RU2575445C2 - Absorbent product with complex pictures - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: present invention refers to absorbent products only containing active printed pictures or active printed pictures in a combination with permanent pictures for creating a moisture indicator. Various active and/or permanent graphic compositions are combined in such a manner to produce the moisture indicator easy-to-see on the product. Besides, when the absorbent product gets wet, the active pictures changes so that the user or nursing person sees it easily. E.g. in accordance with one of the embodiments, the active pictures are presented within an easy-to-see frame. The frame draws attention to the active pictures.

EFFECT: active pictures fill major part of the frame surface so that the easy-to-see change occurs when the absorbent product gets wet.

17 cl, 19 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many different types of absorbent articles designed to be worn or otherwise contacted with the body to absorb body fluids. Such absorbent articles may include diapers, panties for teaching children to use the toilet, absorbent articles for adults, hygiene products for women, underwear, diapers, dressings, and the like. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent articles comprise an outer shell, a lining and an absorbent structure located between the outer shell and the lining. The absorbent structure typically contains superabsorbent particles. Many absorbent articles, especially those sold under the trade name HUGGIES ^{® by} Kimberly-Clark, are so effective that it is difficult for the wearer or caregiver to distinguish between a dry absorbent article and a moistened body fluid, such as urine.

Therefore, various types of moisture indicators are used in absorbent products. Humidity indicators can be used for various purposes. For example, moisture indicators can be designed so that parents or caregivers find wet diapers faster.

Humidity indicators can also be used as a means of teaching a child to use the toilet. For example, a moisture indicator can help make it unpleasant for a child to wet an absorbent product and to want to use the toilet like adults do.

Moisture indicators previously used included a pattern printed on an absorbent article. Absorbent articles containing a moisture indicator in the form of drawings are described, for example, in patents US 6297424, US 6710221 and in patent application US 2006/0149197, incorporated herein by reference. Although these patents have provided significant improvements, further improvements are needed.

For example, previous moisture indicators in the form of drawings were created using water-soluble paints that dissolve when wet. So, upon contact with urine, the patterns are blurred and discolored, indicating that the absorbent product is wet. However, unfortunately, in order to ensure sufficient discoloration upon contact with urine, drawings created using water-soluble paints are somewhat limited in size, shape, location, line width, color, etc.

In addition, bleached patterns were usually placed on a white background. It was found that children wearing an absorbent article, or people caring for children, have some difficulty finding such discolored patterns. Thus, there is a need for further improvement of humidity indicators in the form of drawings, aimed at a more explicit indication of wetting of the absorbent product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles with visual moisture indicators. The moisture indicator, as a rule, contains drawings printed using active graphic compositions that change when exposed to urine, and constant graphic compositions that do not change when exposed to urine. As will be described in detail below, various embodiments of the present invention make it possible to make a change in the appearance of the absorbent article upon wetting more noticeable. In particular, embodiments of the present invention help a wearer of an absorbent article or a caregiver to detect a wet article.

For example, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the active patterns present on the absorbent article are relatively large, especially compared to many prior art designs. More active graphic composition is applied to the absorbent article to make active patterns more visible. Finally, the size of active patterns is maximized in combination with sharp color changes. For example, a sharp change in appearance occurs when a relatively large monochrome or multicolor pattern becomes transparent.

Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present invention, various terms should be defined.

In the present context, “active pattern” means a developing pattern, a discolored pattern, a color-changing pattern, or a combination thereof. In the present context, “manifesting pattern” means a pattern that becomes visible (appears) or becomes much more noticeable under the influence of body fluids. On the contrary, by “bleaching pattern” in the present context is meant a pattern that becomes invisible (disappears) or significantly less noticeable under the influence of body fluids such as urine, feces, vaginal secretions or nasal secretions.

In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention, the active pattern may comprise a bleached pattern formed by a paint soluble in aqueous solutions, such as body fluids. The paint is placed in an absorbent product so that it gets wet and dissolves when liquid enters the product. Dissolved paint is washed off the outer shell and covered by this outer shell. As a result, the active drawing disappears from view.

Suitable urine-soluble paints are available from various suppliers, for example, Sun Chemical Corp. of Philadelphia, Pa., USA manufactures paint under the trade name AQUA DESTRUCT. Specific urinary soluble compositions are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,022,211, issued May 10, 1977 to Timmons et al. and incorporated herein by reference. The color of the paint can be selected so as to provide an attractive appearance and graphic effect, including rapid discoloration upon contact with the liquid.

The active pattern may also contain a color-changing pattern formed by a composition such as paint or glue that changes color when exposed to an aqueous solution, such as urine. The color-changing composition may merge with the background or ambient color before or after contact with the aqueous solution, or change color more noticeably. Suitable compositions of this type are available from various suppliers, for example, Findley Adhesives Inc. of Wauwatosa, Wis., USA produces hot melt adhesive, which changes color when the pH changes. Alternatively, the active pattern may comprise pH sensitive paints, weak paints, colored absorbent particles, hydratable salts, moisture sensitive films, enzymes, heat sensitive paints and dyes, and the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the color-changing active graphic composition may comprise a matrix forming component, a dye, a surfactant, and a pH adjuster. The matrix forming component may be a water-insoluble film-forming polymer or a paint base, for example, an organic solvent flexographic varnish. The colorant may be a pH indicator, for example, a charged pH indicator capable of changing color in response to the presence of a liquid. The surfactant may include a charged dye attracting surfactant, or a combination of charged dye attracting surfactants and a neutral surfactant. The pH adjuster may include a low molecular weight organic acid and a high molecular weight organic acid.

The matrix forming component may comprise, for example, an acrylate-acrylamide copolymer, a polyurethane adhesive, methyl cellulose and / or copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide. Such color-changing compositions are disclosed, for example, in patent applications US 12/503364 and US 12/503380, which are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the ink compositions, the active pattern may also contain a dye, glue or any other suitable chemical.

In contrast to active patterns, “permanent pattern” in the present context means a pattern whose degree of visibility does not change significantly when the absorbent product comes in contact with urine under conditions simulating use. The change in the visibility of the pattern or part of the pattern can be determined by inspecting the pattern before and after exposure to the product. For this, the product is exposed to liquid by completely immersing it in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 wt.% Sodium chloride at room temperature (≈20 ° С) for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the product is removed from the aqueous solution and placed on a fiberglass sieve coated with TEFLON ™ material with 0.25 inch openings sold by Taconic Plastics Inc., Petersburg, NY, USA, which in turn is placed in a vacuum chamber and cover with an elastic rubber sheet. In the vacuum chamber for 5 minutes in a vacuum of 3.5 kPa (0.5 pound / inch ^2), whereupon the product was removed and inspected. A person with normal or corrected vision 20/20 should be examined from a distance of 1 meter with a light exposure of 30 foot candela (320 lux). Changes in the visibility of the pattern should be detected and, if necessary, their difference should be established from color changes of other materials in the absorbent system, such as fluff pulp. Preferably, the permanent pattern may be configured such that when a liquid enters the product or the environment is exposed to it, the appearance, size or shape of the pattern as a whole does not change significantly.

