U.S. patent application number 13/974511 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-26 for absorbent article.
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 Philip KRELL, Christine Gail LUZADER, Maria Fernanda P EZ.
Application Number | 20150057632 13/974511 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51453852 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150057632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LUZADER; Christine Gail ; et
al. |
February 26, 2015 |
Absorbent Article
Abstract
Asymmetrical absorbent articles having printed regions to
facilitate individual placement of the absorbent article are
described.
Inventors: |
LUZADER; Christine Gail;
(Loveland, OH) ; KRELL; Michael Philip;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; P EZ; Maria Fernanda; (Guatire,
VE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
51453852 |
Appl. No.: |
13/974511 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/53747 20130101;
A61F 13/476 20130101; A61F 13/51394 20130101; A61F 13/4758
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.04 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/475 20060101
A61F013/475 |
Claims
1. An absorbent article comprising: a. a topsheet; b. a backsheet;
c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the
backsheet; d. one or more optional intermediate layers disposed
between the absorbent core and the topsheet; e. a longitudinal
centerline; f. a transverse centerline; g. a first half of the
article located on one side of the transverse centerline and a
second half of the article located on the opposite side of the
transverse centerline; h. a pair of wings extending laterally from
the article, each of the wings configured for wrapping around a
portion of a user's undergarment and comprising a wing length,
wherein 70% or more of the wing length is positioned on the first
half; and i. a printed region on at least one of the topsheet, the
backsheet, the absorbent core, and the one or more optional
intermediate layers, the printed region comprising a printed length
and a printed area; j. wherein more than 85% of at least one of the
printed area and the printed length is positioned on the first
half; and k. wherein a maximum width of the absorbent core in the
first half is substantially the same dimension as that in the
second half.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein more than 80% of the wing length
is positioned on the first half.
3. The article of claim 1, wherein more than 90% of the wing length
is positioned on the first half.
4. The article of claim 1, wherein more than 90% of at least one of
the printed area and the printed length is positioned on the first
half.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein all of the printed length is
positioned on the first half.
6. The article of claim 1, wherein the topsheet comprises a
nonwoven layer.
7. The article of claim 6, wherein the printed region is printed on
the garment-facing side of the topsheet.
8. The article of claim 1, wherein the printed region is printed on
the garment-facing side of the topsheet.
9. The article of claim 1, wherein the first half comprises an
embossed channel on each side of the longitudinal centerline.
10. The article of claim 9, wherein the printed region and the
embossed channels are substantially coextensive longitudinally with
the wings.
11. The article of claim 1, wherein the second half comprises an
embossed channel on each side of the longitudinal centerline.
12. The article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article has a
varying caliper comprising a lower caliper region and a higher
caliper region, and wherein the printed region is biased toward the
higher caliper region.
13. An absorbent article comprising: a. a topsheet; b. a backsheet;
c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the
backsheet; d. a support layer disposed between the absorbent core
and the backsheet; e. a longitudinal centerline; f. a transverse
centerline; g. a first half of the article located on one side of
the transverse centerline and a second half of the article located
on the opposite side of the transverse centerline; h. a pair of
wings extending laterally from the article, each of the wings
configured for wrapping around a portion of a user's undergarment
and comprising a wing length, wherein 70% or more of the wing
length is positioned on the first half; i. a first end associated
with the first half; j. a second end associated with the second
half, wherein the second end comprises a maximum width that is at
least 20% greater than that of the first end so that the first end
and the second end are asymmetrical about the transverse
centerline; and k. a printed region on at least one of the
topsheet, the backsheet, the absorbent core, and the support layer;
l. wherein the printed region exists in the first half.
14. The article of claim 13, wherein the support layer extends
laterally outward of the absorbent core in the second end.
15. The article of claim 13, wherein the printed region does not
exist in the second half.
16. The article of claim 13, wherein more than 90% of the wing
length is positioned on the first half.
