MXPA01012760A - Absorbent articles having wetness indicating graphics and employing masking techniques. - Google Patents

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article such as a training pant includes a liquid soluble wetness indicator and one or more masking techniques for minimizing the likelihood of smudges appearing after activation. The techniques include masking graphics and peripherally disposed adhesive patterns.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLES THAT HAVE MOJA INDICATING GRAPHICS AND USING MASKING TECHNIQUES Background of the Invention The present invention relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly, to absorbent articles which have a wet indicator.

Various types of wetness or wetness indicators have been suggested for use in absorbent articles. Some of these wetting indicators have formed d compositions that are liquid soluble or dispersible in the liquid. These soluble indicators in the liquid are based on the dispersion of the composition with the contact with the liquid to indicate that the liquid is present.

One difficulty associated with the present absorbent articles containing a liquid soluble wet indicator is that the wet indicator composition may not be sufficiently dispersed. In particular disposable absorbent articles, for example, the wetting composition can be placed on the inside surface of a moisture barrier so that the composition is visible through the moisture barrier prior to activation. Upon contact with the liquid, the ".- tr.ur __ ** H * ___ tt_r _ * _?., m.g-f)? íñ _? - _? i áaí¡áám ___ W_ ___ _W_Wi ___ Í ___ í **" The composition should be dispersed sufficiently so that the wet indicator composition is no longer visible through the moisture barrier. Unfortunately, however, the liquid-soluble wet indicator compositions in the present absorbent articles do not completely disperse rapidly enough to be completely invisible through the moisture barrier. A part of the composition can remain visible by making the wet indicator appear muddy. Not only is this undesirable from an aesthetic perspective, but it can also create confusion as to whether the indicator is signaling the presence of the liquid in the absorbent article.

Summary of the Invention In response to the discussed deficiencies associated with the absorbent articles of the prior art, an absorbent article incorporating a liquid wetting indicator has been developed which minimizes the 20 possibility that they appear muddy after activation. Various masking techniques may be used in combination with the wetting indicator chart to decrease the degree to which the wetting composition is able to be seen through the outer cover after contacting. 25 with the liquid.

X ** Thus, in one embodiment, the invention relates to an absorbent article that includes an outer cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface, and an absorbent assembly positioned on the inner surface of the outer cover. The absorbent article also includes a graph of liquid soluble fading that is placed on the outer casing and in fluid communication with the absorbent casing, and a masking graph that is positioned on the outer casing and at least peripherally surrounding the casing. partial the fading graph.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to an absorbent article that includes an outer cover that 15 has an inner surface and an opposing outer surface, and an absorbent assembly positioned on the inner surface. A graph of liquid-soluble fading is placed on the outer casing and in fluid communication with the absorber assembly, and a masking graph Soluble in liquid is placed on the outer cover and superimposed on the fading chart.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to an absorbent article that includes a cover 25 which has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, and an absorbent assembly placed on the ** interior surface. A first graph formed of a composition soluble in the liquid is placed on the outer shell and in liquid communication with the absorbent shell. A second graph formed of a composition soluble in the liquid is also placed on the outer casing. The absorbent article also includes a permanent masking graph that is placed on the outer casing at least partially peripherally surrounding the first graph and superimposed on the second graph. In particular embodiments, the absorbent article may also include a liquid-soluble masking graph superimposed on the first graph.

The term "fading graph" is used 15 here to refer to a graphic that becomes invisible or that becomes significantly less visible when exposed to urine. Suitable fading graphs comprise compositions such as tubs that are soluble in aqueous solutions such as urine. The wet indicator composition 20 is placed in the absorbent article so that it gets wet and dissolves when the product is subject to a liquid discharge. Once dissolved, the wet indicator composition is washed away from the outer cover and darkened by the outer cover. As a result, the vanishing graph 25 seems to disappear from sight.

Suitable urine soluble inks are available from a variety of commercial vendors such as Chemical Corporation, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, under the trade designation AQU DESTRUCT. The particular urine soluble compositions are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,022,211 issued May 10, 1977 to Timmons et al. Which is incorporated herein by reference. The color of tint can be selected to provide an appearance 10 Pleasant and graphic impact, including rapid fading upon contact with the liquid. To facilitate fast fading, fading graphs can comprise line drawings that have a line width of from about 1 to about 15 millimeters.

The absorbent article may also include one or more permanent graphics which for the diapers training underpants can provide the caregiver with 20 a greater opportunity to interact with the child. The term "permanent graph" is used herein to refer to a graph that does not essentially change its degree of visibility when the absorbent article is subjected to a discharge with urine under simulated conditions of use. Loading in visibility of a 25 graph or part of a graph can be determined based on a person's observation of the graph .y * before and after the article containing the graph exposes the liquid. For the purposes given herein, an article is exposed to the liquid by immersing the article completely in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 to 5 percent by weight of sodium chloride, used at room temperature (= 23 ° C) for a period of 20 minutes. After 2 minutes the product is removed from the aqueous solution and placed on a TEFLON® coated fiberglass screen having 0.25 inch openings, which is 10 commercially available from Taconic Plastics, Inc., Petersberg, New York, United States of America, which is itself placed on a vacuum box and covered with flexible rubber dam material. A vacuum of 3.5 kilopascals (0.5 pounds per square inch) is pulled into the 15 vacuum box for a period of 5 minutes, after which the item is removed and observed. The person with a normal or corrected vision of around 20-20 should make observations from a distance of one meter in an environment that provides 30 footlights (320 lux) of illumination. The 20 changes in the visibility of the graphic should be identified, and distinguished, where necessary from changes in the color of other materials such as pulp debris within an absorbent assembly. Desirably, the permanent graph can be configured so that the 25 complete graph also does not change substantially in appearance, _A_ * ip + rt__BHr f - *** * _ * - -, * __ + _ ** * .___. .... ...... ^, ......: .........., ^^^., _ ^^ .__., A ,, - _ ^. ^ size and shape when the product is subject to a liquid discharge or is exposed to the environment. The term "masking graph" is used herein to mean a graph adapted to obscure the visibility of a vanishing graph 5 after the vanishing graph comes into contact with a liquid. The masking graph can, in particular additions, comprise a permanent graph, understand a graph that is soluble in water or understand both, a permanent graph and a graph that is 0 liquid soluble.