Drawings on an absorbent product can be made in such a way as to create a storyline that includes a constant character drawing (pseudographics) and an active object drawing. In the present context, “symbolic drawing” means a drawing containing an anthropomorphic image and, in particular, an image containing or suggesting an image of a human figure, or an image related to a person’s motivation, characteristics or behavior with respect to inanimate objects, animals, natural phenomena, cartoon characters, etc. Character drawings can include permanent drawings, active drawings, or both permanent and active drawings.

Preferably, the symbolic pattern may be part of the entire pattern present on the absorbent article defining the subject of the pictured picture.

By itself, a symbolic drawing can provide educational opportunities for interaction between the child and parents or caregivers. More specifically, parents or caregivers can use the graphic storyline to create a game or storyline for learning how to use the toilet.

Symbolical drawings may depict animals, people, inanimate objects, natural phenomena, cartoon characters, etc., which may or may not have the characteristic features of a person, such as hands, feet, face, etc. For more successful toilet training, the character pattern is preferably familiar to the child, for example, depicting a recognizable cartoon character. At least symbolic drawings must be such that the child can communicate with them, for example, animals, toys, licensed characters, etc. can be depicted on them. Symbolical drawings can be more attractive and pleasant for a child if they depict features, expressions, clothes, opportunities, etc., similar to human ones. For example, the animal depicted in the symbolic drawing can smile, wear clothes, play sports, fish, drive a car, play with toys, etc. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention, the character of the character drawing preferably looks friendly, positive, fearless, calm, independent, inspiring, active, expressive, fearless and / or persistent.

In general, absorbent articles made in accordance with the present invention comprise drawings including a plurality of images, objects and / or characters. All patterns can be assembled on an absorbent article in such a way as to represent some general picture. As already mentioned, in addition to characters and other images, a picture may include a frame, contours, background, foreground, and one or more silhouettes.

By “frame portion” is generally meant a substantially continuous border surrounding an image. For example, the frame portion may completely surround one or a plurality of images, or may substantially surround an image (e.g., at least 90% of the image). The frame part may also overlap the active patterns. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the frame portion may substantially surround one active pattern, while overlapping another active pattern. The product may contain one or more frame parts. The frame part consists of drawings or free space, and by itself may contain an object or be part of a larger image or character. The frame part can interact with any active drawings associated with the frame part.

The frame part is not part of the leg cuffs or seams on the product, whether the leg cuffs or seams are printed on the product or are functional elements of the product. The frame part also does not include a gap or gap in the background of the image shown on the product. The frame part can define the inner and outer perimeters. The distance between the inner and outer perimeters can be, for example, more than 0.5 mm, for example more than 2 mm, for example more than 3 mm, for example more than 4 mm, for example more than 5 mm. The distance between the inner and outer perimeters may also be less than about 50 mm, for example less than about 25 mm, for example less than about 10 mm. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the distance between the inner and outer perimeters may be from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, for example from about 3 mm to about 7 mm.

By "contour", in turn, we mean lines that define or limit the characteristic features or main aspects of the image, object or character. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a character appearing on an absorbent article may include a contour made from permanent patterns or from free space. Inside the outline, the character can be colored using active patterns.

By “background” in the present context is meant the surface on which the represented objects and figures are depicted. The background is located behind the image or object. Each picture includes a background. In addition, various elements within the image may also include a background.

By “background” in the present context is meant the location of an image or object in front of something. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that an object can be located simultaneously in the foreground and in the background.

By “silhouette” is meant the general shape of an object, image or character without the characteristic features or basic aspects of an object within the silhouette. A silhouette, for example, does not include details or elements designed to show multidimensionality or recognition of an image or character, such as facial features, details of clothing, flower petals, etc. The silhouette may also contain a dark image on a lighter background and vice versa.

As already mentioned, the present invention can relate to the application of images on an absorbent article containing a surface, such as an inner or outer surface. The surface may have a “print area,” defined as the area of the rectangle, having a length measured from the front edge of the absorbent article to the rear edge of the absorbent article, and a width measured as the narrowest portion of the surface, such as the outer shell, typically located in the crotch area. It should be clear that the width of the permanent and active patterns located on the absorbent product may exceed the width of the specified print area.

By "surface area of the active drawing" in the present context is meant the surface area onto which the active graphic composition is applied. By “surface area within the perimeter of the active drawing” is meant an area defined by the perimeter of the external elements of the drawing, which may include areas within the perimeter that are not marked with an active graphic composition.

The outer shell may also include “free space”. Free space refers to the predominant surface color of an absorbent article. The free space may be, for example, the color of the surface material of the absorbent article prior to the application of any printed image. For example, the free space may contain the natural color of the material used to form the surface of the absorbent article. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the free space on the absorbent article is white. The free space may be formed by a whitespace region on the substrate, or may comprise a region that has been printed or which has been treated with pigment or ink, if it is the predominant color. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the active patterns fade, fade, become transparent, or acquire a color of free space, which increases the free space on the outer shell. Alternatively, the color of the active patterns may shift from the color of the free space to another color, thereby reducing the free space on the outer shell.

In accordance with one embodiments, the present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface. The absorbent structure is adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the absorbent article may further include a liquid-permeable liner. The absorbent structure may be located between the outer shell and the liquid permeable liner.

In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent article includes at least one active pattern included in the absorbent article so that it is visible on the outer surface of the outer shell. This at least one active pattern may be substantially or completely surrounded by a frame portion or contour.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface area of the at least one active pattern is more than about 800 mm ² , for example, more than about 1000 mm ² . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, one or more active patterns may occupy the entire surface area of the outer shell, for example, the entire print area of the outer shell. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the surface area of the active pattern may be less than about 140,000 mm ² , for example less than about 45,000 mm ² , for example less than about 20,000 mm ² , for example, less than about 8,000 mm ² , depending on the type and size of the product (product for adults or product for children).

As already mentioned, the surface of the outer shell can determine the print area. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active pattern may occupy more than 1%, for example more than about 1.2%, for example more than about 1.4% of the print area of the outer shell.