17. The article of claim 13, wherein the printed region has a
printed area and wherein more than 70% of the printed area is
positioned on the first half.
18. The article of claim 13, wherein the printed region comprises a
printed length and wherein more than 70% of the printed length is
positioned on the first half.
19. The article of claim 13, wherein the article has an overall
length of at least 330 millimeters.
20. An absorbent article comprising: a. a topsheet; b. a backsheet;
c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the
backsheet; d. one or more optional intermediate layers disposed
between the absorbent core and the topsheet; e. a longitudinal
centerline; f. a transverse centerline; g. a first half of the
article located on one side of the transverse centerline and a
second half of the article located on the opposite side of the
transverse centerline; h. a pair of wings extending laterally from
the article, each of the wings configured for wrapping around a
portion of a user's undergarment and comprising a wing distal edge;
i. a first end associated with the first half; j. a second end
associated with the second half, the second end comprising a
maximum width; k. a printed region on at least one of the topsheet,
the backsheet, the absorbent core, and the one or more optional
intermediate layers; and l. an embossed channel on each side of the
longitudinal centerline; m. wherein the printed region and the
embossed channels are substantially longitudinally-coextensive with
the wings; and n. wherein the wing distal edge extends laterally
substantially to the same extent as the maximum width of the second
end.
21. The article of claim 20, wherein each of the wings comprises a
wing length and wherein more than 90% of the wing length is
positioned on the first half.
22. The article of claim 20, wherein the printed region has a
printed area and wherein more than 70% of the printed area is
positioned on the first half.
23. The article of claim 20, wherein the printed region has a
printed area and wherein more than 90% of the printed area is
positioned on the first half.
24. The article of claim 20, wherein a second printed region exists
in the second half.
25. The article of claim 20, wherein the printed region does not
exist in the second half.
26. The article of claim 20, wherein the article has an overall
length of at least 330 millimeters.
27. The article of claim 20, wherein the topsheet comprises a
nonwoven.
28. The article of claim 27, wherein the printed region is printed
on a garment-facing side of the nonwoven.
29. The article of claim 20, further comprising a support layer
disposed between the absorbent core and the backsheet.
30. The article of claim 29, wherein the support layer extends
laterally outward of the absorbent core in the second end.
31. An absorbent article comprising: a. a topsheet; b. a backsheet;
c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the
backsheet; d. a first end; e. a second end that comprises a maximum
width that is greater than that of the first end; f. a pair of
wings that are folded and positioned above a first section of the
topsheet prior to use; g. opposing lateral portions of the second
end folded and positioned above another section of the topsheet
prior to use; h. a first protection sheet applied over adhesive on
each of the pair of wings; i. a second protection sheet applied
over adhesive on the opposing lateral portions; j. a printed region
on at least one of the topsheet, the backsheet, the absorbent core;
k. wherein a portion of the printed region extends outward from
only one of the first and second protection sheets and is visible
when viewing the topsheet side of the article before the first and
second protection sheets are removed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to long, asymmetrical
absorbent articles having printed regions to facilitate individual
placement of the absorbent article.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Some commercially-available absorbent articles are extremely
long to help manage large volumes of fluid and/or to provide
additional coverage for fluid paths depending on the position of
the wearer (e.g., lying down). Extra-heavy flow and overnight
products can also be asymmetric about their transverse axis, with
different geometries and/or fluid management properties associated
with the first and second longitudinal ends (e.g., these articles
can have a large end and a small end). Due to the length and
asymmetry, placement of the article in one's undergarments can be
confusing.
[0003] Over time, individuals can notice trends of where an
absorbent article captures fluid or leaks according to their body
type, fluid flow, and typical activities. For example, some
individuals may tend to capture fluid or leak towards the front of
an absorbent article. Some individuals may discover the opposite.
