disposable absorbent
articles can use embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] Some absorbent articles are wearable. A wearable absorbent
article is configured to be worn on or around a body of a wearer.
Wearable absorbent articles can also be disposable. Examples of
disposable wearable absorbent articles include disposable diapers
and disposable incontinence undergarments. A disposable wearable
absorbent article can receive and contain bodily exudates while
being worn by a wearer. In some embodiments, a disposable wearable
absorbent article can include a topsheet, an absorbent core, an
outer cover, a waist opening, and leg openings. Disposable wearable
absorbent articles can use embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0027] One kind of wetness indicator for an absorbent article is a
visual fullness indicator. A wetness indicator is considered visual
if it can indicate the presence of a liquid bodily exudate by its
visual state. Throughout the present disclosure, unless otherwise
stated, the presence of a liquid bodily exudate refers to the
presence of a concentration of the liquid bodily exudate that is
sufficient to cause a visual wetness indicator to change visual
states. A wetness indicator is considered a fullness indicator if
it can indicate the degree to which a liquid bodily exudate has
filled an absorbent article. A visual fullness indicator can
indicate the presence of a liquid bodily exudate by a wet edge that
moves along the indicator such that the indicator progressively
changes visual states. A visual fullness indicator can include one
or more visual indicating areas. A visual indicating area is a
defined continuous two-dimensional region, configured to indicate
the presence of a liquid bodily exudate by its visual state. As
examples, in various embodiments, an indicator can comprise a
series of indicating areas or a pattern of indicating areas.
[0028] The figures of the present disclosure are intended to
illustrate elements, their parts, and their relationships, as
described in the specification; the figures are not intended to
illustrate any particular relative or absolute size or dimension,
unless otherwise stated in the text.
[0029] FIGS. 1A-2C illustrate various disposable wearable absorbent
articles, each with one or more indicators. For clarity, FIGS.
1A-2C do not illustrate all details of the indicators or of the
disposable wearable absorbent articles. Each primary indicator in
FIGS. 1A-2C can be any embodiment of a primary indicator of the
present disclosure. Each secondary indicator in FIGS. 1A-2C can be
any embodiment of a secondary indicator of the present
disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 1A illustrates an outside perspective view of a front
101 and a side 103 of a pant-type disposable wearable absorbent
article 100A formed for wearing. The absorbent article 100A
includes a longitudinally oriented primary visual fullness
indicator 131 and a secondary visual wetness indicator 141 disposed
in the front 101. Together, the primary visual fullness indicator
131 and the secondary visual wetness indicator 141 can be
considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0031] Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a
pant-type disposable wearable absorbent article can refer to an
embodiment that is side-fastenable or to an embodiment without
fasteners. A reference to a pant-type disposable wearable absorbent
article can also refer to an article with preformed waist and/or
leg openings or to an embodiment that is not preformed. Thus, each
embodiment of an absorbent article of the present disclosure that
is described as pant-type can be configured in any of these ways,
as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates an outside perspective view of a side
103 and a back 105 of a pant-type disposable wearable absorbent
article 100B formed for wearing. The absorbent article 100B
includes a longitudinally oriented primary visual fullness
indicator 135 and a secondary visual wetness indicator 145 disposed
in the back 105. Together, the primary visual fullness indicator
135 and the secondary visual wetness indicator 145 can be
considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0033] FIG. 1C illustrates an outside plan view of a pant-type
disposable wearable absorbent article 100C laid out flat. The
disposable wearable absorbent article 100C includes a front 101 and
a back 105, which are separated by a lateral centerline 116.
[0034] In FIG. 1C, a longitudinal centerline 113 and the lateral
centerline 116 provide lines of reference for referring to relative
locations of the disposable wearable absorbent article 100C. When a
first location is nearer to the longitudinal centerline 113 than a
second location, the first location can be considered laterally
inboard 112 to the second location. Similarly, the second location
can be considered laterally outboard 111 from the first location.
When a third location is nearer to the lateral centerline 116 than
a fourth location, the third location can be considered
longitudinally inboard 115 to the fourth location. Also, the fourth
location can be considered longitudinally outboard 114 from the
third location.
[0035] A reference to an inboard location, without a lateral or
longitudinal limitation, refers to a location of the disposable
wearable absorbent article 100C that is laterally inboard and/or
longitudinally inboard to another location. In the same way, a
reference to an outboard location, without a lateral or
longitudinal limitation, refers to a location of the disposable
wearable absorbent article 100C that is laterally outboard and/or
longitudinally outboard from another location.
[0036] Inboard and outboard can also be understood with reference
to a center of a disposable wearable absorbent article. The
longitudinal centerline 113 and the lateral centerline 116 cross at
a center 119 of the disposable wearable absorbent article 100C.
When one location is nearer to the center 119 than another
location, the one location can be considered inboard to the other
location. The one location can be inboard laterally, or
longitudinally, or both laterally and longitudinally. The other
location can be considered outboard from the one location. The
other location can be outboard laterally, or longitudinally, or
both laterally and longitudinally.
[0037] FIG. 1C includes arrows indicating relative directions for
laterally outboard 111, laterally inboard 112, longitudinally
outboard 114, and longitudinally inboard 115, each with respect to
the disposable wearable absorbent article 100C. Throughout the
present disclosure, a reference to a longitudinal dimension,
measurement, line, or direction refers to a dimension, measurement,
line, or direction that is substantially or completely parallel to
the longitudinal centerline 113 and a reference to a lateral
dimension, measurement, line, or direction refers to a dimension,
measurement, line, or direction that is substantially or completely
parallel to the lateral centerline 116. The terminology for
describing relative locations, as discussed above, is used for
disposable wearable absorbent articles throughout the present
disclosure. This terminology can also be similarly applied to
various other absorbent articles, as will be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0038] The disposable wearable absorbent article 100C includes a
number of indicators in various exemplary locations and
orientations. The disposable wearable absorbent article 100C
includes a primary longitudinally oriented visual fullness
indicator 131, along the longitudinal centerline 113 in the front
101. The front 101 also includes a first secondary visual wetness
indicator 141, a second secondary visual wetness indicator 151, and
a third secondary visual wetness indicator 161. Together, the
primary visual fullness indicator 131 and one or more of the
secondary visual wetness indicators 141, 151, and 161 can be
considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0039] The disposable wearable absorbent article 100C also includes
another longitudinally oriented primary visual fullness indicator
135, along the longitudinal centerline 113 in the back 105. The
back 105 also includes a fourth secondary visual wetness indicator
145, a fifth secondary visual wetness indicator 155, and a sixth
secondary visual wetness indicator 165. Together, the primary
visual fullness indicator 135 and one or more of the secondary
visual wetness indicators 145, 155, and 165 can be considered a
visual fullness indicating system.
[0040] In the disposable wearable absorbent article 100C, the
indicators are oriented substantially radially out from the center
119. However, in addition to the locations and orientations
illustrated in FIG. 1C, a visual fullness indicator of the present
disclosure can be disposed in various alternate locations and
orientations in an absorbent article, as will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art. As an example, a visual fullness
indicator can be disposed in a pant-type disposable wearable
absorbent article in a lateral orientation or at an angle with
respect to a centerline of the article.
[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates an outside perspective view of a front
201 and a side 203 of a front-fastenable disposable wearable
absorbent article 200A formed for wearing. The absorbent article
200A includes a primary longitudinally oriented visual fullness
indicator 231 and a secondary visual wetness indicator 241 disposed
in the front 201. Together, the primary visual fullness indicator
231 and the secondary visual wetness indicator 241 can be
considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0042] While the present disclosure refers to front-fastenable
absorbent articles, the present disclosure also contemplates
alternate embodiments of absorbent articles having primary visual
fullness indicators and secondary visual wetness indicators, as
described herein, wherein the absorbent articles are
rear-fastenable. Thus, each embodiment of an absorbent article of
the present disclosure that is described as front-fastenable can
also be configured to be rear fastenable, as will be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates an outside perspective view of a side
203 and a back 205 of a front-fastenable disposable wearable
absorbent article 200B formed for wearing. The absorbent article
200B includes a longitudinally oriented primary visual fullness
indicator 235 and a secondary visual wetness indicator 245 disposed
in the back 205. Together, the primary visual fullness indicator
235 and the secondary visual wetness indicator 245 can be
considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0044] FIG. 2C illustrates an outside plan view of a
front-fastenable disposable wearable absorbent article 200C laid
out flat. The disposable wearable absorbent article 200C includes a
front 201, a back 205, a longitudinal centerline 213, and a lateral
centerline 216.