The absorbent article can be generally divided into three zones. For example, the absorbent article may comprise a front zone, a rear zone, and a crotch zone between the front and rear zones. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of these zones may have substantially the same length in the longitudinal direction. The frame portion or contour substantially surrounding the active image may be mainly or entirely located in the crotch area. In the present context, “mainly” means that more than 50% of the frame part or contour is located in the crotch area.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the frame part or the contour can be mainly or entirely located in the front zone. In general, the frame portion, contour, and / or active patterns may be located at any suitable location on the absorbent article. The position of the various active patterns on absorbent articles is presented and / or described, for example, in patent application US 2006/0149197 or in patent application US 2009/0062757, incorporated herein by reference.

The outer surface or inner surface of the absorbent article may also be divided into two halves in the longitudinal direction. For example, an absorbent article may include a front half and a rear half. The front half extends from the front edge of the product to the middle of the product between the front edge and the rear edge. The rear half of the absorbent article, in turn, may extend from the rear edge of the article to its middle. Both the front and the rear half may comprise a print area, which typically is half the print area of the entire outer or inner surface. In many cases, active and / or permanent patterns may be present only on the front half or only on the rear half of the absorbent article.

At least one active pattern located inside the outline or frame part may consist of an active graphic composition that changes when it comes in contact with a bodily fluid, such as urine. For example, an active graphic composition allows you to create a pattern that, when exposed to urine, becomes less noticeable, more noticeable, or changes color. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the color active graphic composition upon contact with urine may become transparent. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, an active graphic composition in contact with urine may change hue. However, as indicated above, the outline or frame part consists of a permanent pattern or free space. The outline or frame part makes the active pattern much more noticeable, especially with the dimensions indicated above. Thus, the moisture indicator is easily distinguishable for the wearer or caregiver.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, to further improve the ability of the patterns to serve as an indicator of humidity, one or more active patterns located in the frame portion or contour occupies a substantial portion of the surface area bounded by the frame portion or contour. For example, the frame portion or contour may have an inner perimeter defining a surface area within that perimeter. In accordance with the present invention, at least one active pattern occupies at least about 35% of the surface area within the inner perimeter. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, one or more active patterns may occupy at least 30%, for example at least about 60%, for example at least about 70%, for example at least about 80% of the surface area limited the inner perimeter. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the surface area bounded by the inner perimeter can be completely occupied by one or more active patterns. Thus, when active patterns come in contact with urine, the appearance of the absorbent article changes significantly.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the frame portion or contour overlaps at least a portion of the active pattern. Some overlapping of these components not only improves alignment, but can also improve the appearance of a dry or wet image.

The frame portion surrounding the active pattern may be included in the picture shown on the absorbent article. For example, the frame part may contain an object, image or character in accordance with the storyline of the entire picture. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the frame portion and the active pattern can be combined to form a single pattern when the absorbent article is in a dry and / or wet state.

The frame part itself can stand out significantly on the absorbent article. For example, the frame part may define the inner and outer perimeters. The surface area within the inner perimeter may comprise more than about 4.5% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, more than about 9% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell), for example more than about 5% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, more than about 10% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell), for example, more than about 7% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, more than about 14% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell i), for example, more than about 9% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, more than about 18% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell).

The surface area bounded by the outer perimeter of the frame portion may occupy more than about 5% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, more than about 10% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell), for example more than about 7.5% of the print area of the outer shell (for example more than about 15% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell), for example, more than about 10% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, more than about 20% of the print area of the front half outer shell).

The method of incorporating active and / or permanent patterns into an absorbent article may vary depending on the particular embodiment. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, active patterns may be located on the inner surface of the outer shell, and permanent patterns may be located on the outer surface of the outer shell. Placing active patterns on the inner surface of the outer shell provides contact of the active patterns with urine when urine enters the absorbent article. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the outer shell may include a liquid permeable outer layer and a liquid impermeable inner layer. At least one active pattern may be located on the surface of the inner layer forming the inner surface of the outer shell. Permanent patterns, such as the frame part or contour, can be located on the opposite surface of the inner layer.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the active patterns on the absorbent article may fade, fade, become transparent or white so that the size of the free space on the surface of the absorbent article increases or decreases with the activation of the active patterns. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the outer shell of the absorbent article can determine the initial amount of free space, and after activating the active patterns, the free space on the outer shell can increase or decrease by more than about 15%, for example, more than about 20%, for example, more than about 40%, for example, more than about 50%, for example, more than about 60%.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, various elements may be combined to provide a moisture indicator comprising constant and active patterns. For example, at least one active pattern can be essentially surrounded by a frame part in addition to the contour. In addition, the active pattern can be placed on a color background. The background color itself may be an active or permanent pattern.

According to an alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising an outer shell and an absorbent structure adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell. In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent article includes an active pattern located on the outer shell. The active drawing is made by applying an active graphic composition to the outer shell in such a way that it forms treated areas and unprocessed areas. Untreated areas can form a visible image on the outer shell. The visible image may contain, for example, an object or character. However, when the active pattern contacts urine, the active pattern disappears or changes color so that at least one image becomes substantially invisible.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the active pattern is located on the absorbent article so that it is surrounded by a color background. When the absorbent article is in a dry state, the active pattern is substantially invisible. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active pattern may be essentially the same color as the background color. However, when the active pattern is in contact with urine, the active pattern becomes visible on the outer surface of the outer shell. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active pattern may fade or fade, leaving an image. Alternatively, the active pattern may change color, thus becoming visible and noticeable.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article includes a moisture indicator comprising a control scale pattern. For example, a drawing in the form of a control scale may contain a frame part surrounding the control element or several control elements. The control elements contain an active pattern that, when in contact with body fluid, changes color, including a change in color, or becomes invisible. In accordance with one of the embodiments of the invention, the control elements may contain one or more columns with bars or dots.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the control scale pattern may be relatively small and not be part of the overall picture shown on the absorbent article. Being relatively small in size, the control bar pattern may provide the user with some privacy. For example, a control scale pattern may be applied to an absorbent article for adults so that it is clearly visible only to the wearer of the article.

For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the surface area of the control elements contained in the control scale pattern may be less than about 150 mm ² , for example, less than about 120 mm ² , for example, less than 90 mm ² . The control elements may occupy more than about 20 mm ² , for example more than about 50 mm ² , for example more than about 70 mm ² .

The frame portion surrounding the control elements may have an inner perimeter defining a surface area. Control elements may occupy less than about 20%, for example less than about 18%, for example less than about 15% of the surface area bounded by the inner perimeter.

As already mentioned, the outer shell of the absorbent article defines the overall print area. The control elements may occupy less than about 0.2% of the surface area of the outer shell within the perimeter, for example less than about 0.15%, for example less than about 0.12% of the print area.

The frame portion of the control scale pattern may also have an outer perimeter defining a surface area within that perimeter. The surface area bounded by the outer perimeter may generally occupy less than about 4% of the print area of the outer shell. For example, the surface area within the outer perimeter of the frame portion may occupy less than about 3%, for example less than about 2% of the print area of the outer shell.