The general term "graphic" is used herein to mean: any design, pattern or the like that becomes visible on an absorbent article, and specifically includes text messages consisting of one or more alphanumeric symbols, pictorial images consisting of one or more paints, any combinations thereof; and in relation to a masking graph, any design, pattern or the like that is placed on a substrate with the result of obscuring the visibility of an associated graph after contact with the liquid.

The masking graph is suitably formed with a color that matches the colors of the surrounding materials or the permanent graphs of the absorbent article. For example, the masking graphic lA_Í_ ¿__. t_l ___ Í _? .. * 4J * fc ...- ..,.! __._, _, «« .._ * _ .. *.,. ^, ^ .. ^^ J - ^^ »_ ^^.« - > »< á ^ fe _ ^. ^ _. ^^^ a ». ______ .. it can be essentially the same color as the outer cover, essentially the same color as the absorbent or similar conjuncts. In a particular embodiment, the masking graphic is white, which can be particularly advantageous because the outer cover the absorbent assembly in many disposable disposable absorbent articles commercially available are white.

In use, the active graph may appear to disappear when an accident occurs and the urine is put in contact with the active graph. Desirably, the active graph appears or disappears in about 3 minutes or less particularly in about 1 minute or less, and more desirably in about 20 seconds or less when the absorbent article has been subjected to a discharge of 20 milliliters or more. urine, and more desirably around 40 to about 60 milliliters of urine or more.

The permanent graphics can be placed anywhere on the outer cover and in the particular embodiments can be placed desirably in the front waist region along or near the longitudinal central line of the product. The particular arrangements for the permanency and humidity indicator charts are described in the patent of the United States of America, application No. 09 / 333,223 filed on June 15, 1999 by ....- > TiiJtú M Cammarota et al., entitled "Absorbent Articles that Have Wet Indicator Charts Incorporating a Learning Zone" and in the patent application of the United States of America, series No. 09 / 333,222 filed on June 15, 1999 by Olson et al., Entitled "Absorbent Articles that Have Wet Indicator Charts Providing an Interactive Learning Assistant".

Fade charts may not necessarily be placed closer to the transverse center line of the product than permanent charts. In particular additions, the fade graphics are placed between the transverse centerline of the product and the permanent graph so that they focus properly and do not hide from view during use. The location of the vanishing graphics in the crotch region of the product, near the target point for urination, can also help with a quick exposure of the fade chart to the urine after discharge. It is desirable to locate the vanishing charts on the area of the outer cover that is most likely to experience wetting during the first gap. Of course, alternate placement of the permanent and fade graphics is possible, so that the permanent graph in the crotch region and the vanishing graph in one of the waist regions, both permanent and disappearing in one or both of the the . I a-aia-: Jí _____. ..aatfeáaJ * 10 regions of waist and / or crotch region or similar. Fade charts may not necessarily require being placed on one or more sides of permanent charts, such as "float" below the permanent chart. Alternatively, the permanent graph may surround the vanishing graph and vice versa.

In a particular embodiment, all the vanishing graphs are located in a graphic region 10 different active in which the child can focus their attention. The active graphic region suitably has a length dimension measured parallel to the longitudinal centerline of about 10 centimeters, more particularly about 9 centimeters, and a dimension of width measured parallel to the 15 transversal center line of about 6 centimeters. The active graphic region can, for example, be spaced from the first end edge of the product by approximately 13 to 16 centimeters. 20 There may be one or more vanishing graphics. It is believed that it is desirable to use a plurality of vanishing graphics in order to provide the greatest impact to the caregiver and / or the child. In the particula5es incorporations, a training underpants comprises three or more graphs 25 vanishing, particularly from 4 to 8, such as 5 arranged in a 2-1-2 pattern.

The size of the fade charts may depend in part on their number and type. It is generally preferred that the vanishing graphs have a size of at least about 1.5 by 1.5 centimeters, less than about 3 by 3 centimeters, and particularly at least about 1.8 by 1.8 centimeters and less than about 2.5 by 2.5. centimeters.

The overall size of the permanent graph can be significantly larger than the overall size of the discrete vanishing graph. In particular embodiments, for example, the permanent graph has a size measured by a global surface area that is at least twice as large, and more particularly at least three times as large, as the size of a vanishing graph. only. The maximum length dimension of the permanent graph, measured parallel to the longitudinal centerline is desirably from about 8 to about 9 centimeters.

The permanent and fade graphics are properly placed on the outer cover. The term "placed on", and variations thereof, is intended to mean that one element may be integrated with another element, or that an element may be a separate structure attached to or placed, or placed near another element. Thus, the graphs can be formed or applied directly indirectly to a surface of the outer cover, they can be formed or applied between the layers of an outer layer of multiple layers, a substrate that is placed with or near a layer can be formed or applied. The outer shell can be formed or applied within a layer of the outer shell or other substrate, or other combinations variations thereof. In particular additions the graphs can be printed, sprayed, or applied in another way directly on a layer of the outer cover. In other embodiments, the graphs may be applied to a layer placed with or near the outer cover, such as a substrate associated with the absorbent assembly, including but not limited to the tissue layers, to the liquid handling layers, Absorbent layers, similar.

The permanent graphics can be located on the outer surface of the outer cover to increase the visual impact of the permanent graphics. Alternatively, however, the permanent graphs can be located on the inner surface of the outer shell or between the layers of an outer shell of multiple layers, provided that the permanent graphs remain visible from the outside of the product.

The vanishing graphs can be located on the inner surface of the outer cover, which is particularly desirable for graphs that are fired by urine in order to increase the speed at which the graphs are contacted with the urine and therefore change its visual appearance The outer cover desirably comprises a material that is formed or treated to be impermeable to the liquid. In the alternate embodiments, the outer cover may comprise a material that is formed or that is treated to be at least partially permeable to the liquid. In the latter case, the vanishing charts can be located between the layers of the multi-layer outer cover. Regardless of the location, the fade graphics must be visible from the outside of the product before activation.