[0045] The disposable wearable absorbent article 200C includes a
number of indicators in various exemplary locations and
orientations. The disposable wearable absorbent article 200C
includes a primary longitudinally oriented visual fullness
indicator 231, along the longitudinal centerline 213 in the front
201. The front 201 also includes a first secondary visual wetness
indicator 241, a second secondary visual wetness indicator 251, and
a third secondary visual wetness indicator 261. Together, the
primary visual fullness indicator 231 and one or more of the
secondary visual wetness indicators 241, 251, and 261 can be
considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0046] The disposable wearable absorbent article 200C also includes
a longitudinally oriented primary visual fullness indicator 235,
along the longitudinal centerline 213 in the back 205. The back 205
also includes a first secondary wetness indicator 245, a second
secondary wetness indicator 255, and a third secondary wetness
indicator 265. Together, the primary visual fullness indicator 235
and one or more of the secondary visual wetness indicators 245,
255, and 265 can be considered a visual fullness indicating
system.
[0047] In the disposable wearable absorbent article 200C, the
indicators are oriented substantially radially out from the center
219. However, in addition to the locations and orientations
illustrated in FIG. 2C, a visual fullness indicator of the present
disclosure can be disposed in various alternate locations and
orientations in an absorbent article, as will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art. As an example, a visual fullness
indicator can be disposed in a front-fastenable disposable wearable
absorbent article in a lateral orientation or at an angle with
respect to a centerline of the article.
[0048] FIG. 3A illustrates an outside plan view of a portion 308 of
an absorbent article 300 laid out flat. In various embodiments, the
absorbent article 300 can be a disposable wearable absorbent
article, such as a pant-type disposable wearable absorbent article
or a front-fastenable disposable wearable absorbent article. In
FIG. 3A, outside edges of the portion 308 are broken lines, since
the portion 308 is illustrated as separate from the rest of the
absorbent article 300. For reference, FIG. 3A illustrates a center
319 of the absorbent article 300 and arrows indicating relative
directions for outboard 317 and inboard 318 for the absorbent
article 300.
[0049] The portion 308 of the absorbent article 300 includes a
primary visual fullness indicator 330. A primary indicator is
considered primary with respect to a secondary indicator because it
can begin to change states before a secondary indicator begins to
change states.
[0050] The primary visual fullness indicator 330 is disposed offset
from the center 319. In various embodiments, one or more parts of
an indicator can be disposed near, at, or overlapping a center of
an absorbent article. For example, a single indicating area can
extend from a front of an absorbent article, through the center of
the absorbent article, to the back of the absorbent article. In
such an embodiment, a farthest inboard point along the indicating
area can be considered an inboard end of two indicators.
[0051] The primary visual fullness indicator 330 includes an
inboard end 332 and an outboard end 333. The primary visual
fullness indicator 330 has an overall indicator length measured
along the primary visual fullness indicator 330 from the inboard
end 332 to the outboard end 333. The primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has an overall shape that is substantially elongated
and substantially rectangular. The primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has a substantially uniform width along its entire
overall indicator length.
[0052] In various embodiments an indicator and/or an indicating
area can have an overall shape that is more or less elongated. In
some embodiments, part, or parts, or all of an indicator and/or an
indicating area can be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or any
regular or irregular geometric shape (such as a square, rectangle,
triangle, trapezoid, octagon, hexagon, star, half circle, a quarter
circle, a half oval, a quarter oval, a radial pattern, etc.), a
recognizable image (such as a letter, number, word, character, face
of an animal, face of a person, etc.), or another recognizable
image (such as a plant, a car, etc.), or another shape, or
combinations of any of these shapes. Also, in various embodiments,
an indicator and/or an indicating area can have varying widths over
part, or parts, or all of its length.
[0053] A visual fullness indicator is a visually distinct and
recognizable pathway of one or more visual indicators and/or visual
indicating areas. A pathway is recognizable in its visual context.
In other words, a pathway is distinct, when compared with the
appearance of a surrounding area.
[0054] The pathway of a visual fullness indicator has two defined
ends, a middle between the two ends, and a defined length from its
one end to its other end. A visual fullness indicator can have one
or more widths, each of which is less than its defined length.
[0055] A visual fullness indicator can be configured in various
forms. For example, a visual fullness indicator can be formed by a
single, continuous indicating area disposed along a pathway. As
another example, a visual fullness indicator can be formed by a
plurality of discrete indicators and/or discrete indicating areas
disposed along a pathway.
[0056] The primary visual fullness indicator 330 includes one
visual fullness indicating area. In various embodiments, an
indicator can include one or more visual fullness indicating
areas.
[0057] The primary visual fullness indicator 330 is in fluid
communication with an absorbent core of the absorbent article 300
along its entire overall indicator length. In various embodiments,
a visual indicator can be configured such that part, or parts, or
substantially all, or all of the indicator is in fluid
communication with an absorbent core. In some embodiments, a visual
indicator can be configured such that part, or parts, or
substantially all, or all of the indicator overlaps an absorbent
core or such that part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of
the indicator does not overlap an absorbent core.
[0058] Throughout the present disclosure, fluid communication
refers to a configured structural relationship that allows a liquid
substance to freely pass from one element or location to another
element or location; however, one element or location is not
necessarily considered to be in fluid communication with another
element or location merely by being connected or joined to a common
element through which liquid can possibly pass. This definition of
fluid communication is further explained by the following
examples.
[0059] For example, if one element is configured to be in direct
physical contact with another element such that a liquid substance
can freely pass from the one element through the contacting
portions to the other element, then the elements can be considered
to be in fluid communication. As another example, if one element is
connected to another element by a means for fluid communication
such that a liquid substance can freely pass from the one element
through the means for fluid communication to the other element,
then the elements can be considered to be in fluid
communication.
[0060] As a further example, if one element is connected to a
substrate and another element is connected to the same substrate,
but the substrate does not allow a liquid substance to freely pass
through, then the elements are considered to be out of fluid
communication. This holds true even if liquid can possibly pass
through the substrate, so long as the liquid cannot pass through
freely. The above definition of fluid communication, as explained
through these examples, will be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0061] Throughout the present disclosure, the term liquid bodily
exudate refers to any bodily substances exuded in liquid form (e.g.
urine) and/or any liquid-like bodily substances (e.g. runny
feces).
[0062] The primary visual fullness indicator 330 is configured to
change from one or more initial visual states to one or more
subsequent visual states when indicating the presence of a liquid
bodily exudate. Throughout the present disclosure, the term visual
state refers to an appearance which can be perceived by an unaided
human with normal vision in standard lighting conditions. A visual
state can comprise one or more colors, variations of color(s),
patterns, letters, numbers, symbol, designs, images, and/or other
visual devices. Colors include well known colors such as red,
orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, etc. Variations of a color
include variations in chroma, hue, and brightness, among others.
While these informal terms are used for ease of reference,
embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to encompass all
colors which can be perceived by an unaided human with normal
vision in standard lighting conditions.
[0063] In various embodiments, part, or parts, or all of a visual
fullness indicating area can be configured to change from one or
more initial visual states to one or more subsequent visual states.
Also, in embodiments of the present disclosure, for a particular
portion of a visual fullness indicating area, an initial visual
state and a subsequent visual can each be any visual state, so long
as the subsequent visual state is visually distinguishable from the
first initial visual state.
[0064] Throughout the present disclosure, visual states are
considered visually distinguishable if they can be recognized as
different on sight by an unaided human with normal vision in
standard lighting conditions. As an example, an unaided human with
normal vision in standard lighting conditions should be able to
recognize blue and yellow as different colors on sight. Thus, the
blue and the yellow would be considered visually distinguishable
visual states. As another example, an unaided human with normal
vision in standard lighting conditions may be able to recognize a
light shade of orange and a dark shade of orange as different
shades of a color on sight. Thus, the light shade of orange and the
dark shade of orange would be considered visually distinguishable
visual states. As a further example, an unaided human with normal
vision in standard lighting conditions may be able to recognize a
first pattern and a second pattern as different visual states on
sight. Thus, the first pattern and the second pattern would be
considered visually distinguishable visual states.