Below other differences and aspects of the present invention will be discussed in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below is presented in more detail the full and sufficient disclosure of the present invention, including the best options for its implementation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1, 2 and 3 are plan views of an absorbent article including a moisture indicator, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5 are plan views of an absorbent article including a moisture indicator in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a partial view of an absorbent article including a moisture indicator in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

7 and 8 are plan views of an absorbent article including a moisture indicator in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 9 and 10 are plan views of an absorbent article including a moisture indicator in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

11 and 12 are plan views of an absorbent article including a moisture indicator in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a perspective view of an absorbent article including a moisture indicator in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig-19 presents views in plan of humidity indicators in accordance with other variants of implementation of the present invention.

The same reference numbers in the present description and in the drawings indicate the same or similar features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present invention are provided in the present description by way of example only and are not limiting.

In General, the present invention relates to absorbent products containing moisture indicators. In accordance with the present invention, the moisture indicator includes a combination of active and permanent patterns. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, active and constant drawings may be interconnected to represent the entire picture with a common storyline. Permanent patterns are used to highlight active patterns to provide a very noticeable change in the absorbent article when wet. In this way, the carrier of the product or the carer can instantly detect bodily fluids, such as urine, entering the absorbent product.

For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the image depicted on the absorbent article provides a single, integral appearance that may coincide with a color background covering substantially the entire outer skin and side regions. The absorbent article may include a simple moisture indicator pattern, which, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, significantly reduces the amount of free space in the crotch area of the absorbent article and highlights the position of the active pattern on the dry article. When wet, a significant visual change in the active image occurs without compromising the overall appearance of the product. The humidity indicator in accordance with the present invention can be made in absorbent products of all sizes and is designed for use taking into account the floor of the carrier of the product.

1 to 3 show an absorbent article 10 made in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The drawings show, in general, children's training panties. However, it should be clear that the ideas of the invention described herein are applicable to any suitable absorbent article, such as a diaper, absorbent article for adults, a sanitary article for women, and the like.

The drawings show active and permanent patterns visible on the outer surface of an absorbent article, for example, deposited on an outer shell. However, it should be understood that the drawings can also be applied so that they can be seen on the inner surface of the product. For example, when applied to a hygiene product for women, drawings can preferably be applied so that they are visible on the inner surface adjacent to the body of the wearer of the product. In order for active images to be visible from the inside, they can be applied on a liquid-permeable lining facing the body, on the buffer layer, on a part of the absorbent layer, or even, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, on the material of the outer shell. If active images are applied to the inner surface of the product, they should not be surrounded by a frame part, contour, silhouette, etc. or be associated with them.

The absorbent articles of FIG. 3 generally include an outer shell 12 having an outer surface and an inner surface. An absorbent structure 15 is adjacent to the inner surface. Optionally, the absorbent article may also comprise a liquid-permeable inner lining 14. The absorbent structure may be located between the outer shell 12 and the inner lining 14. The absorbent article 10 may further include elastic belts 16 and 18 and elastic elements 20 and 22 for legs.

The absorbent article 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be made of various materials. The outer shell 12 may be made of a material substantially impervious to liquid, and may be flexible, stretchable or non-stretchable. The outer shell 12 may be a single layer of liquid impervious material or may include a multilayer laminate structure in which at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable. For example, the outer shell 12 may include a liquid-permeable outer layer and a liquid-impermeable inner layer appropriately bonded with a lamination adhesive.

For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the liquid-permeable outer layer may be a spunbond-type polypropylene non-woven material. The density of the spunbond type material may be, for example, from about 15 g / m ² to about 25 g / m ² .

The inner layer, in contrast, may be liquid and vapor impermeable or liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. The inner layer is preferably made of a thin polymer film, although other flexible liquid-impermeable materials may also be used. The inner layer protects, for example, sheets and clothing, as well as the wearer and caregiver, from soaking with used material. A suitable liquid impermeable film may be a polyethylene film of a thickness of about 0.2 mm.

A breathable material suitable for use as an inner layer is a microporous polymer film or non-woven fabric coated or otherwise processed to obtain the desired level of liquid impermeability. Other airtight elastic films that can be used as the inner layer include films made from block copolymers, such as styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene or styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers.

As indicated above, the absorbent structure is located between the outer shell and the liquid-permeable liner 14 facing the body. The lining 14 facing the body should be sufficiently flexible, soft and not irritating to the skin of the user. The body-facing lining 14 can be made of various fabric materials, such as synthetic fiber, natural fiber, a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, foam, mesh foams, polymer films with holes, and the like. Various woven and nonwoven webs can be used for the body-facing lining 14. For example, the body-facing lining may be made of a material such as meltblown and spunbond of polyolefin fiber. The lining facing the body may also be a glued carded web of natural and / or synthetic fiber.

A suitable liquid permeable body facing lining 14 is a non-woven biocomponent fabric, the density of which is approximately 27 g / m ² . The non-woven biocomponent can be a biocomponent fabric of the type spunbond or glued carded biocomponent fiber. Suitable biocomponent staple fiber includes polyethylene / polypropylene biocomponent fiber. According to this particular embodiment, polypropylene forms a core and polyethylene forms a fiber sheath. However, another orientation of the fibers is possible.

The material used to make the absorbent structure may include, for example, cellulosic fiber (e.g. wood fiber), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven and nonwoven webs, mesh canvas or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binders, surfactants certain hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, deodorizing additives, etc., as well as combinations thereof. According to one particular embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent sheet material is a matrix of fluff pulp and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. Fluff pulp may contain a mixture of fluff wood fibers. One of the preferred types of fluffy material under the trade name CR 1654 is supplied by US Alliance Pulp Mills of Coosa, Ala., USA and is bleached, highly absorbent wood pulp, containing mainly softwood fibers. Typically, the absorbent web contains superabsorbent material in an amount of from 0 to about 90 wt.% Based on the total weight of the web. The density of the web may be from about 0.1 to about 0.45 g / cm ³ .

Superabsorbent materials are widely known in the art and can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. Superabsorbent materials may be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. Typically, a superabsorbent material can absorb a mass of liquid at least 15 times and preferably more than 25 times its own weight. Suitable superabsorbent materials are available from various suppliers. For example, the FAVOR SXM 880 superabsorbent from Stockhausen Inc., Greensboro, N.C., USA and Drytech 2035 from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mien., USA.

In addition to cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent materials, absorbent pad structures may also contain adhesives and / or artificial fibers to stabilize and adhere when properly activated. Additives, such as adhesives, may be present in the same form as cellulose fibers, or in a different form; for example, such additives may be fibrous, in the form of particles or liquids; adhesives can be curable or heat-shrinkable. Such additives can improve the integrity of the loose absorbent structure and, alternatively or additionally, can provide adhesion between the facing layers of the folded structure.