As consumers learn about their needs with the use of a chosen
product, they can individualize the placement of the article to
best suit their individual fluid management needs. For example, for
the consumer that tends to see fluid flow towards the front of the
article, they can place the larger end in the front of their
undergarment. It would be helpful to consumers to provide a long,
asymmetric article with a printed region that does not span the
entire length of the article to serve as their personal guide for
individual placement. A large portion of commercially-available
absorbent articles contain printed regions, but some of the longest
and/or asymmetrical products are devoid of printed features. And as
discussed above, this represents a long-felt and unmet need.
Embodiments of the present invention can address this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment, there has now been
provided an absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet,
an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet,
and one or more optional intermediate layers disposed between the
absorbent core and the topsheet. The article has a longitudinal
centerline, a transverse centerline, with a first half of the
article being located on one side of the transverse centerline and
a second half of the article located on the opposite side of the
transverse centerline. A pair of wings extends laterally from the
article. Each of the wings is configured for wrapping around a
portion of a user's undergarment and comprises a wing length,
wherein 70% or more of the wing length is positioned on the first
half of the article. A printed region is included on at least one
of the topsheet, the backsheet, the absorbent core, and the one or
more optional intermediate layers. The printed region includes a
printed length and a printed area, wherein more than 85% of at
least one of these parameters is positioned on the first half. The
maximum transverse width of the absorbent core in the first half is
substantially the same dimension as that in the second half.
[0005] In accordance with a second embodiment, there has now been
provided an absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet,
an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet,
and a support layer disposed between the absorbent core and the
backsheet. The article has a longitudinal centerline, a transverse
centerline, with a first half of the article being located on one
side of the transverse centerline and a second half of the article
located on the opposite side of the transverse centerline. A pair
of wings extends laterally from the article. Each of the wings is
configured for wrapping around a portion of a user's undergarment
and comprises a wing length, wherein 70% or more of the wing length
is positioned on the first half of the article. The article has a
first end associated with the first half and a second end
associated with the second half, wherein the second end comprises a
maximum width that is at least 20% greater than that of the first
end. A printed region is included on at least one of the topsheet,
the backsheet, the absorbent core, and the support layer. The
printed region exists in the first half of the article.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment, there has now been
provided an absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet,
an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet,
and one or more optional intermediate layers disposed between the
absorbent core and the topsheet. The article has a longitudinal
centerline, a transverse centerline, with a first half of the
article being located on one side of the transverse centerline and
a second half of the article located on the opposite side of the
transverse centerline. A pair of wings extends laterally from the
article. Each of the wings is configured for wrapping around a
portion of a user's undergarment and comprises a wing distal edge.
The article has a first end associated with the first half and a
second end associated with the second half. A printed region is
included on at least one of the topsheet, the backsheet, the
absorbent core, and the one or more optional intermediate layers.
The article has an embossed channel on each side of the
longitudinal centerline. The printed region and the embossed
channels are substantially longitudinally-coextensive with the
wings. And the wing distal edge extends laterally substantially to
the same extent as a maximum width of the second end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The following detailed description of specific embodiments
of the present invention can be best understood when read in
conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a body-facing side of a first
absorbent article embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a garment-facing side of the
article shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a body-facing side of a second
absorbent article embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a body-facing side of a third
absorbent article embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a body-facing side of a fourth
absorbent article embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an absorbent article of the present
invention, wherein the article is in a partially folded
configuration prior to use.
[0014] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined
by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and
invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the
detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following text sets forth a broad description of
numerous different embodiments of the present invention. The
description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not
describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible
embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. And it will be
understood that any feature, characteristic, component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole
or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition,
ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous
alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current
technology or technology developed after the filing date of this
patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. All
publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0016] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this specification using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). No term is intended
to be essential to the present invention unless so stated. To the
extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this
patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a
single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not
confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such a claim term
be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.
Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word
"means" and a function without the recital of any structure, it is
not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted
based on the application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth
paragraph.
