MXPA06007396A - Article featuring an interior graphic - Google Patents

Abstract

An article defines an interior article surface and an exterior article surface and includes an outercover defining an interior outercover surface, and an exterior outercover surface opposite the interior outercover surface. The article also includes at least one active graphic disposed on the interior article surface.

Description

ARTICLE GIVING IMPORTANCE TO AN INTERIOR GRAPH FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to absorbent articles such as training underpants, diapers, women's hygiene products, incontinence garments and the like, and more particularly articles having interior graphics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, and the like frequently include an outer liquid-impermeable cover, an absorbent body and in some cases, graphics placed on the inner surface of the outer cover. The graphics can provide a decorative feature, and particularly when used in connection with children's underpants, can be used to make underpants appear similar to conventional underwear. In addition, graphics can also be used to improve learning and / or be used to be the most joyful learning experience and generally positive experience. For example, graphs can be used to allow the caregiver to interact with the user in the learning environment.

Therefore, graphics can take various forms, such as being in the form of a character, object and / or numeric alpha (for example, numbers, words, phrases, instructions, etc.), and the like. In addition, at least some of the graphics can be configured to be able to appear or disappear when the article is exposed to liquid such as urine. These graphs can alert the user and caregiver to the occurrence of urine in the article (for example, an "accident"), and can help in the learning process.

However, such graphics, in certain circumstances, may not be completely satisfactory. For example, in some configurations, the appearance or disappearance of visible graphics on the exterior of the article may require a considerable amount of liquid or multiple accidents, before the graphics are made to appear or disappear. Additionally, the graphics on the inside of the article do not necessarily motivate the user to raise and lower the item for inspection, which can be a step for key learning.

There is a need, therefore, to provide a suitable learning tool that can help notify the user of any accidents, even if the accident is of a relatively small volume. In addition, there is a need for a learning tool that encourages the user to practice uploading and downloading the article.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an absorbent article defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an inner article surface and an outer article surface opposite the inner article surface. The article includes an outer cover defining an outer cover surface opposite the inner outer cover surface, and an absorbent body placed on the inner outer cover surface. The article also includes at least one interior graph placed on the interior article surface wherein at least one interior graph is an active graph.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an absorbent article defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an anterior article surface and an outer article surface opposite the inner article surface. The article includes an outer cover, a side-to-body liner placed in a lay-on relationship with the outer cover and an absorbent body placed in the form of a sandwich between the outer cover and the side-to-body liner. The outer cover can be placed towards the outer article surface and the liner from side to body can be placed towards the inner article surface. The article also includes at least one interior graph placed on the interior article surface wherein at least one interior graph is a vanishing graph.

In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to an absorbent article defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an inner article surface and an outer article surface opposite the inner article surface, a first waist region, a second waist region and a crotch region that connects the first and second waist regions. The article includes side panels extending from connecting the first and second waist regions in a pant configuration to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The article also includes an outer cover defining an inner outer cover surface and an outer cover surface which is opposite the inner outer cover surface, and an absorbent body placed on the inner outer cover surface. The article further includes at least one interior graph placed on the interior article surface wherein at least one interior graph is an active graph.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to an article defining an interior article surface and an exterior article surface opposite the interior article surface. The article includes an outer cover defining an interior exterior cover surface and an exterior cover surface opposite the interior exterior cover surface. The article also includes at least one interior graph placed on the interior article surface wherein at least one interior graph is an active graph.

The aforementioned and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood when reference is made to the drawings and the following detailed description of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 representatively illustrates a side view of a pair of training underpants with a mechanical fastening system of the fastening portions shown on one side of the training underpants and fastened on the other side of the training underpants.

Figure 2 representatively illustrates a plan view of the training underpants of Figure 1 in an unclamped, stretched, and laid flat condition, and showing the surface of the training underpants facing away from the wearer.

Figure 3 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to Figure 2, but showing the surface of the training underpants facing the user when using them, and with cutouts to show the underlying characteristics and looking like a graphic of the present invention applied to the underpants.

Figure 4 representatively illustrates a plan view similar to that of Figure 3 with another aspect of a graph of the present invention applied to the pants; Y Figures 5A, 5B and 5C representatively depict several partial section views of the pants.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts through the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, a disposable article in the form of learning underpants for the use of the toilet by children is indicated in its entirety with the reference number 20. The article may or may not be absorbent , which generally refers to the absorbent articles that can be placed against or in proximity to the user's body to absorb and / or retain various liquid wastes discharged from the body. The term "disposable" as used herein refers to articles that are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use instead of being washed or otherwise restored for re-use. It is understood that the present invention is suitable for use with various other items such as diapers, women's hygiene products, incontinence products, medical articles such as medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other garments for the care of health or personal care, clothing for institution, industrial or consumer use, and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.

By way of illustration only, the training underpants suitable for use with the present invention and various materials and methods for constructing the underpants are described in the Patent Application of the Patent Cooperation Treaty WO 00/37009 published on June 29. of 2000 by A. Fletcher and others; U.S. Patent No. 4,940,464 issued July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al .; U.S. Patent No. 5,766,389 issued June 16, 1998 to Brando et al .; U.S. Patent No. 6,645,190 issued November 11, 2003 to Olson et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent that they are consistent (eg, not in conflict) with the present invention.