Canvas from absorbent materials can be formed using various known methods and technologies. For example, an absorbent web may be formed by dry molding, aerial styling, carding, meltblown or spunbond methods, wet molding, foaming, and the like, as well as a combination of these methods. It is also possible to use layered and / or laminated structures. Methods and devices for implementing such methods are widely known.

The absorbent web may also be a coform material. By "co-material" is usually meant composite materials containing a mixture or a stabilized matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a second, non-thermoplastic material. For example, coform materials can be made by a process in which at least one aerodynamic extrusion head is located adjacent to a drain chute, through which other materials are fed into the web during molding. Such other materials may include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials, such as wood or non-wood pulp, such as cotton, rayon, recycled paper, fluff pulp, as well as superabsorbent particles or fibers, inorganic absorbent materials, processed polymer staple fiber, etc. .P. Any of various artificial polymers can be used as a melt-spun component of the conform material. For example, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, thermoplastic polymers can be used. Some examples of suitable thermoplastics include polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and the like; polyamides and polyesters. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene. Some examples of such co-materials are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,100,324 to Anderson et al .; US 5,284,703 to Everhart, et al. and US 5,350,624 to Georger, et al., incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The possibility of using elastic thin-sheet absorbent structures is also contemplated. For example, an elastic absorbent coform structure containing from about 35 wt.% To about 65 wt.% Wettable staple fiber and from more than about 35 wt.% To about 65 wt.% Elastic thermoplastic fiber can be used to determine absorbent cushioning structures in accordance with the invention. Examples of such elastic coform materials are given in US Pat. No. 5,645,542, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a suitable absorbent elastic non-woven material may include a matrix of thermoplastic elastic non-woven fibers in an amount of from about 3 wt.% To less than about 20 wt.% By weight of a matrix material comprising a plurality of absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent material, such as absorbent fibers, and superabsorbent material comprise from about 22 wt.% to 77 wt.% by weight of the material. Such a nonwoven fabric is described in US Pat. No. 6,362,389, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Absorbent elastic non-woven materials are applicable for a wide range of hygiene products in which softness and fit, as well as absorbency and elasticity, are of great importance.

The absorbent fabric may also be a non-woven fabric containing artificial fibers. The material may include natural fibers and / or superabsorbent material. The density of the material may be from about 0.1 to about 0.45 g / cm ³ . Alternatively, the absorbent material may be foam.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the absorbent article 10 may include side regions 24 and 26. The color of the side regions 24 and 26 may be mixed with the color of the overall image appearing on the absorbent article. The side regions 24 and 26 may be permanently connected or may be disconnectedly connected. For example, in FIG. 3, the side regions 24 and 26 are shown in a disconnected state. In general, the side regions 24 and 26 are made of an elastic material, such as an elastic laminate.

As shown in particular in FIG. 3, the absorbent article 10 defines a longitudinal center line 3, a transverse center line 32, a first or front, longitudinal end edge 34 and a second or rear, longitudinal end edge 36. The longitudinal axis lies in a plane products and is usually parallel to the vertical plane dividing the body of the product carrier standing on the left and right halves. The transverse axis lies in the plane of the product, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In general, the absorbent article may be divided along the longitudinal axis into a front zone 40, a rear zone 44, and a crotch zone 42 located between the front and rear zones. According to one embodiment of the invention, the front zone, the crotch zone and the rear zone can be approximately the same length in the longitudinal direction.

The absorbent article may also be divided into a front half and a rear half. The front half, for example, can extend longitudinally from the leading edge to the middle of the article, and the rear zone can extend from the rear edge to the middle of the article.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the absorbent article 10 includes moisture sensitive images. In accordance with the present invention, the overall picture depicted on the outer shell of the absorbent article can be made from a combination of permanent and active patterns. According to an embodiment of the invention, for example, the two main characters 50 and 52 of the picture are cars, or automobiles. Cars 50 and 52 appear on background 54 with additional drawings. Background 54, for example, may contain additional picture details. In accordance with the presented embodiment, for example, against the background 54 shows a racing stadium. Alternatively, the background 54 may simply be monochrome, matching in color with the side regions 24 and 26 and contrasting with the color of the cars 50 and 52.

In accordance with the presented embodiment of the invention, cars 50 and 52 and background 54 may contain permanent patterns.

In the foreground, in front of automobiles 50 and 52, there is a frame portion 56 surrounding the active images 58. The size and location of the frame portion 56 in accordance with the present invention allows active patterns 58 to be highlighted. For example, the frame portion 56 may substantially surround the active patterns. For example, the frame portion may surround at least 90% of the active patterns, or may completely surround the active patterns, as shown in the drawing.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the outer shell 12 defines a printable area comparable in size to the frame portion and the surface occupied by active and / or permanent patterns. It should be clear that the printed material can cover not only the print area of the outer shell, depending on the specific implementation. For example, the outer sheath may be wider in the waist zone than in the gusset zone.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active patterns within the frame portion occupy more than 1% of the print area of the outer shell. For example, active drawings may occupy more than 1.2% or more than 1.4% of the print area of the outer shell. Active drawings occupying the reduced portion of the print area of the outer shell are relatively large compared to many prior art products.

In particular, the total area occupied by active images in the frame device 56 may be more than 800 mm ² , for example more than 900 mm ² , for example more than 1000 mm ² , for example more than 1200 mm ² . If active images are contained in the frame portion, their surface area in accordance with various embodiments of the invention may be less than about 140,000 mm ² , for example less than about 45,000 mm ² , for example less than about 20,000 mm ² .

The frame portion 56 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention may depict an object, drawing, or character, further included in the overall picture and storyline, presented on an absorbent product. For example, in accordance with the presented embodiment, the frame portion 56 depicts the tire and may be multi-colored.

The frame portion 56 may include an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the frame portion may be relatively large, which makes it noticeable on an absorbent article. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the surface area limited by the outer perimeter of the frame portion can occupy at least about 5% of the print area of the outer shell (more than about 10% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell), for example, more than about 7, 5% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, more than about 15% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell), for example more than about 10% of the print area of the outer shell (for example, b Lee than about 20% print area of the front half of the outer shell).

As already mentioned, inside the frame part 56, and / or intersecting with the frame part, there are one or more active patterns 58. The active patterns are made by applying an active graphic composition to the outer shell of the absorbent article. The active graphic composition changes when it comes in contact with a body fluid, such as urine. In accordance with the present invention, the change is significantly more noticeable than in many products in accordance with the prior art, allowing the wearer or caregiver to immediately notice the wetting of the absorbent product.