"Liquid-proof" when used in the description of a layer or a multilayer laminate, means that a liquid, such as urine, will not pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary conditions of use, in an address generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact. The liquid, or urine, can be spread or transported parallel to the plane of the liquid impermeable layer or the laminate, but this is not considered to be within the meaning of _____ i_? Í '. b_Í? á_Ái i _________-..- "impermeable to liquid" when used here.

The outer cover may comprise a transparent or translucent material. Desirably the outer cover has sufficient opacity or is treated according to the methods described herein to mask an ink soluble in the urine after it has dissolved. Such an outer casing should not be so opaque that the graphics printed on the outer surface of the outer casing or adjacent to the inner surface are obscured. The polymer films used to form the outer shell can be treated with titanium dioxide to make the film appear white and to develop a sufficient opacity to mask urine, bowel movements and dissolved inks. Examples of suitable outer cover materials include films formed of polyethylene, polypropylene, cataloy, bi-component, and any extruded film based on polymer or the like. One such film is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.02 millimeters (0.75 mils).

The permanent and fade charts may be formed on or applied to the outer cover or other substrate attached to or placed with or placed near the outer cover by any suitable technique. The graphics are desirably made to coincide with other components ? _ ¿¿I A A fa fa &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&* * * * * *? ..,., _ ^ _? e ^ í. ^^. ^ _ ___. ^^. f ^^ t ^ ti auk * YES 15 of the absorbent article during manufacture so that the graphs are placed in the desired product regions. 5 Fade charts are adequately in liquid communication with the product absorbent assembly. As used herein, the term "liquid communication" means that liquid such as urine is capable of moving from one layer or element to another layer or element. The absorbent assembly may not require including a ranur or a densified region, incorporating a liquid distribution layer, or the like, changing or directing the liquid to the location near the outer covering where the vanishing graphics are located. It is theorized that the migration of the wet indicator composition dissolved outwardly from the outer shell and inside the absorbent assembly can improve the quality of fading or disappearance of the 20 graphs. To increase this effect, the outer cover can be attached to the absorbent assembly in a glass panel design, whereby the vanishing graph region of the outer cover is not bonded to the absorbent assembly and the regions of the outer cover surrounding the region. of vanishing graph 25 are attached to the absorbent assembly. A suitable method and an apparatus for adhesively bonding the cover ..i ......._ outer 1 absorbent assembly in a glass panel design are described in the United States Patent of America No. 5,683,752 granted on November 4, 1997 to Popp others, which is Incorporated here by reference. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the invention relates to an absorbent article that includes an outer cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface, and an absorbent assembly placed thereon. 10 interior surface. The absorbent article also included a dissolvable graph in the liquid that is placed on the outer casing, and in fluid communication with the absorbent assembly. The vanishing graph is placed in a vanishing graph region and The absorbent assembly is attached to the outer shell and regions other than the fading graphic region.

Absorbent articles suitable for use with the present invention include diapers, underpants, 20 learning, incontinence products, diapers, medical garments, disposable underwear, bandages, absorbent swimming clothes, cleaning cloths or similar. The appropriate training briefs and diaper briefs may have side portions with stitching or part 25 lateral resubotables. The present invention is particularly suitable for use with underpants. learning or shorts and diapers to help in learning to use the toilet. A particular learning trouser suitable for use with the present invention is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,940,464 issued July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. The Van Gompel patent describes various materials from which the underpants can be made, and a method to build a training underpants. The training underpants may also be constructed using the methods and apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 5,766,389 issued June 16, 1998 to Brandon et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference.

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will be more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the drawings and the following description of the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a training brief incorporating the principles of the present invention showing the permanent graphs and the vanishing graphs. = "._ .. ~ __A Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the training underpants of Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a partially disassembled view in the upper plane of the training underpants of Figures 1 and 2, in a stretched condition and placed flat and with broken parts for purposes of illustration.

Figure 4 representatively shows a top plane view of a portion of an outer underpants cover of FIGS. 1 and 2 seen from an inner surface.

Figure 5 illustrates an exploded section view of the outer cover taken from the plane of line 5-5 of Figure 4, with the various components shown enlarged to the actual size for purposes of illustration.

Figure 6 representatively shows a top plan view similar to that of Figure 4 but showing a part of an alternate outer cover.

Figure 7 illustrates an exploded sectional view of the outer cover taken from the plane of line 7-7 of Figure 6, with the various components shown and enlarged to the actual size.

Figure 8 representatively shows a top plane view similar to that of Figures 4 and 6, eg showing a part of another alternate outer cover.

Figure 9 illustrates an exploded section view of the outer cover taken from the plane of Figure 9-9 of Figure 8, with the various components shown enlarged to the actual size.

Figures 10 and 11 representatively show the views in the upper plane of an outer cover of the additional alternating absorbent articles according to the present invention, seen from an interior surface.

Detailed Description of the Drawings The principles of the present invention can be incorporated into a variety of absorbent articles, and d particularly disposable absorbent articles. The term "disposable" refers to articles which are designed to be discarded after limited use rather than being washed or otherwise restored for reuse. For ease of explanation, the description ft ¿i.í-s and mt .- * __ > ^. > j-t -, »^^ -. ^ jftj -« - »_- ^ | i¡í -Hiffyyji'jfj AJlliN from now on will be done in terms of a child's underwear.