The training underpants 20 are illustrated in Figure 1 in a partially fastened condition and include a first waist region and a second waist region, eg, the front waist region 22 and the rear waist region 24. The underpants Learning 20 also includes a crotch region 26 interconnecting the front and back waist regions, an interior article surface 28 configured for a front facing relationship with the user, and an exterior article surface 30 opposite the interior article surface. With further reference to Figures 2-4, the training pants 20 also have a pair of laterally opposite side edges 36 and a pair of longitudinally opposite waist edges, designated respectively front waist edge 38 and rear waist edge 39.

The illustrated underpants 20 include a central absorbent assembly, generally indicated with the point 32, which when laid flat can be rectangular or of any other desired shape, a pair of front and laterally opposed side panels 34 extending outward from the same in the front waist region 22 and a pair of laterally opposed rear side panels 134 extending outwardly therefrom in the rear waist region 24. The absorbent assembly 32 and the side panels 34 and 134 may comprise two or more separate elements, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-4 or may be integrally formed. The central absorbent assembly 32 of the illustrated aspect includes an outer cover 40, a side-to-body liner 42 (Figures 1, 3 and 4) connected to the outer cover in a superimposed relation, an absorbent body 44 (Figures 3 and 4) placed between the outer cover 40 and the side liner to the body 42, and a pair of containment fins 46 (Figures 3 and 4). The central absorbent assembly has opposite ends 45 which can form portions of the front and rear waist edges 38 and 39, and opposite side edges 47 which can form the side edge portions 36 of the training pants 20 ( Figures 2 - 4). The integrally formed side panels 34 and 134 and the absorbent assembly 32 may comprise at least some common materials, such as the body side liner 42, the fin composite, the outer cover 40, other materials and / or combinations thereof. and can define one-piece stretchable or non-stretchable elastic underpants. For further reference, the arrows 48 and 49 show the orientation of the longitudinal axis and the transverse or lateral axis, respectively, of the training pants 20 (Figures 2 - 4). Similarly, the arrow 148 indicates the length of the article in the longitudinal direction 48 of the pants 20 from the front waist edge 38 to the rear waist edge 39 (Figures 3 and 4).

With the training underpants 20 in the clamped position as partially illustrated in Figure 1, the front and rear side panels 34 and 134 are connected together by the clamping system 80 to define a three-dimensional truss configuration having a waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings 52. The front waist region 22 comprises the portion of the training pants 20 whichWhen used, it is placed on the front of the user while the rear waist region 24 comprises the portion of the training pants which is placed on the back of the user. The crotch region 26 of the training pants 20 comprises the part of the training pants 20 which is placed between the user's legs and covers the lower torso of the user. The front and rear side panels 34 and 134 comprise the parts of the training underpants 20 which, when worn, are placed on the wearer's hips. The waist edges 38 and 39 of the training pants 20 are configured to surround the wearer's waist and define the waist opening 50 together (Figure 1). The sides of the lateral edges 36 in the crotch region 26 generally define the waist openings 52.

The central absorbent assembly 32 is configured to contain and / or absorb exudates the body discharged the user. For example, the containment fins 46 are configured to provide a barrier to the transverse flow of body exudates. An elastic fin member 53 (Figures 3 and 4) can be operatively joined to each containment fin 46 in any suitable manner as is known in the art. The elasticized containment fins 46 define a partially unsupported edge which assumes a vertical configuration in at least the crotch region 26 of the training underpants 20 to form a seal against the wearer's body. The containment fins 46 may be located along the lateral edges 36 of the pants 20, and may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the absorbent assembly 32 or may only extend partially along the length of the absorbent assembly. . Suitable constructions and arrangements for containment fins 46 are generally well 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 herein by reference in its entirety to the extent that it is consistent with the present (for example, it is not in conflict).

To further improve the containment and / or absorption of the body exudates, the training underpants 20 also suitably include a t waist elastic member 54 (Figures 1, 3 and 4), a rear waist elastic member 56, and leg elastic members 58, as are known to those skilled in the art. The waist elastic members 54 and 56 can be operatively attached to the outer cover 40 and / or the side facing to the body 42 along the opposite waist edges 38 and 39, and can extend over some or all of the edges of the belt. waist. The elastic leg members 58 can be operatively attached to the outer cover 40 and / or to the side liner to the body 42 along the opposite lateral edges 36 and be placed in the crotch region 26 of the training pants 20. The elastic leg members 58 can be aligned longitudinally along each side edge 47 of the absorbent assembly 32.

The elastic fin members 53, the elastic waist members 54 and 56, and the elastic leg members 58 can be formed of any suitable material. As is known to those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include natural rubber sheets, yarns or ribbons, thermoplastic elastomeric polymers, or synthetic rubber. The elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to a substrate, adhered to a folded substrate, or adhered to a substrate and then elastified or shrunk, for example, with the application of heat, so that the elastic retraction forces are imparted to the substrate. . In a particular aspect, for example, the leg elastic members 58 comprise a plurality of dry-spun coalesced multifilament spandex elastomeric yarns sold under the trade name LYCRA® and available EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America.

The outer cover 40 of the present invention can be placed towards the outer surface 30. For example, the outer cover 40 can define an outer cover surface 64 corresponding to the outer article surface 30 of the training underpants 20 and a surface of outer inner jacket 62. The outer jacket 40 desirably comprises a material that is essentially impermeable to liquid. The outer cover 40 may be a single layer of liquid impermeable material, but desirably comprises a multilayer laminated structure in which at least one of the layers is impermeable to the liquid. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 5B and 5C, the outer cover 40 may include a liquid permeable outer layer 78 and an inner liquid impermeable layer 76 that are suitably joined together by a laminated adhesive (not shown). Suitable laminated adhesives which may be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, a spray, 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 78 can be any suitable material and desirably one that provides a generally cloth-like texture. An example of such material is 20 gsm (grams per square meter) of non-woven polypropylene fabric bonded with yarn. The outer layer 78 can also be made from those materials from which the liquid-permeable body side liner 42 is made. While it is not necessary for the outer layer 78 to be liquid permeable, it is desirable that it provide a texture of the type. of cloth relatively to the user.