For example, in accordance with the embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 1 and 2, the active patterns 58 comprise a concentric ring and a circle, which should appear as a tire cap. In accordance with one embodiment, the active pattern, when wet, becomes discolored, becomes transparent, or disappears. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, after the absorbent article 10 is wet, the active patterns 58 disappear, leaving free space inside the frame portion 56.

The active graphic composition used to create active patterns may contain a composition that is water soluble and thus dissolves and disappears when wet. Alternatively, the active graphic composition may be insoluble in water and may change color upon contact with urine. For example, a blue active graphic composition may become transparent. Alternatively, active drawings 58 may change color or hue from one to another.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active patterns 58 contained in the frame portion 56 occupy a substantial portion of the surface area within the perimeter of the frame portion. Thus, less “free space” remains within the frame portion 56. Minimizing free space greatly improves the ability of the wearer or caregiver to notice a change in image when wet. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the frame portion 56 includes an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter that defines a surface area within the frame portion. Active drawings can occupy more than about 35%, for example more than about 40%, for example more than about 50% of the surface area bounded by the inner perimeter. In general, an active image may occupy 100% of the surface area bounded by the inner perimeter, or less than about 90%, for example less than about 80%, for example, less than about 70% of the surface area bounded by the inner perimeter.

Although minimizing the empty space may be desirable when the product is dry, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active patterns acquire the color of the free space, become transparent, discolour or become white, thereby dramatically increasing the free space on the absorbent product when active patterns are activated. A significant increase in free space significantly changes the product. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the increase in free space on the print area of one side of the product is more than about 15%, for example more than about 20%, for example more than about 40%, for example more than about 50%, for example more than approximately 60%. In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the active patterns can be configured to reduce the amount of free space upon activation. For example, a product may include active patterns that change color matching the color of free space to another color. According to this embodiment of the invention, the free space on the printing area can be reduced by more than about 15%, for example more than about 20%, for example more than about 40%, for example more than about 50%, for example more than about 60%

Active and permanent patterns used to form the pictures of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be applied to absorbent articles in various ways. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the outer shell 12 of the absorbent article includes several layers. The outer shell 12 may include, for example, an inner waterproof film and an outer permeable layer, which may comprise, for example, a layer of nonwoven material. The inner film may be transparent, so that images printed on the inner film can be seen on the outer surface of the outer shell. It should be noted that active images must be applied to the absorbent product in such a way as to come into contact with any bodily fluids that may be absorbed by the product. In this regard, active images can be printed on the inner surface of the outer shell, for example, on the inner surface of the inner film. However, permanent images can be printed on other layers of the outer shell. For example, permanent images can be printed on the outer surface of the outer shell or on any of the inner layers, or on the side facing the body of the carrier, or on the side opposite to the body of the carrier of the product.

If active images are to be visible from the inside of the garment, they can be applied to the lining facing the body, to the buffer layer, to the wrapping material surrounding the absorbent structure, or even to the outer shell if the active images are visible from the inside.

When printing images on an absorbent product, the active patterns should be consistent with the patterns, ensuring the integrity of the entire picture. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, to provide greater print alignment, at least a portion of the frame portion 56 may overlap at least a portion of the active patterns 58. For example, the printed perimeter of the frame portion may be smaller than the printed perimeter of the active patterns within frame part.

Another factor that must be considered when creating a picture containing constant and active patterns, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is the position of the active patterns on the absorbent article. According to one embodiment of the invention, for example, the active patterns 58 and / or the frame portion 56 are located mainly in the crotch zone 42 of the absorbent article, as seen in FIG. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, all active patterns may be in the gusset zone, and part or all of the frame parts may also be in the gusset zone. Placing active patterns in the crotch area provides contact with urine when the absorbent article is wet. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the active patterns must also extend from the center of the absorbent article, so that they can be seen when the article is worn. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active patterns may have a center located at a distance from the center of the absorbent article at the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse axes. For example, the center of the active patterns may be at a distance of from about 6 to about 20 cm from the center of the absorbent article.

Figures 4 and 5 show an absorbent article 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numbers refer to like elements. As can be seen in the drawings, the absorbent article 10 includes an outer shell 12 and side regions 24 and 26 forming a frame. In accordance with the present invention, a combination of permanent and active patterns is applied to the outer shell 12 to create a picture. According to this embodiment of the invention, the picture depicts a princess 60 surrounded by a background 62. Background 62 includes a solid fill and various images. Images include castle, flowers and butterflies.

Instead of the frame part shown in FIGS. 1-3, the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 includes a contour 64 of the princess 60, consisting of permanent patterns. Active drawings in accordance with this embodiment of the invention are the garments of the princess, including a dress, gloves and a ribbon for hair.

Figure 4 presents a dry absorbent article 10. Figure 5 shows an absorbent article 10 after contact with urine. As shown in the drawings, the active patterns 56 are colored when the product is dry and become transparent or discolored when the product is wet.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the princess pattern occupies a substantial part of the surface of the outer shell 12. In addition, the princess pattern extends from the crotch zone of the absorbent article to the front zone of the absorbent article (or, alternatively, to the rear zone of the absorbent article). Thus, the princess pattern and outline 60 can occupy at least about 10%, for example at least about 20%, for example at least about 40%, for example at least about 60%, for example at least about 80% of the front half outer shell. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the character or active patterns may occupy 100% of the front half of the outer surface. Thus, the surface area of the active patterns may exceed 20,000 mm ² , for example, exceed 45,000 mm ² . This provides a very noticeable and obvious change in the appearance of the absorbent product when wet.

As already mentioned, in the past, relatively small active patterns were printed on absorbent products, surrounded by a considerable free space. These active patterns were discolored when wet due to the introduction of water-soluble paints into absorbent articles. However, in accordance with one embodiment, due to the use of a water-soluble composition that either changes from the first color to the second or changes from color to transparent, images of significantly larger size can be applied to absorbent products, providing a significantly more dramatic change in the appearance of the product when wet .

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 4 and 5, active images 66 from color, such as cyan, red, green, and the like, become transparent. However, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, the active graphic composition used to create the active pattern may transition from a first color or hue to a second color or hue.

In accordance with some variants of the invention, the active pattern 66 can also be obtained using water-soluble paints. According to this embodiment of the invention, the permanent patterns forming the outline 64 and the background 62 remain visible when the active images 64 disappear, become discolored or change color.