A training underpants 20 is illustrated in a fully assembled condition in Figures 1 and 2 in a partially disassembled, stretched condition and placed flat in Figure 3. The training underpants 20 define a first waist or front region 22, a waist or back region 24, a crotch region 26 positioned 0 interconnecting the front and back waist regions, an inner surface 28 (Figure 1) which is configured to make contact with the user, and an outer surface 3 opposite to the interior surface which is configured to make contact with the user's clothing. The illustrated training brief 20 comprises an absorbent frame 32 a plurality of transversely opposite side panels 34. The absorbent frame 32 and the side panels 34 can be integrally formed or comprise two or more separate elements as shown. The training underpants 20 define a longitudinal centerline 36 (FIG. 3), a transverse center line 38 (FIG. 3) or a first edge of the front or longitudinal end 56, and a second longitudinal end edge 5 or back 58. first waist region 22 abuts the first longitudinal end edge 56, ? .l_t _______ 4_4___W__ * L_rt_r > , _________,. . ______. ..., ._. _ ^ _ ^ _ ^ ____? _______________. The second waist region 24 is butted with the second longitudinal end edge 58. The words "longitudinal and" transverse "have their usual meaning. The longitudinal ej lies in the plane of the article and is generally parallel to a vertical plane that divides a user who is standing in the left and right body halves when the article is used.The transverse axis lies in the article plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis The article as illustrated is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction.

The illustrated absorbent frame 32 comprises an outer cover 40 and a side-to-body liner 42 (Figure 3) which is connected to the outer cover in an overlapping relationship. The absorbent frame 32 also comprises an absorbent assembly 44 (FIG. 3), which is located between the outer cover and the side-to-body liner, and may optionally include a pair of containment fins (not shown).

With the training underpants 20 in a fully assembled condition, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 are joined together by the side seams 46 to define a waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings 52. The front region 22 comprises the part of the underpants of ^, _ jt_fci._yj learning 20 which, when used, is placed on the front of the user while the back waist region 24 comprises the part of the training underpants which, when worn, is placed on the back of the user. The crotch region 26 of the training pant 20 comprises the portion of the training underpants which, when worn, is positioned between the user's legs and covers the user's lower torso. The side panels 34 comprise the parts of the training pants 20 which, when worn, are placed in the user's hip regions. The extrem longitudinal edges 56 and 58 of the training underpants 20 are configured to surround the wearer's waist when used to provide the waist opening 50.

The absorbent frame 32 is configured to contain and / or absorb any body exudates discharged by the user. For example, the absorbent frame 32 desirably, although not necessarily, comprises the pad of containment fins (not shown) which may be configured to provide a barrier to the transverse flow of body exudates. Suitable constructions and arrangements for containment fins are generally known to those skilled in the art and are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to Enloe, which is incorporated -A _? ___ i__ _? _ I_? _, í. .-. here for reference.

To further increase the containment and / or absorption of the body exudates, the training pant 20 may include a front waist elastic member, a rear waist elastic member, and the leg elastic members (not shown) as shown in FIG. known to those experts in the art. Elastic waist members and elastic leg members can be joined 10 operatively to the outer cover 40 and / or to the lining of the lad to the body 42 of the training underpants 20. The elastic members for the containment flaps, the waist elastics and the leg elastics can be formed from any suitable elastic material. As is well known For those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include sheets, threads or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic hul, or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers. The elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to the substrate, they can be adhered to a folded substrate or they can be adhered to a substrate and then elastized or shrunk, for example, with the application of heat, so that the elastic constriction forces are imparted to the substrate. In a particular embodiment, for example, the leg elastic members comprise a plurality of coalesced, dry-spun multi-filament elastomeric yarns 5 sold under the trade name LYCRA® and l ± i A.kii.Í -, ^ - ^^ afca available from E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, d Wilmmgton, Delaware.

The outer cover 40 has an outer surface corresponding to the outer surface 30 of the training underpants and the opposite inner surface. The outer cover 40 desirably comprises a material which is essentially impermeable to liquid and which may be elastic, stretchable or non-stretchable. The outer cover 40 0 may be a single layer of a liquid impervious material, but desirably comprises a multilayer laminate structure in which at least one of the layers is impermeable to the liquid. For example, the outer cover 40 may include a liquid permeable outer layer and an inner liquid impermeable layer 5 that are suitably joined together by an adhesive laminate, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds or the like. Suitable laminated adhesives, which may be continuously or intermittently as beads, sprays, parallel swirls or the like, may be obtained from Findley Adhesives, Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, or of the National Starch and Chemical Company, of Bridgewater. , New Jersey. The liquid permeable outer layer can be any suitable material and desirably one that provides a generally cloth-like texture. An example of such material is a non-woven polypropylene fabric bonded with yarn of 20 grams per square meter. The layer The exterior can also be made from those materials of which the liquid-permeable body-side liner 42 is made. While it is not necessary for the outer layer to be permeable to the liquid, it is desired that it provide a relatively cloth-like texture to the user.

The inner layer of the outer cover 4 can be both impermeable to liquid and vapor or can be impermeable to liquid and vapor permeable. The inner layer is desirably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials can also be used. The inner layer, or the outer cover impervious to the liquid 40 when it is a single layer, prevents the waste material from wetting the humidifying articles, such as the bed sheets and clothes, as well as the care and user. A liquid impermeable film suitable for use as an inner layer impervious to liquid, or an outer shell impermeable to the single layer liquid 40, is a 0.02 mm polyethylene film commercially available from Hunstman Packaging of Newport News, Virginia, United States of America. America. If the other outer cover 40 is a single layer of material, it can be etched and / or matte finished to provide a more fabric-like appearance. As mentioned above, the liquid impervious material can allow the vapors to escape from the interior of the disposable absorbent article, while still being - • CL prevents the liquids from passing through the outer cover 40. A suitable "breathable" material is composed of a non-woven film or a microporous polymer film that has been coated or treated as a non-woven material. another way to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. A suitable microporous film is a PMP-1 film material commercially available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., of Tokyo, Japan, or a polyolefin film XKO-8044 commercially available from 3M Company, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As shown in Figures 1-3, the training underpants 20 and in particular the outer cover 40 desirably comprise one or more components related to appearance. Examples of components related to appearance include, but are not limited to graphics; the highlighting or emphasizing of the waist and leg openings in order to make the forming product more visible to the user; highlighting or emphasizing product areas to simulate functional components such as elastic leg bands, elastic waistbands, simulated "fly openings" for boys, frills for girls; highlighted areas of the product to change the appearance of the product size; matching wet indicators, temperature indicators and the like in the product, matching a subsequent label or a front label on the product; and match the written instructions to a desired location in the product The illustrated underwear 20, which is designed for use by young children, includes registered outer cover graphics, including interactive wet indicator charts, more specifically, the training underpants include a permanent graphic 70 comprising a dog with speech expressions. Human type and wearing a shirt and a hat and who is driving a car. The training underpants also include a fade graphic 90 comprising a circular photograph, for example, a circle formed of a composition having a color different from the color of the outer cover 40. The outer cover graphics also include a simulated elastic waistband 80. , a simulated fly opening 82 and simulated elastic leg bands 84, all of which may be permanent graphics.