[0065] As a still further example, an unaided human with normal
vision in standard lighting conditions should be able to recognize
an area with letters and a blank area as different visual states on
sight. Thus, the area with letters and the blank area would be
considered visually distinguishable visual states. Similarly, an
area with numbers, symbols, designs, images, and/or other visual
devices would also be considered visually distinguishable from a
blank area or from a uniformly colored area. In addition to these
examples, there are many other possible visually distinguishable
visual states, as will be understood by one or ordinary skill in
the art.
[0066] There are several ways by which absorbent articles of the
present disclosure can be configured to include visual indicators
that change visual states when indicating the presence of a bodily
exudate, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
For example, an absorbent article can be configured to include such
visual fullness indicators as described in the following U.S. Pat.
No. 4,022,211, entitled "Wetness indicator for absorbent pads"
issued on May 10, 1977 to Timmons, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,370,
entitled "Disposable diaper type garment having wetness indicator"
issued on Nov. 4, 1980 to Mroz, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,731,
entitled "Moisture indicator" issued on May 4, 1982 to Powell; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,681,576, entitled "Wetness indicating hot-melt adhesive"
issued on Jul. 21, 1987 to Colon, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,513,
entitled "Disposable diaper with wetness indicator" issued on Nov.
10, 1987 to Sheldon, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,674, entitled
"Moisture indicator apparatus and method" issued on Apr. 19, 1988
to Todd, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,238, entitled "Wetness
indicating hot-melt adhesive" issued on May 10, 1988 to Colon et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,567, entitled "Wetness indicating hot-melt
adhesive" issued on Jan. 23, 1990 to Colon et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
4,931,051, entitled "Wetness indicator" issued on Jun. 5, 1990 to
Castello; U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,691, entitled "Hot melt moisture
indicator material for disposable articles" issued on Jul. 30, 1991
to Zimmel, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,711, entitled "Wetness
indicating hot-melt adhesive" issued on Nov. 19, 1991 to Colon et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,548, entitled "Hot melt moisture indicator
material for disposable articles" issued on Feb. 18, 1992 to
Zimmel, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,652, entitled "Moisture
sensitive film" issued on Dec. 1, 1992 to Mueller; U.S. Pat. No.
5,342,861, entitled "Hot melt wetness indicator" issued on Aug. 30,
1994 to Raykovitz; U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,289 entitled "Absorbent
product including super absorbent material and fluid absorption
capacity monitor" issued on Oct. 11, 1994 to Mitchell, et al.;
H1,376, entitled "Capacity indicia for absorbent articles" issued
on Nov. 1, 1994 to Osborne, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,863,
entitled "Absorbent article with clean appearance and capacity
signal means" issued on Jul. 15, 1997 to Hammons, et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,690,624, entitled "Disposable diaper" issued on Nov. 25, 1997
to Sasaki, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5.766,212, entitled "Disposable
diaper" issued on Jun. 16, 1998 to Jitoe, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
6,075,178, entitled "Absorbent article with wetness indicator"
issued on Jun. 13, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,515,194, entitled "Diaper
having centrally-located chromatographic layer with
peripherally-located wetness indicator" issued on Feb. 4, 2003 to
Neading, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,918, entitled "Absorbent
articles having wetness indicating graphics and employing masking
techniques" issued on Jul. 22, 2003 to Wehrle, et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 6,653,522, entitled "Hot melt adhesives based on sulfonated
polyesters comprising wetness indicator" issued on Nov. 25, 2003 to
Blumenthal, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,708, entitled "Wetness
indicator having improved colorant retention" issued on Aug. 10,
1994 to Klofta, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,865, entitled "Wetness
indicator having improved colorant retention and durability" issued
on Jun. 14, 2005 to Klofta, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,532,
entitled "Wetness indicator having improved colorant retention and
durability" issued on Jan. 9, 2007 to Klofta, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
7,172,667, entitled "System and method for incorporating graphics
into absorbent articles" issued on Feb. 6, 2007 to Vergona; U.S.
Pat. No. 7,178,571, entitled "System and method for incorporating
graphics into absorbent articles" issued on Feb. 20, 2007 to
Vergona; U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,764, entitled "Wetness indicator"
issued on Dec. 11, 2007 to Mody; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,642,
entitled "Disposable absorbent articles having printed wetness
indicators" issued on Feb. 19, 2008 to Liu, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0067] The absorbent article 300 can be configured such that part,
or parts, or all of the primary visual fullness indicator 330 is
visible from outside of the absorbent article 300 when the
absorbent article 300 is worn by a wearer. As a result, at least
some of the subsequent visual state of the primary visual fullness
indicator 330 will be visible from outside of the absorbent article
300.
[0068] The portion 308 of the absorbent article 300 also includes a
first secondary visual wetness indicator 340, a second secondary
visual wetness indicator 350, and a third secondary visual wetness
indicator 360. A secondary indicator is considered secondary with
respect to a primary indicator because it can begin to change
states after a primary indicator begins to change states. In
alternate embodiments, the portion 308 can only include one of the
secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360, or the
portion 308 can only include any two of the secondary visual
wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360, or the portion 308 can
include additional secondary visual wetness indicators.
[0069] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 is spaced apart from the primary visual fullness indicator
330. In various embodiments, one or more parts of a secondary
visual wetness indicator can be in contact with one or more parts
of a primary visual fullness indicator. The first and second
secondary visual wetness indicators 340 and 350 are each spaced
apart from a side of the primary visual fullness indicator 330. The
third secondary visual wetness indicator 360 is spaced apart from
an outboard from the outboard end 333 of the primary visual
fullness indicator 330. The third secondary visual wetness
indicator 360 is disposed in line with the primary visual fullness
indicator 330. In an alternate embodiment, the third secondary
visual wetness indicator 360 can be disposed out of line with the
primary visual fullness indicator 330.
[0070] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 is spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, one
or more parts of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be in
contact with one or more parts of another secondary visual wetness
indicator.
[0071] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 is disposed proximate to the primary visual fullness
indicator 330. This proximity allows a primary visual indicating
signal from the primary indicator and a secondary visual indicating
signal from a secondary indicator to be viewed together, so the
fullness of the article is easy to understand, as described further
below. Since the primary and secondary signals are understood
together, the primary visual fullness indicator 330 and one or more
of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360,
together can be considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0072] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 is disposed proximate to the outboard end 333 of the
primary visual fullness indicator 330. In some embodiments, a
secondary visual wetness indicator can be disposed proximate to
another part of a primary visual fullness indicator.
[0073] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 has an overall indicator length measured along the
indicator from its inboard end to its outboard end. The secondary
visual wetness indicator 340 includes an inboard end 342 and an
outboard end 343. The secondary visual wetness indicator 350
includes an inboard end 352 and an outboard end 353. The secondary
visual wetness indicator 360 includes an inboard end 362 and an
outboard end 363.
[0074] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 has an overall indicator length that is less than an
overall indicator length of the primary visual fullness indicator
330. In various embodiments, a secondary visual wetness indicator
can have an overall length that is the same as or greater than an
overall indicator length of the primary visual fullness indicator.
Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360
has the same overall indicator length. In some embodiments,
secondary visual wetness indicators can have differing overall
lengths.
[0075] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 has an overall shape that is substantially elongated and
substantially rectangular. Each of the secondary visual wetness
340, 350, and 360 indicators has a substantially uniform width
along its entire overall indicator length. Each of the secondary
visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360 includes one visual
fullness indicating area. Each of the secondary visual wetness
indicators 340, 350, and 360 is in continuous fluid communication
with an absorbent core of the absorbent article 300 along its
entire overall indicator length.
[0076] The inboard end of a secondary visual wetness indicator is
disposed outboard from the inboard end of a primary visual fullness
indicator. As a result, a secondary indicator can begin to change
states after a primary indicator begins to change states, as
explained in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 3B-3G.
[0077] The inboard end 342 of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 is disposed outboard from the inboard end 332 of the
primary visual fullness indicator 330 and inboard to the outboard
end 333 of the primary visual fullness indicator 330. The outboard
end 343 of the first secondary visual wetness indicator 340 is
disposed at about the same outboard distance as the outboard end
333 of the primary visual fullness indicator 330. In an alternate
embodiment, the outboard end 343 of the first secondary visual
wetness indicator 340 can be disposed inboard to the outboard end
333 of the primary visual fullness indicator 330.