The absorbent article of FIGS. 1-3, including car characters, may be made for use by boys, and the princess picture depicted on the articles of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be particularly suitable for girls. However, it should be clear that the ideas of the invention described in connection with various options for its implementation can be applied to any gender by depicting the appropriate picture and applying the appropriate colors.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, pictures and active patterns on absorbent articles are particularly well suited to detect wetting of the absorbent article. The moisture indicator can be used by adults or carers to prevent a child from walking in a wet diaper, or it can be used by a child to assist in learning how to use the toilet. When used as a training tool for learning to use the toilet, other differences may be included in the active drawings to not only encourage the use of the toilet, but also discourage the wetting of the absorbent product. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active patterns present in the pictures may change color when wet. In particular, active drawings can change color from pleasant (for example, blue or pink) to unpleasant (for example, bright green, gray, etc.).

11 and 12 show an absorbent article 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, similar to the article of FIGS. 4 and 5. According to this embodiment, the outer shell 12 of the absorbent article comprises a character picture. The picture with the character includes a character surrounded by a built-in background 65, including various objects and drawings. The character contains persistent and active images. Character 67 also forms a silhouette surrounding flowers 68 in accordance with this embodiment. Flowers 68 are composed of an active pattern. As shown in FIG. 12, when the absorbent article becomes wet, the flowers change color or disappear.

An absorbent article 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig.6. Figure 6 presents only the part of the absorbent product on which the drawings are located. In accordance with the present invention, the picture depicted on the absorbent article 10 is made using a combination of constant and active patterns. The image shown in FIG. 6 depicts princess characters 70 on a colored background 72. The background color, for example, may contain any color that enhances the appearance of the characters 70.

As can be seen in the drawings, the picture also contains a foreground pattern including a frame portion 74, background color 78, various heart shapes 80 and heart shapes 82. The foreground picture serves as an indicator of humidity for the whole picture. The various elements contained in the frame portion 74 may be made of constant and active patterns. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, only heart patterns 82 are active patterns. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, heart-shaped patterns 82 and background 78 comprise active patterns. Thus, essentially the entire region within the frame portion may change color or become discolored and fade.

Figures 7 and 8 show an absorbent article 10 made in accordance with the present invention. Presented absorbent article 10 includes an outer layer 12, which depicts a picture and which consists of at least active patterns. More specifically, in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the picture includes a background 90 consisting of active graphic patterns that surrounds or covers other images. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 7, for example, a background 90 consisting of active patterns surrounds several stars 92. Stars 92 can be made in various ways. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, stars 92 may be made from an active graphic composition or from a constant graphic composition. Alternatively, the background 90 may be made of an active graphic composition applied to the outer shell so as to form treated and untreated areas. Stars 92 may contain untreated zones.

FIG. 7 shows an absorbent article 10 in a dry state, and FIG. 8 shows an absorbent article after wetting. As can be seen in the drawing, when wet, background 90 changes color or becomes discolored. Thus, when the background 90 contacts the urine, the whole picture disappears. A particular advantage is that if the background 90 contains active patterns that change color, discolour, fade, or appear, almost all of the outer shell 12 changes appearance when the absorbent article becomes wet. Thus, the humidity indicator when changing becomes very noticeable.

Figures 9 and 10 show an absorbent article 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment, the absorbent article 10 includes an outer shell 12, which depicts a picture consisting of constant and active patterns. The absorbent article 10 of FIG. 9 includes a color background 94 and active patterns 96 that are invisible on a dry article. More specifically, when the product is in a dry state, the entire outer shell has one color or shade. However, when wet, as shown in FIG. 10, active patterns 96 become visible.

For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active drawings 96 may consist of an active graphic composition that changes color from first to second (for example, a change in hue) or becomes transparent. The first color may substantially match the background color 94, consisting of a constant graphic composition. Thus, the active patterns 96 are indistinguishable on a dry product, but become easily noticeable when the absorbent article 10 is wet. As shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active patterns 96 may contain words, phrases, and various images. In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, however, a completely colored picture may appear, including characters and objects.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the background 94 may consist of an active pattern, and the image or picture that appears when the product is wet may consist of permanent patterns 96. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the background does not change color or becomes transparent 94, thus making figure 96 visible.

13 shows an absorbent article 10 made in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 13, the absorbent article includes an outer casing 12, which shows a picture. The picture may contain, for example, a character with drawings that make up the background and foreground. The picture depicted on the absorbent article 10 may consist entirely of permanent patterns.

In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent article 10 of FIG. 13 also includes a moisture indicator 100, configured so that it changes upon contact with the body fluid. As can be seen in the drawing, the indicator 100 contains a drawing in the form of a scale. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, in contrast to the above, the humidity indicator 100 is relatively small and is not included or is not connected in any way with the general picture presented on the garment. On the contrary, the humidity indicator 100 visually differs from other drawings on the outer shell and has a more functional appearance. Thus, the moisture indicator 100 is clearly visible on the outer shell.

Although clearly distinguishable, the moisture indicator 100, due to its relatively small size, can also provide the wearer of the absorbent article some privacy. For example, although the drawing in the form of a scale is easily distinguishable, its small size does not make it easy for an outsider to notice it.

As shown in the drawing, the humidity indicator 100 includes a frame portion 102 containing internal and external perimeters. Within the inner perimeter of the frame portion 102, there are control elements 104 including a column with crossbars spaced from each other. The control elements 104 may lie entirely within the inner perimeter of the frame portion 102 or intersect with the frame portion. Control elements may or may not be surrounded by a color background. The control elements 104 contain active patterns that change color, such as shade, or disappear when in contact with a liquid, such as urine. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the control elements in contact with body fluid from colored become transparent. The frame portion 102 draws attention to the control elements to facilitate detection of wetness of the moisture indicator.

As indicated above, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 13, the moisture indicator 100 may be relatively small with respect to the total surface area of the outer shell. For example, the surface area of the active graphics contained in the humidity indicator 100 may be less than about 150 mm ^2, such as less than about 120 mm ^2, such as less than about 90 mm ^2. The surface area of the active patterns can usually be more than about 20 mm ² , for example more than about 50 mm ² , for example more than about 70 mm ² .

As indicated above, the outer shell 12 includes a print area. Active patterns or controls 104 may typically occupy less than about 1%, for example less than about 0.2%, for example less than about 0.15%, for example, less than about 0.12% of the print area.

Regarding the surface area bounded by the inner perimeter of the frame portion 102, active patterns occupy less than about 30%, for example less than about 20%, for example less than about 15% of the surface area, especially in the absence of a color background. In the presence of a color background, active patterns can occupy more than about 70%, for example more than about 80%, for example more than about 90% of the internal surface area (up to 100% of the surface area).

In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 13, the control elements 104 are formed by active patterns and are surrounded by an empty space or color background inside the frame part 1 or 2. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the humidity indicator 100 may include a color background inside the frame part 102. The control elements elements 104 may be formed where a color background is not applied to the surface of the absorbent article.