A complementary graph 68 (FIG. 2) can be included in the posterior waist region 24, and as illustrated included an inverted image of the dog in the automobile. The dog, the automobile and the circle are shown for purposes of illustration, however, the graphs of the absorbent article may take any form that is suitable for the intended use of the absorbent article.

The fade graphic 90 can be placed on the inner surface of the outer cover 40 and be visible from the outer surface of the outer cover. The fade graph 90 is in liquid communication with the absorbent assembly 44 meaning that the liquid such as urine is able to move between the fade graph 90 and the absorbent assembly under ordinary conditions of use. When the child moistens the training underpants 20, the liquid is communicated to the vanishing graph 90, so that the vanishing graph is dissolved so that it is no longer visible from the outside of the product.

A part of the outer cover 40 shown separately in Figures 4 and 5. The outer cover 40 has an outer surface 110 and an opposed inner surface 112, wherein the plan view of Figure 4 is from the perspective of the inner surface. The illustrated outer cover 40 consists of a two-layer composite comprising an outer layer 114 and an inner layer 116. The outer and inner layers may be bonded together with adhesives, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, or other suitable means.

The permanent and fade graphics can be placed on the outer cover 40 which includes, in particular on the outer surface 110, on the outer surface 112, between the outer and inner layers 114 and 116, on either or both of the front surfaces of the layers. outer and inner 114 and 116, on the surface of the absorbent assembly 44 facing the outer casing, or between the absorbent assembly and the outer casing. The inner layer 116 of the outer cover 40 is desirably formed of a material that is impervious to liquid in which case the vanishing graph 90 is placed on the interior surface 112 of the outer cover 40, as illustrated, on the surface of the absorbent assembly. 44 facing the outer shell, or between the absorbent assembly and the outer shell. The permanent and active graphics do not need to be located in the same place, or on the same substrate. In the illustrated embodiment, the permanent graph 70 is positioned between the outer and inner layers 114 and 116 of the cover 40.

In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the masking graphic 120 is placed on the outer cover 40, and in particular is placed on the inner surface 112 of the outer cover. Alternatively, the masking graphic 120 can be placed between the layers 114 and 116 of the outer cover or on the outer surface 110 of the outer cover.

The illustrated masking chart 120 H | ^ g ¿^ ji ^ j¿ ^ ^! _. * ._ ,. _ > _._ ___ * __ .. _ * ".. • _k_É_á_h_t_ll? ? áO? - 30 desirably at least peripherally surrounds the vanishing graph 90 and can, as illustrated, completely surround the vanishing graph. Beneficially, the masking graph 120 can be placed in close proximity to the vanishing graph 90. In particular, the masking graph 120 defines a bank 13 (FIG. 4) that is positioned toward the vanishing graph 90 and the bank 130 of the graph masker 120 is placed within about 1 centimeter of the graph 10 vanishing, particularly within about 0. centimeter of the fade graph, and more particularly within about 0.2 centimeter of the vanishing graph for improved performance. The edge 13 of the masking graph is desirably located at 15 such close proximity to the vanishing graph 90 on at least two sides of the vanishing graph, particularly on at least three sides of the vanishing graph, more particularly on four sides of the vanishing graph. The sides of the vanishing graph in this The four aspects are considered to be the four points in which the perimeter of the vanishing graph intersects two perpendicular axes which are transposed on the vanishing graph, where the axes do not necessarily correspond to the longitudinal and transverse axes 36 and 38 25 of the absorbent article. As shown in Figure 4, however, the masking graph 120 is desirably but not necessarily peripherally isolated from the vanishing graph 90, meaning that the edge of the masking graph at most is at the top of the vanishing graph apero does not overlap the vanishing graph, so that the masking graph is not superimposed on the vanishing graph.

In addition to being located in close proximity to the vanishing graph 90, the masking graph 120 desirably possesses a sufficient surface area to increase masking. For a permanent masking graph, for example, the masking graph 120 is desirably large enough so that the dissolved vanishing graph 90 is positioned behind the permanent masking and shielding graph of the view.

Alternatively, for a liquid-soluble masking graph, the masking graph 120 is desirably and sufficiently large so that the dissolved vanishing graph 90 is suitably mixed with the dissolved masking graph and therefore obscured from the view. Therefore, in the particular embodiments, the masking graph 120 comprises an essentially continuous graph extending from the edge 130 of the masking graph which is located in proximity to the vanishing graph 90 by a distance of about 1 centimeter or more, particularly about 2 centimeters or more, and more particularly about 3 centimeters or more, for u improved masking of the dissolved vanishing graph. The term "essentially continuous" as used herein in relation to the masking graph means that the masking graph is generally solid and lacks sufficient hollow areas to allow unobstructed observation of the dissolving graphical composition dissolved through the masking agent. The masking graph 120 desirably extends substantially continuously from the edge 130 by the above-mentioned distances on at least two sides, particularly on at least three sides, and more particularly on the four sides of the masking graph 90.

The masking graph 120 may comprise a permanent graph so that the dissolved portions of the vanishing graph 90 are hidden behind the masking graph. Alternatively, the masking graphic 120 may be soluble in the liquid so that the dissolved vanishing graph 90 and the dissolved masking graph 120 are mixed together to obscure the visual detection of the vanishing graph. Particularly in the latter case, the masking graphic 120 may comprise an optical brightener in order to increase the intensity of the masking component and improve the disappearance effect. Alternatively, a separate layer of an optical brightener 33 it can be placed on the outer cover and superimposed on the vanishing graph or on the masking graph. Suitable optical brighteners include, for example, UVITEX OB manufactured by Ciba-Geigy, and LEUCOPUR 5 EGM manufactured by Sandoz Chemical Corporation.