[0078] The inboard end 352 of the second secondary visual wetness
indicator 350 is disposed outboard from the inboard end 332 of the
primary visual fullness indicator 330 and inboard to the outboard
end 333 of the primary visual fullness indicator 330. The inboard
end 352 of the second secondary visual wetness indicator 350 is
also disposed outboard from the inboard end 342 of the first
secondary visual wetness indicator 340 and inboard to the outboard
end 343 of the first secondary visual wetness indicator 340.
[0079] The outboard end 353 of the second secondary visual wetness
indicator 350 is disposed outboard from the outboard end 333 of the
primary visual fullness indicator 330 and outboard from the
outboard end 343 of the first secondary visual wetness indicator
340. In an alternate embodiment, the outboard end 353 of the second
secondary visual wetness indicator 350 can be disposed inboard to
the outboard end 333 of the primary visual fullness indicator 330
and/or inboard to the outboard end 343 of the first secondary
visual wetness indicator 340.
[0080] The inboard end 362 of the third secondary visual wetness
indicator 360 is disposed outboard from the outboard end 333 of the
primary visual fullness indicator 330, outboard from the outboard
end 343 of the first secondary visual wetness indicator 340, and
outboard from the outboard end 353 of the second secondary visual
wetness indicator 350. In an alternate embodiment, the inboard end
362 of the third secondary visual wetness indicator 360 can be
disposed inboard to the outboard end 343 of the first secondary
visual wetness indicator 340, and/or inboard to the outboard end
353 of the second secondary visual wetness indicator 350.
[0081] Each of the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350,
and 360 is configured to change from one or more initial visual
states to one or more subsequent visual states when indicating the
presence of a liquid bodily exudate. A secondary visual wetness
indicator can be configured to have one or more subsequent visual
states that can be similar to, the same as, or different from the
subsequent visual state of the primary visual fullness indicator. A
secondary visual wetness indicator can be configured to have one or
more subsequent visual states that can be similar to, the same as,
or different from the subsequent visual state of another secondary
visual wetness indicator.
[0082] The absorbent article 300 can be configured such that part,
or parts, or all of each of the secondary visual wetness indicators
340, 350, and 360 is visible from outside of the absorbent article
300 when the absorbent article 300 is worn by a wearer. As a
result, at least some of the subsequent visual states of each of
the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360 will be
visible from outside of the absorbent article 300.
[0083] The primary visual fullness indicator 330 and the secondary
visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360 can be configured to
change visual states progressively and in sequence, as illustrated
with FIGS. 3B-3G. First, the primary visual fullness indicator 330
can begin to change from an initial visual state to a subsequent
visual state when indicating the presence of a liquid bodily
exudate to a first extent in an absorbent core of the absorbent
article 300. Second, the first secondary visual wetness indicator
340 can begin to change from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of a liquid
bodily exudate to a second extent in the absorbent core of the
absorbent article 300. Third, the second secondary visual wetness
indicator 350 can begin to change from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of a liquid
bodily exudate to a third extent in the absorbent core of the
absorbent article 300. Fourth, the third secondary visual wetness
indicator 360 can begin to change from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of a liquid
bodily exudate to a fourth extent in the absorbent core of the
absorbent article 300. The partial or complete absence or presence
of the subsequent visual states in the indicators 330, 340, 350,
and 360 can indicate the fullness of the absorbent article 300.
[0084] As a primary visual fullness indicator changes visual states
it provides a primary indicating signal. As a secondary visual
wetness indicator changes visual states it provides a secondary
indicating signal that is separate from and in addition to the
primary indicating signal. This combination of a primary indicating
signal and a secondary indicating signal is easy to understand,
when taken together. Thus, the combination of a primary visual
fullness indicator and one or more secondary visual wetness
indicators can help provide certainty about the fullness of an
absorbent article. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the combination of
the primary visual fullness indicator 330 and each of the secondary
visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360, can help provide
certainty about the fullness of an absorbent article 300.
[0085] By knowing the fullness of an absorbent article, the
absorbent article can be changed after a wearer has appropriately
utilized its capacity and/or before it is likely to leak.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term "capacity" is used to
indicate the capacity of the absorbent core alone and does not
include the absorbency of other components or structures, such as
acquisition or distribution layers. The benefits of the combination
of a primary visual fullness indicator and a secondary visual
wetness indicator are similarly provided in the embodiments of
FIGS. 3B-3G, as described below.
[0086] FIGS. 3B-3G illustrate the primary visual fullness indicator
330 and the secondary visual wetness indicators 340, 350, and 360
of the embodiment of FIG. 3A in various states of indication,
wherein the indicators change visual states progressively and in
sequence in the presence of a liquid bodily exudate to indicate the
fullness of the absorbent article 300. In FIGS. 3B-3G, subsequent
visual states are illustrated with hatch patterns.
[0087] FIG. 3B illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3A, wherein part of the primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, to indicate the fullness of the absorbent
article 300. In FIG. 3B, a liquid bodily exudate has passed through
a portion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article 300 in
sufficient concentration to cause a change in visual state from the
inboard end 332 up through part of the of the primary visual
fullness indicator 330 to a wet edge 357B.
[0088] Throughout the present disclosure, a wet edge refers to a
boundary along a visual wetness indicator of an absorbent article,
wherein the boundary indicates an extent of the presence of a
liquid bodily exudate. On the inboard side of the wet edge, the
visual wetness indicator has experienced the presence of a liquid
bodily exudate at a concentration that is sufficient to cause the
visual wetness indicator to change visual states. On the outboard
side of the wet edge, the visual wetness indicator has not yet
experienced the presence of a liquid bodily exudate at a
concentration that is sufficient to cause the visual wetness
indicator to change visual states.
[0089] FIG. 3C illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3B, wherein part of the primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, and part of the first secondary visual
wetness indicator 340 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state to indicate the fullness of the absorbent
article 300. In FIG. 3C, a liquid bodily exudate has passed through
a portion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article 300 in
sufficient concentration to cause a change in visual state from the
inboard end 332 up through part of the of the primary visual
fullness indicator 330 and from the inboard end 342 up through part
of the first secondary visual wetness indicator 340 to a wet edge
357C.
[0090] FIG. 3D illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3C, wherein all of the primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, all of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, and part of the second secondary visual
wetness indicator 350 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, to indicate the fullness of the absorbent
article 300. In FIG. 3D, a liquid bodily exudate has passed through
a portion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article 300 in
sufficient concentration to cause a change in visual state from the
inboard end 342 up through all of the first secondary visual
wetness indicator 340 to the outboard end 343, and from the inboard
end 352 up through part of the second secondary visual wetness
indicator 350, to a wet edge 357D.
[0091] FIG. 3E illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3D, wherein all of the primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, all of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, and all of the second secondary visual
wetness indicator 350 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, to indicate the fullness of the absorbent
article 300. In FIG. 3E, a liquid bodily exudate has passed through
a portion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article 300 in
sufficient concentration to cause a change in visual state from the
inboard end 332 up through all of the of the primary visual
fullness indicator 330 to the outboard end 333, from the inboard
end 342 up through all of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 to the outboard end 343, and from the inboard end 352
up through all of the second secondary visual wetness indicator 350
to a wet edge 357E at the outboard end 353.
[0092] FIG. 3F illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3E, wherein all of the primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, all of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, all of the second secondary visual wetness
indicator 350 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, and part of the third secondary visual
wetness indicator 360 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, to indicate the fullness of the absorbent
article 300. In FIG. 3F, a liquid bodily exudate has passed through
a portion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article 300 in
sufficient concentration to cause a change in visual state from the
inboard end 332 up through all of the of the primary visual
fullness indicator 330 to the outboard end 333, from the inboard
end 342 up through all of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 to the outboard end 343, from the inboard end 352 up
through all of the second secondary visual wetness indicator 350 to
the outboard end 353, and from the inboard end 362 up through part
of the third secondary visual wetness indicator 360 to a wet edge
357F.
[0093] FIG. 3G illustrates a subsequent state of indication for the
indicators of FIG. 3F, wherein all of the primary visual fullness
indicator 330 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, all of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, all of the second secondary visual wetness
indicator 350 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, and all of the third secondary visual
wetness indicator 360 has changed from an initial visual state to a
subsequent visual state, to indicate the fullness of the absorbent
article 300. In FIG. 3F, a liquid bodily exudate has passed through
a portion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article 300 in
sufficient concentration to cause a change in visual state from the
inboard end 332 up through all of the of the primary visual
fullness indicator 330 to the outboard end 333, from the inboard
end 342 up through all of the first secondary visual wetness
indicator 340 to the outboard end 343, from the inboard end 352 up
through all of the second secondary visual wetness indicator 350 to
the outboard end 353, and from the inboard end 362 up through all
of the third secondary visual wetness indicator 360 to a wet edge
357F at the outboard end 363.