[0017] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to
devices that can capture, absorb and/or contain liquid, and more
specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or in
proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the
various exudates discharged from the body. A non-limiting list of
absorbent articles includes feminine hygiene articles, diapers,
incontinence products, and pants/briefs.
[0018] As used herein, the term "feminine hygiene article" refers
to disposable absorbent articles to be worn by women for menstrual
and/or light incontinence control. Feminine hygiene articles are
typically held in place adjacent the user's externally-visible
genitalia (i.e., the pudendal region) by the user's undergarment.
Feminine hygiene articles can be placed into the user's
undergarment and affixed via adhesive or other joining means.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a partially cut-away plan view of one absorbent
article embodiment of the present invention. Absorbent article 10
includes a topsheet 12, a backsheet 14, and an absorbent core 16
disposed therebetween. Topsheet 12 can be formed from any generally
soft, compliant, and porous material which is comfortable against
human skin and through which bodily exudates can pass. Exemplary
topsheets include nonwovens and apertured polymeric films.
Backsheet 14 is generally configured to hinder or prevent bodily
exudates from penetrating all the way through the absorbent article
and soiling a user's garments or body. The backsheet can be liquid
impermeable and be formed from polymer films or film/nonwoven
laminates. Backsheets can be vapor permeable while being liquid
impermeable to help render the article more breathable. Exemplary
vapor permeable materials include microporous films, apertured
formed films, and nonwovens. Such materials may include an additive
(e.g., wax or surfactant) or treatment to increase their
hydrophobicity. Absorbent core 16 can be formed from any of the
materials well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plies
of creped cellulose wadding, fluffed cellulose fibers, wood pulp
fibers known as airfelt, a mass or batt of fibers, airlaid webs or
fibers, a web of polymeric fibers, and a blend of polymeric fibers.
The absorbent core can also comprise high capacity materials such
as polyacrylate particles (often referred to as "superabsorbents"
and absorbent gelling material (AGM)) and HIPE foams like those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,167; 5,387,207; 5,352,711; and
5,331,015.
[0020] One or more optional intermediate layers can be employed in
the absorbent articles of the present invention. In one
configuration, an optional intermediate layer can be disposed
between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Such layers are
included in many known absorbent article designs and can be
referred to as "secondary topsheets," "surge layers," "acquisition
layers," "distribution layers," "transport layers," "wicking
layers" and the like. With this placement, the optional
intermediate layer serves to help rapid acquisition of bodily
exudates from the topsheet and movement of the same into the
absorbent core, and/or to temporarily hold bodily exudates as a
means for managing large loading volumes or fast loading rates.
Exemplary surge layers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,843,063
and 5,879,343. In another configuration, an optional intermediate
layer can be disposed between the absorbent core and the backsheet.
In this location, an intermediate layer may provide any number of
benefits including, for example, structural integrity, flexibility,
body shaping, and bodily exudates management.
[0021] In some embodiments, absorbent article 10 includes a support
layer 13 disposed between absorbent core 16 and backsheet 14. The
support layer can help manage bunching and other undesirable
wearing effects. As shown in FIG. 1, support layer 13 can extend
laterally beyond that of absorbent core 16. Alternatively, the
support layer can be laterally coextensive with the absorbent core.
The support layer can extend longitudinally to various extents;
e.g., substantially the whole length of the article or only a
portion of the length of the article. The support layer can
comprise a nonwoven, polymer film, paper sheet, plastic scrim, or
the like.
[0022] The component materials/layers can be combined in a variety
of manners to define the finished absorbent article. They can be
adhered together with adhesives or thermal bonds, for example. They
can also be adhered by mechanical interaction; e.g., by
needlepunching or hydroentangling. Some of the component
materials/layers can simply reside between adjacent
materials/layers without any affixment.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the absorbent articles have
a body-facing surface (or side) BFS that is in contact with the
user's body during use and a garment-facing surface (or side) GFS
that is in contact with the user's garment (or undergarment) during
use. In general, each component layer of the absorbent article can
be said to have a body-facing side and a garment-facing side, the
sides being determined by their orientation relative to the in-use
orientation of the article.