The inner layer 76 of the outer cover 40 may be both liquid and vapor impermeable or may be impermeable to the liquid and vapor permeable. The inner layer 76 is desirably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The inner layer 76, or the outer waterproof cover 40 when it is a single layer, prevents waste material from wet articles, such as bed sheets and clothes, as well as the user and the caregiver. 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 0.025 mm polyethylene film commercially available from Edison Plastics Company of South Plainfield, New Jersey. If the outer cover 40 is a single layer of material, it can be etched and / or determined matte to provide a more fabric-like appearance. As mentioned above, the liquid impermeable material can allow the vapors to escape from the interior of the disposable absorbent article, while still preventing liquids from passing through the outer cover 40. A material "suitable breathing capacity" is composed of a microporous polymer film or a nonwoven fabric that has been coated or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. A suitable microporous film is a PMP-1 film material commercially available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., of Tokyo, Japan, or a polyolefin film XKO-8044 commercially available from 3M Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota The liquid-permeable body side liner 42 is illustrated as being in a superimposed relationship with the outer cover 40, with the outer cover 40 and the side-to-body liner 42 having the sandwich shape 44 of the absorbent body. side to body 42 may, but does not need to have the same dimensions as outer cover 40. The body side liner 42 may be positioned towards the interior article surface 28; for example, at least a portion of the side-to-body liner 42 can provide the interior article surface 28. In particular, the side-to-body liner 42 can define an interior linear surface 94 and an exterior linear surface 96 opposite to the interior linear surface; therefore, the inner linear surface 94 can provide at least a portion of the interior article surface 28.

The body side liner 42 is desirably docile, soft feeling and non-irritating to the child's skin. In addition, the body side liner 42 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 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 body 44 to present a relatively wet surface to the wearer to increase the feeling of being wet. This wet feeling can be useful as a learning aid. The hydrophilic / hydrophobic properties can be varied through the length, width and depth of the side-to-body liner 42 and the absorbent body 44 to achieve the desired wetting sensation or filtering performance.

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

The absorbent body 44 (Figures 3 - 5C) is placed in the form of a sandwich between the outer cover 40 and the side-to-body liner 42, which can be joined together by any suitable means such as adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds or Similar. In particular, the absorbent body 44 can be placed on the inner surface of the outer cover 40. As used herein, the term "placed on" and variations thereof is intended to mean that one element can be an integral part of another element. or that an element can be a separate structure attached or placed with or placed near another element.

The absorbent body 44 can be any structure which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the child's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body wastes, and can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and sizes. forms, and a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in the art. For example, the absorbent body 44 may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulose fluff fabric, mixed with a particle of a high absorbency material commonly known as a super absorbent material. In a particular aspect, the absorbent body 44 comprises a cellulose fluff matrix, such as wood pulp fluff, and super absorbent hydrogel forming particles. The wood pulp fluff can be exchanged with blown fibers with synthetic polymer melts or with synthetic fibers of bicomponent of homofilament and short cuts and natural fibers. In the super absorbent particles they can be mixed in an essentially homogeneous way with the hydrophilic fibers or they can be mixed non-uniformly. The lint and the super absorbent particles can also be selectively placed in desired areas of the absorbent body 44 to better contain and absorb exudates from the body. The concentration of the super absorbent particles may also vary through the thickness of the absorbent body 44. Alternatively, the absorbent body 44 may comprise a laminate of fibrous fabrics and super absorbent material or other suitable means for maintaining a super absorbent material in an area. localized Suitable super absorbent materials can be selected from polymers and natural, synthetic and modified natural materials. Super absorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers, for example, neutralized sodium polyacrylic acid. Suitable super absorbent materials are available from various commercial vendors such as BASF Aktiengesellschaft located in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Stockhausen GMBH & Co. KG, of Krefeld, Germany. Typically, a super absorbent material is capable of absorbing at least about 10 times its weight in water, and is suitably able to absorb more than about 25 times its weight in water.

In one aspect, the absorbent body 44 comprises a mixture of wood pulp fluff and super absorbent material. A preferred type of pulp is identified with the trade designation CR1654, available from U.S. Alliance, of Childersburg, Alabama, United States of America, and is a highly absorbent and bleached sulphate wood pulp that contains primarily softwood fibers and about 16 percent hardwood fibers. As a general rule, the super absorbent material is present in the absorbent body 44 in an amount of from about 0 to about 90 percent by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent body 44 may or may not be wrapped or covered with a suitable tissue wrap that helps maintain the integrity and / or shape of the absorbent assembly.

The central absorbent assembly 32 may also incorporate other materials or components designed primarily to receive, temporarily store and / or transport the liquid along the surface mutually facing the absorbent body 44, thereby maximizing the absorbent capacity of the absorbent assembly. A suitable additional component is commonly referred to as an emergence layer and comprises a material having a basis weight of from about 50 to about 120 grams per square meter, and more particularly comprises a carded and air-bound fabric of a blend. homogeneous 60 percent 3 denier which is a bicomponent T-256 type fiber comprising a polyethylene sheath / polyester core and 40 percent of a 6 denier T-295 polyester fiber, both commercially available from Kosa Corporation of Salisbury, North Carolina, United States of America. As described in more detail below, a component thereof that can be designed to receive, temporarily store and / or transport the liquid or provide an emergence layer can be the inside graphic layer 98.