[0094] Together, FIGS. 3B-3G illustrate that the indicators 330,
340, 350, and 360 can change visual states progressively and in
sequence in the presence of a liquid bodily exudate to indicate the
degree to which a liquid bodily exudate has filled the absorbent
article 300. In addition to indicating fullness, in embodiments of
the present disclosure, such changes in visual state in a visual
fullness indicating system can also be understood as a signal that
indicates the remaining absorbent capacity of an absorbent article
and/or as a signal that indicates the risk that an absorbent
article may leak.
[0095] An appropriate particular location and orientation as well
as specific dimensions and other physical characteristics for an
indicator of the present disclosure can be selected in order for an
indicator to provide visual state change signals that indicate the
degree of fullness, the remaining capacity, and/or the leakage risk
for a particular absorbent article. In various embodiments, the
absorbent article can also include indicia correlating the visual
state change signals with fullness, capacity, and/or leakage
risk.
[0096] The locations of a primary visual fullness indicator and a
secondary visual wetness indicator enable the user to understand
when the article should be changed. A secondary visual wetness
indicator can be positioned relative to the primary visual fullness
indicator such that a user can understand that if the article is
left on for a further period of time, the chance of the article
leaking is increased. An absorbent article becomes more likely to
leak when the absorbent core is nearing full utilization, e.g.,
most of its capacity has been used. As an absorbent article is
worn, the wearer exudes bodily exudates (esp. urine) from a
particular location on their body. The bodily exudates are absorbed
by the absorbent core. The core tends to fill initially near the
location the user loads the product and then begins to fill farther
and farther from the loading point as the portion near the loading
location begins to become saturated. As this occurs, the primary
visual fullness indicator changes visual state to indicate the
presence of a bodily exudate in that portion of the core. As the
bodily exudate spreads through the core, the primary visual
fullness indicator progressively changes visual state along its
length.
[0097] Once the core is nearly full (most of the capacity is
utilized), the absorbent core may no longer be capable of storing
additional insults of bodily exudates. At this point, the risk of
exudates leaking from the article increases. One or more secondary
visual wetness indicators can be located in the article to indicate
this additional risk of leakage, which can prompt the user to
change the product.
[0098] A secondary visual wetness indicator can be located in an
absorbent article in light of the following principles. First, an
inboard end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be located
in a portion of the article where exudates are unlikely be stored
in typical use of the article. Such locations can include: (a) a
portion of an absorbent core that is remote from an acquisition or
distribution layer; (b) a portion of an absorbent core that is
remote from the source of the bodily exudate; and (c) a portion of
an absorbent core having a relatively low storage capacity. Second,
an inboard end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be
located in a portion of the article where there is "low saturation"
(e.g., a portion of the core which, in typical use, does not become
as highly saturated as portions of the core adjacent to a loading
zone of the article).
[0099] Further, in some embodiments, instructions for the absorbent
article can explain the correlation between the visual state change
signals and fullness, capacity, and/or leakage risk. For example,
such instructions can be provided on packaging for the absorbent
article or on printed material accompanying the absorbent article.
Still further, the correlation between the visual state change
signals and fullness, capacity, and/or leakage risk can be
communicated through various advertising media.
[0100] For each visual fullness indicator of the present
disclosure, the location of the inboard end and the outboard end
can be selected to provide visual signals that indicate the degree
of fullness, the remaining capacity, and/or the leakage risk for
the absorbent article in which the indicator is included.
[0101] As a first example, in various embodiments, an inboard end
of a primary visual fullness indicator can be disposed at a
particular location, such that, a change in visual state at that
inboard end (i.e. a wet edge proximate to that inboard end)
indicates that the absorbent article has: (a) a fullness of about
25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or
any integer of percentage between any of these values, or within
any range using any of these values; (b) a remaining capacity of
about 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%,
15%, or any integer of percentage between any of these values, or
within any range using any of these values; and/or (c) a leakage
risk of >0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,
55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or any integer of percentage
between any of these values, or within any range using any of these
values. As used herein, the term "leakage risk" refers to the
probability of a liquid bodily exudate leaking out of a diaper,
while the diaper is being properly worn by a wearer of appropriate
size, with such probability being measured in a sufficient number
of diapers being used by a sufficient number of wearers of
appropriate size. For example, at least 100 users should use at
least five days worth of diapers to determine the probability of a
diaper leaking
[0102] An inboard end of a primary visual fullness indicator can be
disposed in an absorbent article at any of the following locations:
80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm
inboard to an outer edge of an acquisition layer; at an outer edge
of an acquisition layer; 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 35mm,
30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm inboard to an outer edge
of a distribution layer; at an outer edge of a distribution layer;
140 mm, 130 mm, 120 mm, 110 mm, 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm,
50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm inboard to an outer edge
of an absorbent core; or at an outer edge of an absorbent core. An
inboard end of a primary visual fullness indicator can also be
disposed in an absorbent article at any integer of mm between any
of these values or within any range using any of these values.
[0103] As a second example, in various embodiments, an outboard end
of a primary visual fullness indicator can be disposed at a
particular location, such that, a change in visual state at that
outboard end (i.e. a wet edge proximate to that outboard end)
indicates that the absorbent article has: (a) a fullness of 30%,
35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or any
integer of percentage between any of these values, or within any
range using any of these values; (b) a remaining capacity of 70%,
65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or any
integer of percentage between any of these values, or within any
range using any of these values; and/or (c) a leakage risk of 30%,
35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or any
integer of percentage between any of these values, or within any
range using any of these values.
[0104] An outboard end of a primary visual fullness indicator can
be disposed in an absorbent article at any of the following
locations: 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm
inboard to an outer edge of an acquisition layer; at an outer edge
of an acquisition layer; 5 mm or 10 mm outboard from an outer edge
of an acquisition layer; 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm,
20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm inboard to an outer edge of a
distribution layer; at an outer edge of a distribution layer; 5 mm
or 10 mm outboard from an outer edge of a distribution layer; 130
mm, 120 mm, 110 mm, 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40
mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm inboard to an outer edge of an
absorbent core; at an outer edge of an absorbent core; or 5 mm or
10 mm outboard from an outer edge of an absorbent core. An outboard
end of a primary visual fullness indicator can also be disposed in
an absorbent article at any integer of mm between any of these
values, or within any range using any of these values.
[0105] As a third example, in various embodiments, an inboard end
of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be disposed at a
particular location, such that, a change in visual state at that
inboard end (i.e. a wet edge proximate to that inboard end)
indicates that the absorbent article has: (a) a fullness of 50%,
55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or any integer of
percentage between any of these values, or within any range using
any of these values; (b) a remaining capacity of 50%, 45%, 40%,
35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%,or any integer of percentage
between any of these values, or within any range using any of these
values; and/or (c) a leakage risk of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,
70%, 80%, 90%, or any integer of percentage between any of these
values, or within any range using any of these values
[0106] A change in visual state at an inboard end of a secondary
visual wetness indicator may indicate a fullness that is less than,
or equal to, or greater than a fullness indicated by a change in
visual state at an outboard end of a primary visual fullness
indicator. A change in visual state at an inboard end of a
secondary visual wetness indicator may indicate a remaining
capacity that is greater than, or equal to, or less than a
remaining capacity indicated by a change in visual state at an
outboard end of a primary visual fullness indicator. A change in
visual state at an inboard end of a secondary visual wetness
indicator may indicate a leakage risk that is greater than, or
equal to, or less than a leakage risk indicated by a change in
visual state at an outboard end of a primary visual fullness
indicator.
[0107] As a fourth example, in various embodiments, an outboard end
of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be disposed at a
particular location, such that, a change in visual state at that
outboard end (i.e. a wet edge proximate to that outboard end)
indicates that the absorbent article has: (a) a fullness of 55%,
60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, about 100%, or any integer
of percentage between any of these values, or within any range
using any of these values; (b) a remaining capacity of 45%, 40%,
35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, about 0%, or any integer of
percentage between any of these values, or within any range using
any of these values; and/or (c) a leakage risk of 20%, 30%, 40%,
50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, about 100%, or any integer of percentage
between any of these values, or within any range using any of these
values.