An alternate configuration of the outer cover 40 and the graphics is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the outer cover 40 consists of 10 a single layer having an outer surface 110 and an opposed inner surface 112. The permanent graph 70 and the vanishing graph 90 are both placed on the inner surface 112 of the outer cover 40. The masking graph 120 partially surrounds both peripherally 15 the vanishing graph 90 and the permanent graph 70, even though as illustrated the edge of the masking graph is located in a proximity particularly close to the vanishing graph on only three sides. The masking graph 120 is also peripherally isolated from the 20 vanishing graph 90. Masking graph 120 may comprise either a permanent graph or a graph that is soluble to the liquid.

Another alternate configuration of the cover 25 outside and from the graphs is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The illustrated outer cover 40 consists of a layer :, > £ < _? __ _ --- É-i ____ __ ^: a__ unique having an outer surface 110 and an opposite inner surface 112, and both the permanent graph 70 and the vanishing graph 90 are placed on the inner surface 112 of the cover As shown, the masking graph consists of a first masking graph 122 and a second masking graph 124. The first masking graph 122 is positioned on the outer casing 40 10 circumferentially surrounds the masking graph 90. The masking graph segund 124 is placed on the outer casing and is superimposed on the fade graph 90. The second masking graph 124 is suitably formed of a liquid soluble material so that 15 the dissolved vanishing graph 90 and the second dissolved masking graph are mixed together to obscure the visual detection of the vanishing graph.

The first masking graph 122 can comprise a permanent graph so that the dissolved portions of the vanishing graph 90 are hidden behind the first masking graph. In this case, the permanent graph 70 can be formed of a composition soluble in the liquid because it is overprinted with the permanent masking graph. This may be advantageous for certain printing configurations. The first graph r '_ __ s.- & .1- ..'- * "* 3 _ * ^ _ Í ____ Á_íliL & ^^ * J -'í- *., _______ .. ^ ¿Ü ..._ J_fa __ ^ t", _, _,, ... J, _J ^ ._ ,. t, J _., J ,, ^ _... ..- A.

Masking 122 may alternatively be formed of liquid soluble material. In this case, both first and second dissolver masking graphs 122 and 124 can be mixed with the dissolved vanishing graph 90 with the liquid discharge.

The liquid-permeable body side liner 42 generally covers the outer cover 40 and the absorbent assembly 44 and may not need to have the same dimensions as the outer cover 40. The side-to-body liner 42 is desirably docile, of sensation and not irritant to the child's skin. In addition, the body side liner 42 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent assembly 44, to present a relatively dry surface to the user and allow the liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness.

Alternatively, the body side liner 42 may be more hydrophilic or may have essentially the same affinity for moisture as the absorbent assembly 44 to present a relatively wet surface for the user to increase the feeling of being wet. This wet feeling can be useful as a training aid. The hydrophilic / hydrophobic properties can be varied through the length, width and depth of the side-to-body liner 42 and the absorbent assembly 44 to achieve the desired wetting sensation or filtering performance.

The body side liner 42 may be manufactured from a wide selection of fabric materials, such as synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester fibers or polypropylene), natural fibers (e.g. cotton or wood fibers), a combination of synthetic natural fibers, porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, or the like. The various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the side-to-body lining 42. For example, the side-to-body liner can be composed of a meltblown fabric or bonded with polyolefin fiber yarn. The body side liner can also be a bonded and carded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The body side liner can be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material can optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. For example, the material can be treated on the surface with about 0.45 percent by weight of a surfactant mixture comprising Ahcovel N-62 from Hodgson Textile Chemicals, Mount Kolly, North Carolina, United States of America and Glucopan 220UP Henkel Corporation of Ambler, Pennsylvania, in an active ratio of 3: 1. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brushing or the like. The surfactant may be applied to the side liner to the entire body 42 or may be applied selectively to particular sections of the liner "from side to body, such as the mid section along the longitudinal center line.

A suitable liquid-permeable body side liner 42 is a non-woven bicomponent fabric having a basis weight of about 27 grams per square meter. The non-woven bicomponent may be a bicomponent woven fabric bonded with yarn, or a bicomponent fabric bonded and carded. Suitable bicomponent basic fibers include the polyethylene / polypropylene bicomponent fibers available from CHISSO Corporation, of Osaka, Japan. In this particular bicomponent fiber, polypropylene forms the core and polyethylene forms the fiber sheath. Other fiber orientations are possible, such as multiple lobes, side by side, end-to-end or the like.

The absorbent assembly 44 (FIG. 3) is placed between the outer cover 40 and the side-to-body liner 42, the components of which can be joined together by any suitable means, such as adhesives, as is well known in the art. The absorbent assembly 44 can be any structure which is generally compressible, conformable and non-irritating to the child's skin, and is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body wastes. The absorbent assembly 44 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and of a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in the art. For example, the absorbent assembly 44 may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulose fluff, mixed with particles of a d high absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent conjugate 44 comprises a cellulosic fluff matrix, such as wood pulp, and superabsorbent hydroge forming particles. The wood pulp fluff can be interchanged with melt blown fibers, synthetic polymers or short homophilic bicomponent synthetic fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles can be mixed in an essentially homogeneous way with the hydrophilic fibers or can be mixed non-uniformly. L is erased and the superabsorbent particles can also be selectively placed in desired areas of the absorbent assembly 44 to better contain and absorb exudates from the body. The concentration of the superabsorbent particles may also vary through the thickness of the absorbent assembly 44. Alternatively, the absorbent assembly 44 may comprise a laminate of fibrous fabrics and superabsorbent material or other suitable means of maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area.