As previously noted, the training underpants 20 may have the front and rear side panels 34 and 134 positioned on each side of the absorbent assembly 32. The side panels 34 and 134 may be permanently bonded along the seams 66 to the absorbent assembly. central 32 in the respective front and rear waist regions 22 and 24. More particularly, as best seen in Figures 2-4, the front side panels 34 can be permanently attached to and extend transversely outwardly beyond the side edges 47 of the absorbent assembly 32 in the front waist region 22, and the rear side panels 134 can be permanently attached to and extend transversely outwardly beyond the lateral edges of the absorbent assembly in the rear waist region 24. Side panels 34 and 134 they can be attached to the absorbent assembly 32 using the fastening means known per se. s skilled in the art such as adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding. Alternatively, the side panels 34 and 134 can be formed as an integral part of a component of the absorbent assembly 32. For example, the side panels can comprise a generally wider part of the outer cover 40, the side-to-body liner 42 and / or another component of the absorbent assembly 32. The front and rear side panels 34 and 134 may be permanently joined together or may be releasably connected to each other such as the fastening system 80 of the illustrated aspect.

The front and rear side panels 34 and 134 may each have an outer edge 68 spaced laterally from the seam 66, a leg end edge 70 placed toward the longitudinal center of the training pants 20, and a waist end edge. 72 placed towards the longitudinal end of the training underpants. The leg end edge 70 and the waist end edge 72 extend from the side edges 47 of the absorbent assembly 32 to the outer edges 68. The leg end edges 70 of the side panels 34 and 134 are part of the side edges 36 of the training underpants 20. The leg end edges 70 of the illustrated aspect are suitably arcuate and / or angled relative to the transverse axis 49 to provide a better fit around the user's legs. However, it is understood that only one of the leg end edges 70 may be arched or angled such as a leg end edge of the rear waist region 24, or none of the leg end edges may be arched. or at an angle, without departing from the scope of this invention. The waist end edges 72 are suitably parallel to the transverse axis 49. The waist end edges 72 of the front side panels 34 form part of the front waist edge 38 of the training pants 20, and the end edges of waist 72 of the rear side panels 134 form part of the rear waist edge 39 of the underpants.

The side panels 34 and 134 suitably, although not necessarily, comprise an elastic material capable of stretching in a direction generally parallel to the transverse axis 49 of the training underpants 20. The suitable elastic materials, as well as a process of incorporating the side panels elastic in underpants of learning, are described in the following Patents of the United States of America Numbers 4,940,464 granted on July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel and others; 5,224,405 granted on July 6, 1993 to Pohjola; 5,104,116 granted on April 14, 1992 to Pohjola; and 5,046,272 issued September 10, 1991 to Vogt et al .; all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent that they are consistent with it (for example, not in conflict). In particular aspects, the elastic material may comprise a stretched-thermal laminate (STL), a narrowed and bonded laminate (NBL), a reversibly tapered laminate, or a bonded and stretched laminate (SBL). Methods for making such materials are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,663,220 issued May 5, 1987 to Wisneski et al .; 5,226,992 issued on July 13, 1993 to Morman; European Patent Application Number EP 0 217 032 published on April 8, 1987 in the name of Taylor et al .; and the Patent Cooperation Treaty Application WO 01/88245 in the name of Welch et al .; all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent that they are consistent with it (for example, they are not in conflict). 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 the side-to-body liner 42; mechanically pre-stressed compounds; or stretchable but inelastic materials.

The fastening system 80 comprises the first laterally opposed fastening components 82 adapted for a restraintable engagement with the corresponding second fastening components 84. In one aspect, a front or outer surface of each of the fastening components 82 and 84 comprises a plurality of engaging elements. The engaging elements of the first clamping components 82 are adapted to repeatedly engage and disengage the corresponding engaging elements of the second clamping components 84 to releasably secure the parts 20 in their three-dimensional configuration. A suitable fastening system is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,645,190 issued to Olson, et al., Previously incorporated herein.

As representatively illustrated in Figure 1, when the fastening components 82 and 84 are releasably engaged, the lateral edges 36 of the training pants 20 in the crotch region 26 define the leg openings 52 and the waist edges 38 and 39 including the waist end edges 72 of the side panels 34 and 134 define the waist opening 50. For an improved formation of the leg openings 52, it may be desirable in some aspects that the front side panels 34 are longitudinally spaced apart from each other. the rear side panels 134 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. For example, the front side panels 34 may be longitudinally spaced from the rear side panels 134 by a distance equal to about 20 percent or greater, particularly from around from 20 to around 60 percent, and more particularly from around 35 to around 50 percent cent, of the overall length of the underpants 20.

When engaged, the fastening components 82 and 84 of the illustrated aspect define the resilient engagement seams 88 (Figure 1) which desirably even though they do not necessarily extend to essentially the entire distance between the waist opening 50 and the leg openings 52 The underpants 20 of the various aspects of the present invention further include at least one interior graphic 90 positioned on the inner article surface 28 of the underpants 20. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, the underpants 20 may including a single interior graphic 90 on the interior article surface 28. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figure 4, the pants 20 may include a plurality of interior graphics 90 on the interior article surface. The interior graphic 90 may include but is not limited to scenes, characters, animals, objects, alphanumerics such as numbers, letters, words, phrases and the like. In particular aspects, the inner graphic 90 can also be of a specific genre; that is, the inner graph 90 can be a graph that can be generally considered to be of interest to children or to girls.