[0108] It is contemplated that any of the four exemplary
embodiments described above can be applied in any workable
combination to any relevant embodiment of the present disclosure. A
visual fullness indicator can also be located in an absorbent
article as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG.
4.
[0109] FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of an inside of a pant-type
disposable wearable absorbent article 400 laid out flat. The
locations of the elements in the embodiment of FIG. 4 can also
apply to embodiments of front-fastenable disposable wearable
absorbent articles, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art. The disposable wearable absorbent article 400 includes
a front 401, a back 405, an acquisition layer 422, a distribution
layer 424, and an absorbent core 426. The disposable wearable
absorbent article 400 also includes a longitudinal centerline 413
and a lateral centerline 416, which provide lines of reference for
relative directions of laterally outboard 411, laterally inboard
412, longitudinally outboard 414, and longitudinally inboard
415.
[0110] The disposable wearable absorbent article 400 includes a
number of secondary visual wetness indicators 441 in the front 401
and a number of secondary visual wetness indicators 445 in the back
405 in various exemplary locations and orientations. Any of the
secondary visual wetness indicators of the present disclosure can
be located and/or orientated as any of the secondary visual wetness
indicators 441 or 445 are located and/or oriented in FIG. 4.
[0111] The embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates the various secondary
visual wetness indicators 441 with an inboard end disposed:
longitudinally inboard to a longitudinally outboard edge of the
acquisition layer 422, at the longitudinally outboard edge of the
acquisition layer 422, and longitudinally outboard from the
longitudinally outboard edge of the acquisition layer 422. An
inboard end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be disposed
in an absorbent article at any of the following locations: 75 mm,
70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm inboard to
an outer edge of an acquisition layer; at an outer edge of an
acquisition layer; or 5 mm, 10 mm, or 20 mm outboard from an outer
edge of an acquisition layer. An inboard end of a secondary visual
wetness indicator can also be disposed in an absorbent article at
any integer of mm between any of these values, or within any range
using any of these values.
[0112] The embodiment of FIG. 4 also illustrates the various
secondary visual wetness indicators 441 with an inboard end
disposed: longitudinally inboard to a longitudinally outboard edge
of the distribution layer 424, at the longitudinally outboard edge
of the distribution layer 424, and longitudinally outboard from the
longitudinally outboard edge of the acquisition layer 424. An
inboard end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be disposed
in an absorbent article at any of the following locations: 75 mm,
70 mm, 660 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, or
5 mm inboard to an outer edge of a distribution layer; at an outer
edge of a distribution layer; or 5 mm, 10 mm, or 20 mm outboard
from an outer edge of a distribution layer. An inboard end of a
secondary visual wetness indicator can also be disposed in an
absorbent article at any integer of min between any of these
values, or within any range using any of these values.
[0113] The embodiment of FIG. 4 further illustrates the various
secondary visual wetness indicators 441 with an inboard end
disposed: longitudinally inboard to a longitudinally outboard edge
of the absorbent core 426, at the longitudinally outboard edge of
the absorbent core 426, and longitudinally outboard from the
longitudinally outboard edge of the absorbent core 426. An inboard
end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can be disposed in an
absorbent article at any of the following locations: 120 mm, 110
mm, 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm,
or 10 mm inboard to an outer edge of an absorbent core; at an outer
edge of an absorbent core; or 5 mm, 10 mm, or 20 mm outboard from
an outer edge of an absorbent core. An inboard end of a secondary
visual wetness indicator can also be disposed in an absorbent
article at any integer of mm between any of these values, or within
any range using any of these values.
[0114] In various embodiments, a secondary visual wetness indicator
disposed in the back of an article can have an inboard end disposed
with respect to a longitudinally outboard edge of an absorbent core
disposed in the front of the article. In this way, the secondary
visual indicating signal can be configured with respect to a point
in the front/center of the article, where liquid bodily exudates
are provided to the article by the wearer. As examples, a secondary
visual wetness indicators can be disposed in the back of an article
with an inboard end of the indicator disposed 275 mm, 270 mm, 260
mm, 250 mm, 240 mm, 230 mm, 220 mm, 210 mm, 200 mm, 190 mm, 180 mm,
170 mm, 160 mm, or 150 mm, from a longitudinally outboard edge of
an absorbent core disposed in the front of the article. An inboard
end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can also be disposed in
an absorbent article at any integer of mm between any of these
values, or within any range using any of these values.
[0115] An outboard end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can
be disposed in an absorbent article at any of the following
locations: 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm inboard to an
outer edge of an acquisition layer; at an outer edge of an
acquisition layer; 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, or 30 mm outboard from an
outer edge of an acquisition layer; 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20
mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm inboard to an outer edge of a
distribution layer; at an outer edge of a distribution layer; 5 mm,
10 mm, 20 mm, or 30 mm outboard from an outer edge of a
distribution layer; 110 mm, 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, 50
mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, or 10 mm inboard to an outer edge of an
absorbent core; at an outer edge of an absorbent core; or 5 mm, 10
mm, 20 mm, or 30 mm outboard from an outer edge of an absorbent
core. An outboard end of a secondary visual wetness indicator can
also be disposed in an absorbent article at any integer of mm
between any of these values, or within any range using any of these
values.
[0116] Any of the secondary visual wetness indicators 441 can be
disposed on the longitudinal centerline 413, proximate to the
longitudinal centerline 413, laterally offset from the longitudinal
centerline 413, or at some other lateral location. These locations
and orientations for the secondary visual wetness indicators 441
disposed in the front 401 can be similarly applied to secondary
visual wetness indicators disposed in the back 405.
[0117] The embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates the various secondary
visual wetness indicators 445 with an inboard end disposed:
laterally inboard to a laterally outboard edge of the acquisition
layer 422, at the laterally outboard edge of the acquisition layer
422, laterally outboard from the laterally outboard edge of the
acquisition layer 422, laterally inboard to a laterally outboard
edge of the distribution layer 424, at the laterally outboard edge
of the distribution layer 424, laterally outboard from the
laterally outboard edge of the acquisition layer 424, laterally
inboard to a laterally outboard edge of the absorbent core 426, at
the laterally outboard edge of the absorbent core 426, or laterally
outboard from the laterally outboard edge of the absorbent core
426. Any of the secondary visual wetness indicators 445 can be
disposed on the lateral centerline 416, proximate to the lateral
centerline 416, longitudinally offset from the lateral centerline
416, or at some other longitudinal location. These locations and
orientations for the secondary visual wetness indicators 445
disposed in the front 405 can be similarly applied to secondary
visual wetness indicators disposed in the front 401.
[0118] It is contemplated that any of the secondary visual wetness
indicators 441 and 445 can be applied in any workable combination
to any relevant embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0119] The location and orientation of a secondary visual wetness
indicator in a disposable wearable absorbent article can be
selected in various ways. Since a secondary visual wetness
indicator can provide a secondary indicating signal indicating a
leakage risk, a secondary visual wetness indicator can be located
in a region of an article where the absorbent core will become
saturated at a time relatively close to, but before, the time at
which the article is likely to leak. Typically, manufacturers
design absorbent articles to reduce the amount of unused absorbent
material in order to make the articles affordable to the consumer.
Therefore, a secondary visual wetness indicator can be located in a
region of an article significantly closer to an outboard edge of
the absorbent core than to a region expected to receive the
majority of urine insults.
[0120] In some embodiments, a secondary visual wetness indicator
can be located in an absorbent article based on the location, or
profile, of the absorbent capacity of an absorbent core of the
article. The Teabag Centrifuge Capacity test, or TCC test,
(described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,037) can be used to determine the
capacity of an absorbent core, a portion of an absorbent core, or
an absorbent core material. A portion of an absorbent core can be
subjected to the TCC test. For example, a core can be cut parallel
to a lateral centerline of an absorbent article at a location
corresponding to an inboard edge of a secondary visual wetness
indicator and subsequently subjected to the TCC test.
[0121] If an absorbent article includes more than one secondary
visual wetness indicator and each secondary visual wetness
indicator is located at a different longitudinal location in the
article, then one separately evaluates the capacity of the portion
of the core longitudinally outboard from each indicator. For
example, a set of samples is evaluated for capacity outboard a
first secondary visual wetness indicator, and then separate sets of
samples are evaluated for each additional secondary visual wetness
indicator. Further, the method is performed as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,278,037. Of specific note, given an absorbent core
typically weighs more than 0.200 grams, the total capacity and
capacity longitudinally outboard of a secondary visual wetness
indicator is determined from preparation of multiple teabags. Total
capacity of the absorbent core, capacity of the portion
longitudinally outboard of a secondary visual wetness indicator,
and percent of capacity located longitudinally outboard of the
secondary visual wetness indicator are determined as follows.