[0024] Absorbent article 10 has a longitudinal centerline L and a
transverse centerline T, the centerlines being substantially
perpendicular to one another in the plane of the absorbent article
when in a flat configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. Absorbent article
10 includes a first half 20 located on one side of transverse
centerline T and a second half 22 located on the opposite side of
transverse centerline T. A variety of asymmetries and symmetries
are contemplated by the present invention, including along only one
or both of the transverse centerline and the longitudinal
centerline. The absorbent article in some embodiments is asymmetric
about transverse centerline T while being symmetric about
longitudinal centerline L, meaning that at least a portion of the
first half and the second half are visibly configured differently
(e.g., different size, shape, etc.) and/or are configured
differently in a manner that is not readily discernible by simply
looking at the article (e.g., different exudates management
properties or physical properties).
[0025] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, absorbent
article 10 has a second end 23 associated with second half 22 that
includes a maximum transverse width MTW2 that is at least 20%
greater than a maximum transverse width MTW1 of a first end 21
associated with first half 20. The maximum transverse differential
can also be at least 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40%. Thus, first end 21 and
second end 23 are asymmetrical about transverse centerline T.
Notably however, absorbent core 16 is substantially symmetrical
about transverse centerline T in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
(e.g., the maximum transverse width dimension for each half is
substantially the same).
[0026] Exemplary absorbent article 10 has a pair of wings 30
extending laterally from the article. Wings 30 are configured for
wrapping around a user's undergarment. Each of wings 30 has a wing
length 32 and distal edge 34. Wing length 32 is measured at a point
1 centimeter in from the distal edge along a line that is parallel
to longitudinal centerline L. In preferred embodiments, the
majority of the wing length is situated on the first half of the
absorbent article due to their asymmetrical design (about the
transverse centerline). For example, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more than
90% of the wing length can be positioned on the first half of the
absorbent article.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a printed region 40 is included on the
absorbent article. Printed region 40 can be on or associated with
at least one of the topsheet, the backsheet, the absorbent core,
and the optional intermediate layers. In some embodiments, the
absorbent article has a printed region on multiple component
layers; for example, a first printed region on a garment-facing
side of the topsheet and on a body-facing side of the backsheet.
When the printed region exists on multiple component layers,
individual aspects of the printed region on the different layers
can overlap or be spaced apart from one another. Printing can be
done by known processes, such as, for example, gravure printing,
offset printing, inkjet printing, V-printing (see, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 7,731,331) and combinations thereof.
[0028] The printed region can include one or more pigments that
provide a visual distinction from surrounding areas that are not
printed. The color and intensity of the printed region can be
measured by reflectance spectrophotometer ASTM standard test
methodology. Tristimulus L*, a*, b* values are measured form the
body-facing surface of the absorbent article. These L*, a*, b*
values are reported in term of the CIE 1976 color coordinate
standard. The differences between the printed region and
non-printed areas can be determined according to ASTM D244-99
"Standard Test Method for Calculation of Color Differences from
Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates." Intensity of the
printed region can be determined by .DELTA.E* calculations between
the printed region and non-printed areas, or through a saturation
determination (Chromo or C*). In some embodiments, the .DELTA.E*
calculation between the printed region and a non-printed area is at
least 3.5.
[0029] Despite the location of the printed region, it should be
visually perceptible when viewing the body-facing side of the
article, meaning that a human viewer can visually discern at least
some of the printed region with the unaided eye (excepting standard
corrective lenses adapted to compensate for near-sightedness,
farsightedness, or stigmatism, or other corrected vision) in
lighting at least equal to the illumination of a standard 100 watt
light bulb at a distance of 1 meter.