The inner graph 90 can be formed or applied directly or indirectly to any surface of the pant 20 so that the inner graph 90 is visible from the inner article surface 28. For example, the inner graph 90 can be applied directly or indirectly to any surface of the liner 42 such as the inner lining surface 94 or the outer lining surface 96, formed or applied between the liner 42 and the absorbent body 44, formed or applied to a substrate that is placed with or near the liner 42, such as the inner graphic layer 98, formed or applied within a layer of the liner 42 or other substrate, or other variations or combinations thereof. In one aspect, and as will be discussed in more detail below, the interior graphic 90 can be printed, sprayed or otherwise applied directly on a surface 94 or 96 of the liner 42. In a particular aspect, the interior graphic 90 can advantageously be applied to the inner lining surface 94. In such an arrangement, the materials that provide the inner graphic 96 are less feasible to transfer onto the wearer's skin.

In other aspects, the inner graph 90 may be applied to a layer placed with or near the liner 42, such as an inner graph layer 98. As mentioned above, the inner graph may be a substrate associated with the absorbent body 44 such as another absorbent layer, a tissue layer, a liquid handling layer, a liquid transfer layer or an emergence layer. Alternatively, the inner graphic layer may be a tissue material, liquid handling layers, absorbent layers or the like. For example, the interior graphics layer 98 may be provided by a tissue that includes a natural fiber material such as any type of wood pulp. Alternatively, the interior graphics layer can also be made from an uncrypted air-dried tissue (UCTAD) material that is known in the art. The inner graphic layer 98 can suitably provide a more uniform surface on which the inner graphic can be applied, resulting in a more consistent, defined and discernible graph.

Various aspects of interior graphics 90 can be better understood with reference to the partial section views of pants 20 shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C. As mentioned above, the various layers of the illustrated embodiments can be secured together using adhesives, thermal bonds, mechanical bonds or other means known to those skilled in the art.

Figure 5A illustrates a partial sectional view of an absorbent article having an absorbent body 44 placed in sandwich form between a cover 40 and the side-to-body liner 42. The illustrated outer cover 40 is a single layer having a surface of inner outer cover 62 and an opposite outer cover surface 64, which can provide at least a portion of the outer article surface 30. In addition, the illustrated liner 42 is a single layer having an outer lining surface 96 and an inner lining surface 94, which can also provide at least a portion of the interior article surface 28. The interior graphics 90 can be positioned on the liner 42, which includes either the surface 94 or 96 of the liner, on the surface of the absorbent body 44, which faces the liner 42, or between the absorbent body 44 and the lining 42.

Figure 5B illustrates a partial sectional view of another brief 20 having an absorbent body 44 placed in sandwich form between an outer cover 40 and a side-to-body liner 42. The illustrated outer cover 40 is a two-layer composite that it comprises an outer outer jacket layer 78 and an inner outer jacket layer 76. The outer cover 40 has an inner outer cover surface 62 and an opposite outer outer cover surface 64, which can also provide at least a portion of the outer article surface 30. In addition, the illustrated liner 42 is a single layer having an outer liner surface 96 and an inner liner surface 94, which can also provide at least a portion of the interior article surface 28 The inside graphics 90 can be placed on the liner 42, which includes either the surface 94 or 96 of the liner, on the surface of the body ab. sorbent 44 facing the liner 42, or between the absorbent body 44 and the liner 42.

Figure 5C illustrates a partial sectional view of a further aspect having an absorbent body 44 placed in the form of a sandwich between an outer cover 40 and the side-to-body liner 42. The brief 20 also includes an inner graphic layer 98 placed in sandwich shape between the absorbent body 44 and the liner 42. The illustrated outer cover 40 is a two-layer composite comprising an outer layer of outer cover 78 and an inner layer of outer cover 76, but can alternatively be a single layer. The outer cover 40 has an inner cover surface 62 and an opposing outer outer cover surface 64, which can also provide at least a portion of the outer article surface 30. In addition, the illustrated liner 42 is a single layer that it has an outer skin surface 96 and an inner liner surface 94, which can also provide at least a portion of the inner article surface 28. The inner graphics 90 can be placed on the liner 42 which includes either the surface 94 or 96 of the liner, on the surface of the absorbent body 44 facing the liner 42, or between the absorbent body 44 and the liner 42. The interior graphic 90 can also be placed on any surface of the interior graphics layer 98 which is positioned with or placed near the layer 42, between the inner graphic layer 98 and the lining 42 or between the inner graphic layer 98 and the body absorb 44. Various other locations for the interior graphics may be suitable where different configurations of the absorbent body 44 and liner 42 are employed, including but not limited to within a layer of the absorbent body 44, of the lining 42 or the inner graphic layer 98 The inside graphics 90 of the present invention can include active graphics or combinations of active and permanent graphics. In particular aspects, at least one of the interior graphics 98 can be an active graphic. As used here, the term "active graph" refers to a graph that appears, a graph that fades, or a combination of graphs that appear and vanish. The term "appearing graph" is used here to refer to a graph that becomes visible or becomes significantly more visible when the urine is exposed or becomes visible or significantly more visible over time when exposed to the environment but It is not exposed to urine. Conversely, the term "vanishing graph" is used here to refer to a graph that becomes invisible or significantly less visible when exposed to urine or that becomes invisible or significantly less visible over time when exposed to the environment but has not been exposed to urine. For example, when the user wets the training underpants 20, the liquid is communicated to the active graphic so that the active graphic either dissolves, changes color, appears, or the like. When the graphs that appear are used, the situation will work in reverse. Alternatively, the active graph may include graphs that appear that are activated with use by exposure to the environment.