[0122] First, prepare as many teabag samples as required to measure
the total capacity and the capacity of the portion longitudinally
outboard of a secondary visual wetness indicator. Test them as
outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,037. Test a blank teabag for each
individual teabag containing core material. Second, determine the
capacity of each portion being evaluated. The capacity of the
portion is equal to the sum of all sample teabag weights after
centrifuging minus the sum of all blank teabag weights after
centrifuging minus the sum of all dry absorbent material weights.
Third, calculate the percent of the total capacity that is
longitudinally outboard from the secondary visual wetness
indicator. This percentage is equal to 100 times the capacity of
the absorbent core longitudinally outboard from the secondary
visual wetness indicator divided by the total core capacity. Repeat
this test for at least three samples and report the results as an
average.
[0123] A secondary visual wetness indicator can also be located
within an absorbent article such that the capacity of a portion of
an absorbent core lying outboard from an inboard edge of the
indicator can be less than 20 grams of 0.9% saline solution per the
TCC test. In some embodiments, a secondary visual wetness indicator
can be located in an absorbent article such that the capacity of a
portion of an absorbent core lying outboard from an inboard edge of
the indicator can be less than 30 grams, 50 grams, 100 grams of
0.9% saline solution per the TCC test, or any integer of grams
between any of these values, or within a range defined by any of
the above-mentioned percentages.
[0124] Since a secondary visual wetness indicator can provide a
visual signal indicating relative leakage risk, a secondary visual
wetness indicator can be located in a region of an absorbent
article where an absorbent core will become sufficiently saturated
to trigger the indicator just prior to loadings at which leakage
may be expected. Wetness indicators typically require some minimum
amount, Cmin (or minimum concentration), of free or available
aqueous fluid in order to trigger the change in visual state of the
indicator. In the case of absorbent articles, the fluid is a liquid
bodily exudate, such as urine. Many absorbent articles include an
absorbent core that will absorb and retain under a moderate
pressure (e.g., a pressure expected to be experienced during normal
use of the article--such as 0.5 psi) a small amount of fluid that
does not provide a sufficient concentration of free fluid, i.e.,
Cmin, to trigger a wetness indicator in contact with said core.
Upon sufficient fluid loading, absorbent cores will typically
release free fluid, in significant concentrations, such as Cmin,
thereby enabling a wetness indicator in contact with the core to
change visual states.
[0125] A given core construction will be able to absorb a given
amount of fluid prior to yielding Cmin free fluid to a contacting
wetness indicator. The amount of fluid absorbed by a core, i.e.,
loading, prior to Cmin fluid being made available (or "expressed")
from the core under a moderate pressure is dependent on its
construction. For a given type or ratio of core materials, the
higher the Teabag Centrifuge Capacity (TCC) of a core, or portion
of a core, generally the higher the core loading may be prior to
Cmin free fluid availability from the core. Certain core materials
hold fluid more tightly--e.g., under greater pressures. For
example, superabsorbent polymers as known in the art can hold more
fluid, under higher pressures, than airfelt or other cellulosic or
foam materials. Therefore, higher concentrations of superabsorbent
polymers, or other materials with similar fluid
retention-under-pressure behavior, result in higher fluid loadings
in cores prior to Cmin free fluid availability. Cmin for many
suitable cores and suitable wetness indicators of interest ranges
from about 0.2 ml/cm.sup.2 to 0.35 ml/cm.sup.2. To determine where
to place a secondary visual wetness indicator, one can determine
the absorbent core saturation as a function of location in used
absorbent articles. A suitable method for determining this is
described in steps 1-8 of the Method for Locating a Secondary
Indicator, by collecting used absorbent articles, harvesting the
absorbent cores, and determining the core saturation (in ml of
urine held in the core per cm.sup.2 of core) as a function of
distance from the front edge of the core. Plotting the core
saturation on the Y-axis vs. distance from the front edge of the
core provides a loading profile, such as the exemplary loading
profile shown in FIG. 5A.
[0126] In FIG. 5A, the horizontal axis represents the longitudinal
dimension of the diaper core and the vertical axis represents the
concentration of the liquid in the diaper core, in terms of liquid
volume per area, as described in the above method. The front edge
of the absorbent core is designated 560 and the back edge of the
absorbent core is designated 570. The loading profile varies over
along the longitudinal dimension of the diaper. Cmin 550 is shown
plotted as a horizontal line. The intersections of the loading
profile 571 and the Cmin line 550 are designated Front Saturation
Threshold Point 554 and Back Saturation Threshold Point 555.
Vertical lines are drawn from the intersections point 554 and 555
to the horizontal axis to mark Front Saturation Threshold Location
579 and Back Saturation Threshold Location 580, which represents
longitudinal locations along the length of the diaper core. Front
and Rear Saturation Threshold Locations 579 and 580 are determined
for values of Cmin of 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, and 0.35 ml/cm.sup.2.
[0127] In preferred embodiments, the inboard end of a secondary
visual indicator is located as described below in the Method for
Locating a Secondary Indicator.
[0128] Method for Locating a Secondary Indicator
[0129] This method is described in relation to an exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and the tables referenced
below.
[0130] 1. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an absorbent core 600 is
separated out from an absorbent article and is divided into a
number of sections from S1-1 to Sn-n, determined by the size and
resolution desired.
[0131] 2. Divide the absorbent core 600 into sections by making
longitudinal cuts 622 and lateral cuts 612. As an example, as shown
in FIG. 6, an absorbent core can be divided longitudinally into 14
sections and can be divided laterally into 4 sections. For each
section, determine the area, which is defined as A1-1 to An-n.
Table 1A, shows exemplary area data for the sections of the sample
absorbent core 600.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1A SECTION AREAS [cm.sup.2] 1 2 3 4 1 8.4 9.0
9.0 8.4 2 8.4 9.0 9.0 8.4 3 7.9 9.0 9.0 7.9 4 2.6 9.0 9.0 2.6 5 1.5
9.0 9.0 1.5 6 1.5 9.0 9.0 1.5 7 1.5 9.0 9.0 1.5 8 2.6 9.0 9.0 2.6 9
4.7 9.0 9.0 4.7 10 6.8 9.0 9.0 6.8 11 8.3 9.0 9.0 8.3 12 8.4 9.0
9.0 8.4 13 8.4 9.0 9.0 8.4 14 8.4 9.0 9.0 8.4
[0132] 3. For each section of the absorbent core, determine and
tabulate the dry weight (weight without loading). The dry weights
are defined as the Wdry1-1 to Wdryn-n. This can be done by weighing
each section with an appropriate balance having 0.00 grams
precision. Repeat this process for at least ten unused articles and
take the average.
[0133] 4. Acquire used absorbent articles from a use test where
users used several absorbent articles and data was captured for
each article used by each user including data on whether or not the
absorbent article leaked. The use test should include absorbent
articles used by at least 100 users over a period of at least 5
days.
[0134] 5. For each used absorbent article, separate the absorbent
core from the rest of the article and divide the absorbent core
into the number of sections from S1-1 to Sn-n, with the same areas
shown in Table 1A.
[0135] 6. For each section of the absorbent core, determine and
tabulate the wet weight (weight loading from bodily exudates).
These wet weights are defined as Wwet1-1 to Wwetn-n.
[0136] 7. For each section of the absorbent core, determine the
load by subtracting the dry weight Wdry from the wet weight Wwet.
The formula to calculate the load per section is: Wload=Wwet-Wdry.