[0030] The printed region has a printed length and printed area.
The printed region can be one solid and continuous design or be
made up of multiple design sub-elements. The printed length is an
overall length measurement from terminal points of the printed
region along a line parallel to longitudinal centerline L. The
printed area can be measured by any known techniques, including,
for example, imagining the article to capture the visibly
discernible printed area and then measuring/calculating the number
of pixels associated with the printed area. Pixels can be
color-characterized by assigning them RGB or L*a*b* values. And the
measurement or calculation of the pixels can be filtered for
inclusion by assigned color values. Color characterization can also
be used for determining intensity of aspects of the printed
area.
[0031] More than 50%, 70%, or 90% of the maximum printed length can
be positioned on the first half of the absorbent article in some
embodiments. And more than 50%, 70%, or 90% of the printed area can
be positioned on the first half of the absorbent article. The
printed region may not exist at all on the second half of the
absorbent article. In other embodiments, the printed region can be
substantially centrally located about the transverse centerline, or
be skewed towards the second half of the absorbent article. FIGS. 3
and 4 show alternative embodiments, with variations in the geometry
and location of the printed region. Absorbent articles 110 and 210
include a printed region 140 and 240, respectively, that exists on
both the first half and the second half of the article.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, exemplary article 310 is shown
having a printed region comprising three printed elements 390, 391,
and 392. Printed element 391 is a single diamond of a first color
situated on a first end 321 of article 310. And printed element 392
is defined by two diamonds of a second color situated on a second
end 323 of article 310. Collectively, the majority of the printed
region exists on first half 320. Thus, the printed region exists in
a different manner in the first half 320 versus the second half
322. As discussed in the background section above, consumers may
notice trends of where an absorbent article captures fluid or leaks
according to their body type, fluid flow, and typical activities.
Some individuals may tend to capture fluid or leak towards the
front of an absorbent article. For these individuals, they may
choose to orient article 310 such that wider end 323 is positioned
in the front portion of their undergarment. Some individuals may
discover the opposite, wherein they choose to orient article 310
such that wider end 323 is positioned in the rear portion of their
undergarment. As consumers learn about their needs with the use of
a chosen product, they can individualize the placement of the
article to best suit their individual fluid management needs via
characteristics of the printed region.
[0033] The description thus far has focused on printing on a
component material (e.g, a topsheet) to provide a visibly-distinct
area of the absorbent article. Alternative methods are also
contemplated by the present invention. For example, fibers,
particles or other raw materials from which component
materials/layers are made can include colorants (e.g., pigments,
dyes). Component materials may be manipulated further to create a
design leveraging the colorants in the raw materials. For example,
the component material may be embossed, needlepunched, or
hydroentangled to create a design via the colorants. Alternatively,
the design may be manifested simply by how the raw materials
containing a colorant are incorporated into the component material
without further manipulation. In some embodiments, the entire
component material may appear to be colored (non-white), wherein
the shape of the component material itself provides the
visibly-distinct design.
[0034] Absorbent articles of the present invention may optionally
employ a variety of other surface and/or deeper features to help
manage acquisition and containment of bodily exudates. By way of
example and with reference to FIG. 1, absorbent article 10 employs
a series of embossed channels, including first half central
channels 50 and end channels 52, 54, and 56. As shown in FIG. 1,
printed region 40 of exemplary absorbent article 10 is at least
partially framed laterally by channels 50 and longitudinally by
channels 52, 54, and 56. Other configurations of the printed region
in relation to channels or other features are contemplated by the
present invention.
[0035] As noted in the background section, exemplary embodiments of
the present invention are directed to long, asymmetrical absorbent
articles. Referring again to FIG. 1, preferred absorbent articles
have an overall length 60 (as measured on a line parallel to the
longitudinal centerline) of at least 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380,
390, or 400 millimeters.