In one aspect, the vanishing graphs of the present invention can be formed of an ink that is soluble in aqueous solutions such as urine. As such, the ink can be placed on the pant 20 so that it gets wet and dissolves when the product is insulted with the liquid. Once dissolved, the ink is washed away from the surface of the inner article 28. Therefore, the ink may be obscured by the liner 42, the absorbent body 44 or other layers that may be on one side of the liner 42 and / or of the absorbent body 44. As a result, the vanishing graph seems to disappear from view.

Suitable urine soluble inks are available from a variety of commercial vendors, such as Sun Chemical Corporation, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America under the trade designation AQUA DESTRUCT. Particular urine soluble compositions are described in United States of America Patent Number 4,022,211 issued May 10, 1977 to Timmons et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that it is consistent therewith ( for example, not in conflict). The ink color can be selected to provide a pleasing appearance and graphic impact, including a rapid fading upon contact with the liquid. In particular aspects, and to facilitate rapid fading, fade-out graphics may comprise line drawings having a line width of from about 1 to about 5 millimeters.

Alternatively, the active graphic may also comprise a vanishing or appearing graphic which is formed of a composition such as an ink or adhesive that changes color when exposed to an aqueous solution such as urine. A color change composition can be adapted to be mixed with a surrounding background or color, either before or after exposure to the aqueous solution. Suitable compositions of this type of color change are available from a variety of commercial vendors such as the hot melt color change / pH change adhesive available from Findley Adhesives, Inc. of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, United States of America. Alternatively, the active graphic may comprise pH sensitive inks, fugitive inks, colored absorbent particles, hydratable salts, moisture sensitive films, enzymes, heat sensitive inks and dyes, or the like.

In contrast to active graphs, the term "permanent graph" is used here to refer to a graph that does not essentially change its degree of visibility when the absorbent article is insulted with urine under simulated conditions of use. The change in visibility of a graph or a part of a graph can be determined based on the observation of a person in the graph before and after the article containing the graph is exposed to the liquid. For purposes indicated herein an article is exposed to the liquid by immersing the article completely in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 percent by weight of sodium chloride, used at room temperature (23 ° C), for a period of twenty minutes. . After 20 minutes the product is removed from the aqueous solution and placed on a fiberglass mesh coated with TEFLON® having 0.25 inch openings, which is commercially available from Taconic Plastics Inc., of Petersberg, New York, United States. United of America, which in turn is placed on a vacuum box and covered with a flexible rubber dam material. A vacuum of 3.5 kilopascals (0.5 pounds per square inch) is pulled into the vacuum box for a period of 5 minutes, after which the item is removed and observed. The person with normal or corrected vision of 20-20 should make observations from a distance of 1 meter in an environment that provides 30 foot candles (320 Lux) of illumination. Changes in the visibility of the graph must be identified, and distinguished where it is necessary from the 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 entire graph does not change essentially in its appearance, size or shape when the product is insulted with a liquid or exposed to the environment.

In use, the active graph may appear or disappear when an accident occurs and the urine comes in contact with the active graph. In particular, the active graph appears or disappears in about 3 minutes or less, more particularly in about 1 minute or less, and more particularly in about 20 seconds or less, when the absorbent article is discharged with 200 milliliters or more of urine, suitably when the absorbent article is insulted with about 40 to about 60 millimeters or more of urine and more adequately when the absorbent article is insulted with about 10 millimeters or more of urine.

Therefore, when the underpants 20 of the present invention include an inner graphic 90 which is an active graphic this may assist in learning to use the user's toilet. For example, the interior graphic 90 may encourage the user to pull and raise and lower the pants 20 to inspect the graphic 90, an activity which is key to learning the use of the toilet and requires a relatively high level of coordination. In addition, it can be easily appreciated that an active interior graphic 90 can encourage the user to refrain from wetting the briefs 20 in order to keep the graph 90 in place. In addition, the interior graphic 90 can provide the user with a feeling of "owner" on the graph, since the graph is intended primarily for observation. Furthermore, an active interior graphic 90 is even more sensitive to small accidents than to other forms of active graphics due to its proximity to the target area. As such, active internal graphs can be particularly effective in late phase learning.

Therefore, in order to provide an adequate focus on the inner graphic 90, the inner graphic can be placed particularly within the underpants 20. Furthermore, in the configurations where the inner graphic 90 is an active graphic, it can be placed in a gender specific target zone for urine within the product; such placement can increase the possibility that the interior graphic 90 can be activated by the download. As such, in one aspect, at least a portion of the interior graphic 90 may be spaced from the front waist edge 38 in the longitudinal direction 48 by between 25% and 50% of the length of the article 148. In another aspect, at least a portion of the inner graph 90 may be spaced from the front waist edge 38 in the longitudinal direction 48 by between 35% and 60% of the article length 148.

In addition, each interior graphic 90 can define a total graphic area. The total graphical area can be calculated by multiplying the largest dimension of the interior graph 90 in the longitudinal direction 48 (the interior graph length, indicated at point 102) by the largest dimension of the interior graph 90 in the direction side 49 (the interior graph width, indicated at point 104) (Figure 3). Thus, in one aspect, the area of the interior graphic 90 can be at least 25 square centimeters. In another aspect, the interior graphics area can be at least 25 square centimeters. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figure 4 and as mentioned above, the brief 20 may include a plurality of inner graphics 90. Therefore, the plurality of interior graphics 90 can, in total, define a total graphic area. The total graphic area can be calculated by multiplying the inner graph length of the plurality of inner graphs in the longitudinal direction 48, indicated at point 102, by the internal graph width of the plurality of graphs in the lateral direction 49, indicated in point 104 (Figure 3). The plurality of interior graphics 90 can define a total graph area of at least 25 square centimeters. Such areas of total graphs as described above appropriately draw the attention of the user and can therefore act as an auxiliary in the most significant learning.