Suitable superabsorbent materials can __? á, ^ ._ ^ m__¡ __ ^ ..., .._._? _? ^ _., ....- ^. .- .. > - ..,., to f.n j.y_, f > 'T ^' '-, l "J' ° '^ k? ^ Ba-jhM» tldS * .fc ^ "» ._.,. ,,, «-, ..,., _ .., ._ They can be selected from modified natural and synthetic materials and polymers The superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such silica cores, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymer The suitable superabsorbent materials are available from various commercial vendors such as Dow Chemical Company, located in Midland Michigan, United States of America and Stockhausen GmbH &Co. KG, D-47805 Krefeld, Federal Republic of Germany Typically, a superabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at least 15 times its weight in water , and desirably it is capable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in water.

In one embodiment, the absorbent assembly 4 is generally rectangular in shape, and comprises a mixture of wood pulp fluff and superabsorbent material. The preferred type of waste is identified with the trade designation CR 1654, available from U.S. Alliance, of Childersburg, Alabama, United States of America, and is a highly absorbent and bleached wood sulphate pulp that primarily contains softwood fibers. As a general rule, the superabsorbent material is present in the absorbent assembly 44 in an amount of from about 5 to about 90 percent by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly 44 suitably has a density within the range of about M. _ _______ *, _. ** _ * a ___. ~.: ..._, ..... .......... . ^ J ^ __? __ ^ ___ ^? __, ^ ___ ____ t ..... J.-_ To-M-_l-.fl-AjiJ- ti • ggv from 0.10 to about 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter. The absorbent assembly 44 can optionally be wrapped encompassed by a suitable tissue wrapper that maintains the integrity, and / or shape of the absorbent assembly. Another technique for masking the dissolved fade graphic composition is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. A fade graphic 90 is shown on the inner surface 112 of the outer cover 40. The cover 10 outside 40 can be attached to the absorbent assembly 44 (not shown in Figure 10) using an adhesive 140. The pattern of adhesive illustrated comprises a plurality of swirls of adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, although others are also suitable adhesive patterns such as 15 lines, strips, spray patterns, meltblowing patterns, printed patterns or the like. The adhesive 140 can be applied to the outer cover 40 so that the region of the outer cover that includes the vanishing graph 90, referred to as the vanishing graph region 142, is not 20 attached to the absorbent assembly. The theory is that this beneficially improves the masking of the vanishing graphic composition in the following way. When the liquid is introduced into the absorbent article, the vanishing graphic composition will dissolve and enter the absorbent assembly. 25 The spacing between the outer cover 40 and the absorbent assembly 44 containing the vanishing graphic composition Dissolved will improve the masking of the vanishing graphic composition through the outer cover.

The adhesive 140 may completely surround or partially and peripherally surround the vanishing graph 90. For example, in Figure 10, the regions of the outer cover 40 that essentially surround the vanishing graphic region 142 may be attached to the absorbent assembly. In addition, a region peripherally surrounding the vanishing graph 10 90, and particularly measuring about 1 centimeter or more, particularly about 2 centimeters or more, and more particularly about 3 centimeters or more outwardly of the vanishing chart, may be without adhesive 140 and therefore not attached to the absorbent assembly. to improve the 15 operation. Adhesive 140 is shown as surrounding peripherally at least partially the vanishing graph 90 in Figure 11.

The absorbent frame 32 may also incorporate other materials that are primarily designed to receive, temporarily store and / or transport the liquid along the surface mutually facing the absorbent assembly 44, thereby maximizing the absorbent capacity of the absorbent assembly. A suitable material is mentioned as an emergence layer (not shown) and comprises a material having a basis weight of about 50 to about 120. grams per square meter, and comprising a carded fabric attached through air of a homogeneous mixture of 60 per cent of bicomponent fiber of type T-256 of 3 denier, which comprises a polyethylene sheath / polyester core and 40 po 100 percent polyester fiber type T-295 6 denier, both commercially available from Kosa Corporation, of Salisbury, North Carolina, United States of America.

As previously noted, the illustrated underpants 20 have a side panel 34 positioned on each side of the absorbent frame 32. In an illustrated embodiment, the pair of transversely opposite side panels 34 are permanently attached to the absorbent frame 32 and permanently attached to each other. , using fastening means known to those skilled in the art such as adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding.

The side panels 34 desirably comprise an elastic material capable of stretching in a direction parallel to the transverse axis 49 of the training underpants 20. Suitable elastic materials, as well as a process described for incorporating the side elastic panels that include a training underpants, are described in the following patents of the United States of America Nos. 4,940,464 issued July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al .; 5,224,405 granted on July 6, 1993 to _____._,. . "_A.a.c_A_Ja-ti-Uita ^ -te -j? - £ &iaiMÍ-t-fe Pohjola; 5,104,116 granted on April 14, 1992 to Pohjola; 5,046,272 issued September 10, 1991 to Vogt and others all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In particular embodiments, the elastic material comprises a stretch-thermal laminate (STL), a tapered laminate and bond (NBL), a reversibly tapered laminate, or a tapered and bonded laminate (SBL). The methods for making such materials are well known to those skilled in the art are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,663,220 issued May 5, 1987 to Wisneski et al .; 5,226,992 issued on July 13, 1993 to Morman; and European Patent Application No. EP 0 217 032 published April 8, 1987 in the name of Taylor et al .; all of which are incorporated here by reference. Alternatively, the side panel material may comprise other woven or nonwoven materials, such as those described above as being suitable for the outer cover 40 or for the side-to-body liner 42.

It will be appreciated that the details of the above embodiments, given for purposes of illustration, should not be considered as limiting the scope of this invention. Although only a few example embodiments of this invention have been described here in detail, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without departing materially from the teachings and novel advantages of this invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention, which is defined in the following claims and in all equivalents thereof. It is further recognized that many incorporations can be conceived which do not achieve all the advantages of such incorporations, particularly of the preferred embodiments, but that the absence of a particular advantage should not be considered as necessarily meaning that such incorporation is outside the scope of the invention. present invention.

Claims (43)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An absorbent article comprising: 5 an outer cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface; an absorbent assembly placed on the interior surface; 10 a dissolving graph soluble in the liquid placed on the outer casing and in liquid communication with the absorbent assembly; Y 15 a masking graph placed on the outer cover in at least partially surrounding the vanishing graph peripherally.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph is a permanent graph.

3. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the masking graph 5 is peripherally isolated from the vanishing graph.

4. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph is soluble in the liquid.

5. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that the masking graph is superimposed on the vanishing graph.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the graph completely surrounds the vanishing graph.

7. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph is placed within about 1 centimeter of the vanishing graph.

8. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph is placed within about 0.5 centimeters of the vanishing graph.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph is placed within about 0.2 centimeters of the vanishing graph.

10. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph is white.

11. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph and the outer cover are essentially the same color.

12. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph and the absorbent assembly are essentially the same color.

13. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph is formed with a color that matches a color of a surrounding material or permanent graph.

14. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a permanent graphic and placed on the outer cover. . s ..-,., _.- > -._., _ __ &. i i ^ ^ ^ 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15.

15. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the masking graph is superimposed on the permanent graph.

16. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the outer cover comprises an outer layer permeable to the liquid and an inner layer impervious to the liquid, the vanishing graph is placed on a surface of the inner layer forming the inner surface of the outer cover, and the permanent graph is placed on the opposite surface of the inner layer.

17. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the outer cover is adhesively attached to the absorbent assembly in a window panel pattern, and the region of the outer cover containing the vanishing chart is not adhered to the absorbent assembly. .

18. An absorbent article comprising: an outer cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface; an absorbent assembly placed on the t ______. A, A? .A_ í_i ___._____? interior surface; a dissolving graph soluble in the liquid placed on the outer cover and in communication of the liquid with the absorbent assembly; Y a masking graph soluble in the liquid placed on the outer cover and superimposed on the vanishing graph.

19. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the masking graph is white.

20. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the masking graph and the outer cover are essentially the same color.

21. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the masking graph and the absorbent assembly are essentially the same color.

22. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the graph ía A_t :! , - ^ - Í < - &JÉ- ^ a .- ^ > > - ". ,, ,,. ^ J, ___ ,, ._, _ .., ..,., _ ,.". ? ... ^. j ..,. "__. Masking is formed with a color that matches a color of the surrounding material or the permanent graph.

23. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the masking graphic comprises an optical brightener.

24. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, further characterized in that it comprises an optical brightener placed on the outer cover and superimposed on the vanishing graph.

25. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, further characterized in that it comprises a permanent graphic placed on the outer cover.

26. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the masking graph is superimposed on the permanent graph.

27. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 25, further characterized in that it comprises a second masking graph placed on the outer cover and superimposed on the permanent graph, the second masking graph being a permanent graph.

28. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the outer cover comprises an outer layer permeable to the liquid and an inner layer impervious to the liquid, the vanishing graph is placed on a surface of the inner layer forming the inner surface of the outer cover, and the permanent graph is placed on an opposite surface of the inner layer.

29. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the outer cover is adhesively attached to the absorbent assembly in a window panel pattern, and the region of the outer cover containing the vanishing chart is not adhered to the absorbent assembly .

30. An absorbent article comprising: an outer cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface; an absorbent assembly placed on the interior surface; a first graphic placed on the cover «External faith and in fluid communication with the absorbent conjunct, the first graph comprises a soluble composition in the liquid; 5 a second graph placed on the outer shell and comprising a composition soluble in the liquid and a permanent masking graph placed on the outer envelope at least partially surrounding the first graph peripherally.

31. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 30, further characterized by 15 comprises a liquid masking graph in the liquid superimposed on the first graph.

32. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the cover The outer layer comprises an outer layer permeable to the liquid and an inner layer impervious to the liquid, the first vanishing graph is placed on a surface of the inner cap forming the inner surface of the outer casing, and the second graph is placed on an outer casing. 25 opposite surface of the inner layer.

33. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the outer cover is adhesively bonded to the absorbent assembly in a window panel pattern, and the region of the outer cover 5 containing the first graph is not adhered to the absorbent assembly.

34. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph 0 is placed within about 1 centimeter of the vanishing graph on at least two sides of the vanishing graph.

35. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that the masking graph is placed within about 0.5 centimeters of the vanishing graph on at least three sides of the vanishing graph.

36. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that the masking graph is placed within about 0.5 centimeters of the vanishing graph on all four sides of the vanishing graph.

37. The absorbent article as it is claimed in clause 34, characterized in that the masking graph is placed within about 0. centimeters of the masking graph on at least three sides of the vanishing graph.

38. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the masking graph comprises an essentially continuous graph extending from one edge of the masking graph which is located in proximity to the vanishing graph by a distance of about 1 centimeter or more.

39. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 38, characterized in that the masking graph comprises an essentially continuous graph extending from one edge of the masking graph that is located in proximity to the vanishing graph by a distance of about 3 centimeters or more.

40. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 38, characterized in that the masking graph comprises an essentially continuous graph extending from one edge of the masking graph that is located in the vicinity of the vanishing graph by a distance of about 1 centimeter or more on at least three sides of the vanishing graph.

41. An absorbent article comprising: an outer cover having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface; an absorbent assembly placed on the interior surface; Y a dissolving graph soluble in the liquid placed on the outer cover and in liquid communication with the absorbent assembly, the vanishing graph being placed in a vanishing graphic region; wherein the absorbent assembly is attached to the outer cover in regions other than the vanishing graphic region.

42. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 41, characterized in that the regions of the outer cover that essentially surround the vanishing graphic region are attached to the absorbent assembly.

43. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 41, characterized in that a region of the outer cover including a vanishing graph and at least one centimeter circumferentially surrounding the vanishing graph is not attached to the absorbent assembly. l? ^ ?? á.? _.? ^ ___ i_-i__í__í _.__ ¡_r_i < & SUMMARY A disposable absorbent article such as a training underpants includes a liquid-soluble moisture indicator and one or more masking techniques to minimize the possibility of them appearing muddy after activation. Techniques include more masking graphs and peripherally placed adhesive patterns. J_.? ' j * _-__ m_____t _. ______ _ Í .. "._ .. ,,. "_ T? , _. ^ _ J.3 ». . «» J.-_ A «__ a > J .... áa-.I-t- Miafeíj