[0036] Garment-facing surface GFS is shown in FIG. 2. Multiple
pressure-sensitive adhesive zones are shown on exemplary absorbent
article 10. Two, spaced apart central adhesive zones 70 are shown
running along a substantial length of article 10. Adhesive zones 72
are employed on wings 30 to help secure the wings to the underside
of one's undergarment. Exemplary absorbent article 10 includes
another pair of adhesive zones 74 on distal areas of widened end
23. Depending on the dimensions of the undergarment, adhesive zones
74 can be adhered to a body-facing surface of one's undergarment or
the underside of the same; i.e., the distal areas of end 23 may
optionally be used as a second pair of wings. The skilled artisan
should appreciate that other temporary attachment means may be
employed to secure the absorbent article to one's undergarment.
[0037] Absorbent articles of the present invention can be folded
and manipulated in numerous ways for packaging and portability.
Absorbent article 10 is partially folded in FIG. 6, with wings 30
and portions of second half 22 and second end 23 folded laterally
inward. The absorbent article can then optionally be folded
lengthwise along one or more (e.g., three) transverse folding lines
to render the overall size more manageable for discreetly carrying
replacement articles around. Adhesive zones 72 and 74 are covered
with a protection sheet 73. A portion of printed region 40 is
visible and can act as a placement guide for consumers. That is, a
consumer can utilize adhesive zones 70 (shown in FIG. 2) to place
article 10 in their undergarment before removing protective sheet
73 from adhesive zones 72 and 74. They are able to do this, at
least partly, by utilizing the visible portion of printed region
40. The vast majority of commercially-available articles that have
portions (e.g., wings) folded laterally inward only have one
portion done so. Asymmetric articles that have enlarged ends in
addition to wings, such as exemplary article 10, can have two
separate portions folded laterally inwardly. Consumers may be
confused about placement into their undergarment when confronted
with multiple inwardly folded sections (particularly when the
sections are spaced apart along the length of the article). The
skilled artisan will appreciate that adhesive zone 70 can also have
a protective sheet and a wrapping film or layer can be used
alternatively or in addition to the same for individually wrapping
absorbent article 10.
[0038] The present invention contemplates alternative
configurations to that shown in FIG. 6. For example, rather than
having two separate protection sheets, a single, long sheet can
extend sufficiently to cover both adhesive zones 72 and 74. In this
arrangement, a portion of the printed zone can be visible towards
end 21. Furthermore, the protection sheet(s) can be made such that
a printed region can be visible through the protection sheet(s).
For example, the protection sheet may have window or discontinuity
area, or be made from a material that is transparent or translucent
enough to see an underlying printed region so that a consumer can
use the printed region for proper placement prior to exposing
adhesive zones 72 and 74. There can also be two different printed
zones (or two portions of a single printed zone) that exist under
each of the inwardly folded portions (wings 30 and second half
22/second end 23), wherein the features of the printing can be
differentiated from one another to provide guidance on placement of
the article into one's undergarment. Such differentiation can be,
for example, color, color intensity, geometrical shape, text, or
other communicative indicia.
[0039] In addition to the asymmetries discussed above, the
absorbent articles of the present invention can have varying
calipers. This can be achieved by incorporating a different number
of component materials/layers in one part of the article versus
another part, and/or by varying the caliper of individual component
materials/layers. For example, a stacked absorbent core can be
utilized with the area or "footprint" of the two core layers being
different from one another. The difference in caliper can be as
much as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 millimeters. The absorbent article
can have one portion having a first caliper and another portion
having a second caliper that is different (smaller or greater) than
the first caliper, wherein the printed region is biased
(positioning, intensity, amount of ink/pigment, area, length,
geometrical focusing) towards the first or second caliper. Again,
this can help a consumer in their chosen placement of a variable
thickness article to best suit their individual needs.
[0040] 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."
[0041] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application and any patent application or
patent to which this application claims priority or benefit
thereof, 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.
[0042] 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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