The training underpants 20 of the various aspects of the present invention may further include at least one outer graphic 60 positioned on the outer article surface 30. Suitably, the underpants 20 may include a plurality of outer graphics 60. The outer graphics 60 they may include, but are not limited to scenes, characters, animals, objects, alphanumerics such as numbers, letters, words, phrases and the like, highlighting or emphasizing leg and waist openings 52 and 50 in order to make the product shape more obvious or 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; the highlighted areas of the product to change the appearance of the product size; wet indicators that match, temperature indicators, and the like in the product; match a back label, or a front label on the product; and match written instructions in a desired place on the product.

The outer graphics 60 can be formed or applied to the outer cover 40 or to another substrate attached or placed with or placed near the outer cover 40 by any suitable technique. The outer graphics 60 are suitably matched with other components of the absorbent article during manufacture so that the outer graphics 60 are placed in the desired regions of the product.

The external graphics 60 may be active graphics, permanent graphics or combinations thereof. In particular aspects, at least one of the external graphics is an active graphic, and more particularly a graphic that vanishes. The exterior graphics 60 suitably for use with the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,297,424 issued October 2, 2001 to Olson et al., And 6,307,119 issued to Cammarota et al. On October 23, 2001. , whose descriptions are incorporated here to the extent that they are consistent (for example, not in conflict) with the present.

The outer graphics 60 of the present invention can also be configured to define a graphic theme. It should be noted that in order to establish a graphic theme, each external graphic 60 does not necessarily need to be directly related to the main graphic, however, it can be appreciated that to effectively establish a graphic theme, it is desirable to have at least the half of the external graphics 60 contributing to define the theme of the graphic, most desirably most of the external graphics 60 contribute to define the theme of the graphic, and even more desirably essentially all the external graphics 60 contribute to define the theme of the graph. Similarly, it can be appreciated that there were certain external graphs 60 that did not contribute to define the subject of other external graphs 60, and this can more effectively at least have non-contributing external graphs 60 being neutral or not in opposition to the graph of main theme.

The outer graphics 60 may define a theme of graphics when the specific matter of the outer graph 60 is the same or is associated with the subject matter of another external graph 60. For example, the external graphs 60 may be related by a unifying subject or a common history line, which can generally be known through books, movies, children's common activities, or other sources to provide a graphic theme. By way of example, two objects are considered the same or are associated in a subject matter in which the images are identical, illustrate separately different sizes, shapes or colors of a common object; each illustrated one or the other of two objects that are commonly associated with each other, such as the moon and the stars, a body of water and toys for water, a sandbox and suitable toys, a baseball bat and a ball, a barn and animals or similar; illustrate different items used in a particular activity, such as a sports activity, a gardening activity or the like; jointly illustrating elements that geometrically match or make contact such as a triangle and a triangle-shaped opening or the two halves of a rack; each illustrate a part of a multi-part painting; or similar. Similarly, two text messages are considered related in a specific subject where the messages: are identical; together they form a sentence, a thought or action such as "jump" and "up"; each refers to the other of the two items that are commonly associated with each other such as "bate" and "bola", "Grande" and "Niño", "Grande" and "Niña", or "Grande" and "Boy"; Together they present a question and answer or similar. Similarly, a text message and a pictorial image are considered to be related in a specific subject when the two names define or describe the image or the like.

Conversely, and only by way of illustration and not wishing to be limited to the examples listed, two objects are considered unrelated in a subject matter where the images: illustrate the items that are not either identical or illustrate two objects that they are not commonly associated with one another, such as a building block and an animal, a jump rope and a flower, a car and a star, an alphabet letter and a water toy, a fish and an apple, illustrate articles used in unrelated activities, such as items used in sports activities and items used in gardening activities, or other unrelated activities; or similar. Similarly, two text messages are considered unrelated in a specific subject where the messages: they are not either identical or uni form a sentence, thought or action, they refer to two articles that are not commonly associated with each other such as a "ball" and a "flower", a "fish" and a "pencil", a "car" and a "ghost", or other unrelated words; or similar. Similarly, a text message and a pictorial image are considered not related in a subject matter where the text does not name, define, describe or otherwise relate the image.

Therefore, the inner graph 90 may be related or unrelated to a graphical theme that can be defined by the outer graphs 60. Suitably the inner graph 90 is related to the subject of the graph. In particular, and without wishing to be limited to suitable specific additions, suitable examples of a graphic theme with an interrelated graphic 90 include: the outer graphics 60 being a racket, a bat, glove, or other similar sports equipment and the graphic interior 90 comprising balls or being related to the equipment or the like; the outer graphics 60 being a butterfly network or the like and the inner graphics 90 comprising butterflies or the like; the outer graphics 60 being a fish or boat or similar and the inner graphic 90 being a shell, water toys or the like (Figures 3 - 4); the exterior graphics 60 being flowers, plants, gardening tools or the like and interior graphics 90 comprising flowers or plants; the external graphics 60 being a specific environment such as a barn, a tractor or similar and the interior graphic 90 comprising cows, chickens, sheep or the like which are specifically adapted to the environment; the outer graph 60 being a telescope, stars, planets or similar and the inner graph 90 being cuetes, space planes or flying saucers.