The loads are defined as the Wload1-1 to Wloadn-n. Table 1B shows
exemplary load data for the sections of the sample absorbent core
600 (the data is shown in milliliters (ml) since 1 gram of water is
about 1 milliliter). Also, determine the load for the entire
absorbent core.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1B SECTION LOADS [ml] 1 2 3 4 1 2.70 6.30 6.30
2.70 2 4.95 11.55 11.55 4.95 3 5.85 13.65 13.65 5.85 4 2.05 18.45
18.45 2.05 5 2.25 20.25 20.25 2.25 6 2.55 22.95 22.95 2.55 7 2.60
23.40 23.40 2.60 8 2.45 22.05 22.05 2.45 9 2.25 20.25 20.25 2.25 10
6.00 14.00 14.00 6.00 11 4.20 9.80 9.80 4.20 12 0.90 2.10 2.10 0.90
13 0.30 0.70 0.70 0.30 14 0.15 0.35 0.35 0.15
[0137] 8. For each section of the absorbent core 600, determine and
tabulate the concentration of bodily exudates by dividing the load
by the area. The formula to calculate the concentration per section
is: C=Wload/A. Table 1C shows exemplary concentration data for the
sections of the sample absorbent core 600.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1C SECTION CONCENTRATIONS [ml/cm.sup.2] 1 2 3
4 1 0.32 0.70 0.70 0.32 2 0.59 1.28 1.28 0.59 3 0.74 1.52 1.52 0.74
4 0.78 2.05 2.05 0.78 5 1.50 2.25 2.25 1.50 6 1.70 2.55 2.55 1.70 7
1.73 2.60 2.60 1.73 8 0.96 2.45 2.45 0.96 9 0.48 2.25 2.25 0.48 10
0.88 1.56 1.56 0.88 11 0.50 1.09 1.09 0.50 12 0.11 0.23 0.23 0.11
13 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.04 14 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.02
[0138] 9. In the area in which the secondary indicator is to be
located, determine which sections have a concentration of bodily
exudates above the minimum concentration Cmin of liquid bodily
exudates that will trigger the secondary indicator (Cmin). In the
example provided, if the minimum concentration is 0.30 ml/cm.sup.2
and the area in which the secondary indicator is to be located
corresponds with the sections of column 2, then the sections having
a concentration of bodily exudates above Cmin are sections S1-2 to
S11-2. Determine and record the length of those sections in
relation to a reference point, such as the lateral centerline of
the article.
[0139] 10. Repeat steps 5-9 for all the used absorbent articles
acquired in step 4. Table 1D shows exemplary length data for the
sections of the sample absorbent core 600. For each of the
absorbent articles, tabulate the load for the entire absorbent core
(from step 7), correlated with the length (from step 9), and
whether or not the article leaked (from step 4). Table 1D shows
this data for 27 exemplary absorbent articles.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 1D ARTICLE RESULTS Load Length Leakage [ml]
[cm] [Yes = 1] 1 25 14 0 2 25 14 0 3 50 18 0 4 50 19 0 5 75 24 0 6
75 25 0 7 75 25 0 8 100 27 0 9 100 28 0 10 125 28 0 11 125 29 0 12
150 29 0 13 150 30 0 14 175 30 0 15 175 30 1 16 175 31 0 17 175 31
0 18 175 32 1 19 200 32 0 20 200 32 1 21 200 32 0 22 200 32 0 23
225 32 0 24 200 33 1 25 225 33 0 26 225 34 1 27 225 34 1
[0140] Model this data with a Nonlinear Logistic Regression to
determine a probability curve that models the probability of
leakage based on the length measurement. A sample graph from this
modeling is shown in FIG. 7. This probability curve can be used for
any of the probabilities of leakage risk described herein.
[0141] 11. Use the probability curve to correlate locations in the
absorbent article with probabilities of leakage. For example, the
probability curve can be used to determine a probability of leakage
that corresponds with a particular location of Cmin in an absorbent
article. As a result, a probability of leakage can be determined
for an indicating signal from a secondary indicator disposed at the
particular location, under various loadings. As another example,
the probability curve can be used to determine a location in
absorbent article that corresponds with a particular probability of
leakage. As a result, a location for a secondary indicator can be
determined in order to indicate the particular probability of
leakage, under various loadings. These approaches can be used for
any of the probabilities of leakage risk and any of the locations
for a secondary wetness indicator described herein.
[0142] In FIG. 7, the probability curve 700 includes points 731,
741, and 751. At point 731, a 10% probability of leakage 730
corresponds with a length 760 of about 28 cm. At point 741, a 30%
probability of leakage 740 corresponds with a length 765 of about
34 cm. At point 751, a 40% probability of leakage 750 corresponds
with a length 770 of about 35 cm.
[0143] FIG. 5B shows a diaper 500 including the absorbent core of
FIG. 5A, having the profile 571, front core edge 560, and back core
edge 570. The diaper 500 also includes a primary visual fullness
indicator 530, a secondary visual wetness indicator 541, and a
secondary visual wetness indicator 545. Together, the primary
visual fullness indicator 530 and the secondary visual wetness
indicators 541 can be considered a visual fullness indicating
system. Also, the primary visual fullness indicator 530 and the
secondary visual wetness indicators 545, together, can be
considered a visual fullness indicating system.
[0144] The secondary visual wetness indicator 541 is located within
a front of the absorbent article 500 such that an inboard end of
the indicator is disposed at the Front Saturation Threshold
Location 579. The secondary visual wetness indicator 545 is located
within a back of the absorbent article 500 such that an inboard end
of the indicator is disposed at the Rear Saturation Threshold
Location 580.
[0145] Further, the present disclosure contemplates that an
absorbent article, such as a disposable wearable absorbent article,
can have one or more visual fullness indicators configured as
described herein and further configured with various additional
and/or alternate structures and/or functions as described
below.
[0146] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be
combined with one or more embodiments of U.S. non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 12/346,445 entitled "Disposable
Wearable Absorbent Articles with Multiple Indicating Colors," filed
on Dec. 30, 2008 under attorney docket number 11217Q and/or US
non-provisional patent application entitled "Disposable Wearable
Absorbent Articles with Multiple Indicating Colors," filed on Dec.
23, 2009 and further identified by attorney docket number 11217RQ,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference. A disposable
wearable absorbent article with primary and secondary indicating
can also have multiple indicating colors.
[0147] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be
combined with one or more embodiments of U.S. non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 12/346,481 entitled "Absorbent Articles
with Multiple Indicating Widths," filed on Dec. 30, 2008 under
attorney docket number 11218Q and/or US non-provisional patent
application entitled "Absorbent Articles with Multiple Indicating
Widths," filed on Dec. 23, 2009 under attorney docket number
11218RQ, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. A
disposable wearable absorbent article with primary and secondary
indicating can also have multiple indicating widths.
[0148] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be
combined with one or more embodiments of U.S. non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 12/346,496 entitled "Disposable
Wearable Absorbent Articles with Gender Specific Indicia," filed on
Dec. 30, 2008 under attorney docket number 11219 and/or US
non-provisional patent application entitled "Disposable Wearable
Absorbent Articles with Gender Specific Indicia," filed on Dec. 23,
2009 under attorney docket number 11219R, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference. A disposable wearable absorbent
article with primary and secondary indicating can also have gender
specific indicia.
[0149] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be
combined with one or more embodiments of U.S. non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 12/346,510 entitled "Disposable
Wearable Absorbent Articles with Gender Specific Indicating," filed
on Dec. 30, 2008 under attorney docket number 11220 and/or US
non-provisional patent application entitled "Disposable
Wearable
[0150] Absorbent Articles with Gender Specific Indicating," filed
on Dec. 23, 2009 and further identified by attorney docket number
11220R, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. A
disposable wearable absorbent article with primary and secondary
indicating can also have gender specific indicating.
[0151] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be
combined with one or more embodiments of U.S. non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 12/346,520 entitled "Absorbent Articles
with Patterns of Indicating," filed on Dec. 30, 2008 under attorney
docket number 11221Q and/or US non-provisional patent application
entitled "Absorbent Articles with Patterns of Indicating," filed on
Dec. 23, 2009 under attorney docket number 11221RQ, each of which
is incorporated herein by reference. A disposable wearable
absorbent article with primary and secondary indicating can also
have patterns of indicating.
[0152] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be
combined with one or more embodiments of U.S. non-provisional
patent application entitled "Absorbent Articles with Primary and
Secondary Indicia," filed on Dec. 23, 2009, Ser. No. 12/646,430,
which is incorporated herein by reference. A disposable wearable
absorbent article with primary and secondary indicating can also
have primary and secondary indicia.
[0153] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are easy to
understand because they have primary visual fullness indicators and
secondary visual wetness indicators. An absorbent article having a
primary visual fullness indicator and a secondary visual wetness
indicator can help provide certainty about the fullness of the
absorbent article. By knowing how full an article is, the article
can be changed after the wearer has appropriately utilized the
capacity of the article. Also, by knowing how full an article is,
the article can be changed before it is likely to leak.
[0154] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0155] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0156] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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