In an aspect wherein the interior graphic 90 is related to a theme established by the exterior graphics 60, an opportunity is provided for the user and the caregiver to interact and improve the toilet's learning experience. For example, in one aspect the subject set by the outer graphics 60 may include graphs that can not complete any action or observation after the inner graph that vanishes at 90 has disappeared. This facilitates non-aggressive and gentle communication between the user and the caregiver when the child has an accident and wets his pants. A caregiver can have a positive approach: "Try not to wet your pants so that the bear on the beach still has his sand toys to play with." Significantly this can be used as a motivational basis to teach the child that it is within their control to allow the activity to continue for so long that the child can be without wetting their pants.

As mentioned above, the outer graphics 60 and the inner graphics 90 may be placed on the pants 20 using a variety of methods. For example, graphs 60 and 90 may suitably be placed on the pants 20 by being printed thereon using a flexographic printing process. Flexographic printing is a process of conventional printing technique which uses flexible plates, highlighted rubber or photopolymer to carry an inked image to a substrate, such as a side-to-body liner 42, an inner graphic layer 98, or the outer cover 40 of the underpants 20. As an example, the printing apparatus flexographic is shown and / or described in the Patents of the United States of America Numbers 5,458,590 (de Schleinz et al.); 5,566,616 (de Schleinz et al.); 2003 / 0019374A1 (de Harte); and 4,896,600 (Rogge et al.).

As previously noted, liquid-soluble inks can be used to form active graphs. It is theorized that the migration of the inks dissolved outwards on which they are printed (for example, a surface of the liner 42, the absorbent body 44, or the inner graphic layer 98, or combinations thereof) and inside the absorbent body 44 can improve the quality of fading or disappearance of the active graphs. To improve this effect, the liner 42 and / or the interior graphics layer 98 need not be attached to the absorbent body 44. Alternatively, the liner 42 and / or the interior graphic layer 98 may be attached to the absorbent body 44 and a another in a window glass panel design, wherein the location of the active graphic 90 is not attached to the absorbent body and the lining and / or inner graphic layer regions 98 surrounding the active graphic are joined. A suitable method and apparatus for bonding adhesively in a window panel design is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,683,752 issued November 4, 1997 to Popp et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference in the extent in which it is consistent (for example, not in conflict) with it.

As various changes can be made to the above constructions and methods, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all of the material contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

When introducing elements of the invention or preferred aspects thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there may be one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and. "having" is intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be more additional elements than other items listed.

Claims (19)

1. An absorbent article defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an interior article surface and an exterior article surface opposite said interior article surface, said article comprises: an outer cover defining an inner cover surface and an outer outer cover surface opposite said inner outer cover surface; an absorbent body placed on said inner cover surface; Y at least one interior graph placed on said interior article surface, wherein said at least one interior graph is an active graph.

2. An absorbent article defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an inner article surface and an outer article surface opposite said inner article surface, a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region that connects the first and second waist regions, said article comprising: side panels extending from and connecting said first and second waist regions in a pant configuration to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; an outer cover defining an interior exterior cover surface, and an exterior exterior cover surface opposite said interior exterior cover surface; the absorbent body is placed on the inner outer cover surface; and at least one interior graphics placed on said interior article surface, wherein said at least one interior graphics is an active graphic.

3. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, further characterized in that it comprises a body-side liner placed in a superposed relation with said inner outer cover surface, wherein said absorbent body is placed in the form of a sandwich between said outer cover and liner side to body, and wherein said inner article surface is provided at least in part by said liner from side to body.

4. The article as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the body-facing liner defines an inner lining surface and an outer lining surface opposite said inner lining surface, and wherein said inner graphic is applied on said lining. outer lining surface.

5. The article as claimed in clause 3, further characterized in that it comprises an inner graphic layer placed in the form of a sandwich between said absorbent body and said lining from side to body, and wherein the inner graph is applied on the layer of graph.

6. The article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the inner graphic layer is an emergence layer.

7. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, further characterized in that it defines a front waist edge, a rear waist edge, and an article length in said longitudinal direction, wherein said inner graph is spaced from said front waist edge in said longitudinal direction between 25% and 50% of the article length.

8. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, further characterized in that it defines a front waist edge, a rear waist edge, and an article length in said longitudinal direction, wherein said inner graph is spaced from said front waist edge in said longitudinal direction by between 35% and 60% of the article length.

9. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said at least one interior graph defines a total interior graph area and wherein said total interior graph area is at least 25 square centimeters.

10. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said at least one interior graph defines a total graph area and wherein said total interior graph area is at least 45 square centimeters.

11. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of interior graphics.

12. The article as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said plurality of interior graphics defines a total interior graphic area and wherein said total graph area is at least 25 square centimeters.

13. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that it comprises at least one external graphic placed on the surface of the outer article.

14. The article as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that at least one external graphic comprises a plurality of external graphics and wherein at least one of said plurality of external graphics is an active graphic.

15. The article as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the active exterior graph is a vanishing graph.

16. The article as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said at least one external graph defines a theme of external graph and wherein said internal graph is related to said external graph subject.

17. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said active interior graphic is a vanishing graph.

18. The article as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said active interior graphic is a graph that appears.

19. An article defining an interior article surface and an exterior article surface opposite said interior article surface, said article comprises: an outer cover defining an interior exterior cover surface, and an exterior exterior cover surface opposite said interior exterior cover surface; Y at least one interior graph placed on said interior article surface, wherein said at least one interior graph is an active graph.