On Fig-17 and 19 presents various indicators 100 humidity, similar to those presented on Fig. In FIGS. 14 and 19, the control elements generally comprise a column with beams inside the frame portion 102. In FIGS. 15-17, the control elements comprise columns with dots 104 inside the frame portion 102.

On Fig presents a moisture indicator 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, comprising a circular frame portion 102, which surrounds the control element 104, composed of active patterns. According to this embodiment of the invention, there is only one control element in the frame part. The control element is round and concentric with the frame part. The control element 104 may comprise a continuous circle, as shown in the drawing, or may be in the form of a ring including free space or a color background in the center.

In the examples given, active and permanent patterns are applied to the outer surface of the absorbent article. However, it should be understood that these patterns can also be applied so as to be visible from the inner surface of the absorbent article. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, active patterns can be applied to both the outer and inner surfaces of the absorbent article. If they are applied to the inner surface of the absorbent article, a graphical scale element can be used as shown in FIG. 13. Alternatively, a relatively large active pattern may be applied to the inner surface. For example graphics active surface area may be greater than about 800 mm ^2, or they may be of any of the above dimensions depending upon the particular type of product. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the active graphic elements can be visible from the inner surface of the absorbent article and be sized such that the active pattern (s) occupy more than approximately 1% of the print area on the inner surface.

Various aspects of the present invention will help to understand the example that will be given below.

Example

The following example describes a comparative analysis of 18 absorbent articles of the prior art containing graphical moisture indicators and 6 absorbent articles in accordance with the present invention. Samples No. 1 and 2 corresponded to the embodiment of the present invention in figure 4. Sample No. 3 corresponded to the embodiment of the present invention in figures 1-3. Samples No. 4 and 5 corresponded to the embodiment of the present invention in Fig.6. Sample No. 6 included a scale pattern in FIG. 13.

As can be seen from the table below, measurements were made of various parameters of patterns printed on absorbent articles, including the print area of the outer shell, the surface area of the active patterns, and the ratio of these measured parameters. In addition, the inner and outer perimeters of various patterns were measured. However, it should be understood that the applicants in no way acknowledge that any of the reference samples contained a frame or outline in accordance with the terms used in this application.

The data in the Table below was obtained by manipulating the images or drawings of the product or the product in an unfolded flat configuration. Graphic elements of image files were converted to 100% black. The images were then imported into Photoshop in grayscale. A product called Image Analysis Toolkit from Reindeer Graphics was used as an add-on for Photoshop to calculate the black area of an image, the size of which was defined as a percentage of the total area of the selected image, determined by its width and height. The thickness of the frame and the size of the larger side of the frame were determined manually using a ruler. The remaining values appearing in the table were calculated. The following are definitions of the terms used in the table.

% of the surface area within the inner perimeter relative to the print area: the area defined by the inner perimeter of the frame part or the outline relative to the total image area determined by the width and height.

% of the surface area within the outer perimeter relative to the print area: the area defined by the outer perimeter of the frame part or the outline or silhouette, relative to the total image area, determined by the width and height.

% surface area of active patterns: the area determined by the actual area of the active pattern, not including the background, which may be within the perimeter of the active pattern and does not change color when wet, relative to the total image area, determined by the width and height.

% of the surface area within the perimeter of the active patterns: the area defined by the perimeter of the external elements of the active pattern relative to the total image area, determined by the height and width.

For example, in a graphic image of a flower, the outer border of the flower determines the calculated area. If the active pattern consists of many elements (Fig), the individual elements are added to determine the area.

% free space: the area of free space relative to the total image area, determined by the width and height.

Border Thickness: The largest width of the border between the inner and outer perimeters.

Largest frame or contour size: largest linear distance between two points on the outside perimeter.

Area within the inner perimeter (mm ² ): The actual area determined by the inside perimeter, calculated from% of the surface area within the inside perimeter and print area.

Area within the outer perimeter (mm ² ): Actual area determined by the outside perimeter, calculated from% of the surface area within the outside perimeter and print area.

The area of the frame or border (mm ² ): the area within the outer perimeter minus the area within the inner perimeter, the area of the frame between the outer and inner perimeters.

Surface area of active patterns (mm ² ): actual area determined by the active pattern, not including the background, which may be within the perimeter of the active pattern and which does not change color when wet. Calculated from% of the surface area of the active pattern and print area.

The surface area within the perimeter of the active graphics (mm ^2): actual area defined by the outer perimeter of the active elements of the pattern relative to the total image area defined by a width and a height. Calculated from% of the surface area within the perimeter of the active pattern and print area.

Original free space (mm ² ): Actual free space of the possible printable area. The free space may consist of white space elements on a white substrate or may be printed or otherwise white. Calculated from% free space and print area.

Free space after activation of active patterns (mm ² ): actual free space of the print area plus the area of the active pattern that has turned into free space. The active pattern may turn white or disappear on a white background.

% increase in free space: percentage of increase in free space due to the disappearance of an active pattern on a white background or a change in its color to white.

The following results were obtained.

As shown above, the surface area of the active patterns in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is significantly greater than the surface area of the active patterns in accordance with the prior art. In addition, the active drawings of samples 1 and 2 in accordance with the present invention occupy a significantly larger part of the print area of the outer shell.

Sample No. 3 in accordance with the present invention, including a moisture indicator in the form of a scale, occupies a significantly smaller part of the space than many previous products, while remaining clearly visible.

These and other modifications and variations of the present invention can be carried out by specialists in this field without deviating from the essence of the invention limited by the attached claims. In addition, it should be clear that aspects of various embodiments of the invention are interchangeable both in whole and in part. In addition, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that this description is provided by way of example only and does not limit the invention in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. An absorbent article, comprising: an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; an absorbent structure adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell; at least one active pattern inserted into the absorbent article in such a way that this at least one active pattern is visible on the surface of the article, and a frame part or contour substantially surrounding at least one active pattern, the frame part or contour containing a constant pattern, and the total surface area of all active patterns is at least about 800 mm ² . 2. The product of claim 1, wherein at least one active pattern is surrounded by a frame part, and a plurality of active patterns surround the frame part. 3. The product according to claim 1, in which at least one active pattern is formed by applying an active graphic composition to the outer shell of the absorbent product, the outer shell having a print area, and all available active patterns occupy at least 1% of the print area of the outer shell . 4. The product according to claim 1, in which at least one active pattern is surrounded by a frame part, and at least a part of the frame part overlaps a part of at least one active pattern. 5. The product according to claim 1, in which at least one active pattern is surrounded by a frame part, and the frame part contains an object, image or character. 6. The product according to claim 5, in which the total surface area of all available active patterns is at least about 1000 mm ² . 7. The product according to claim 1, in which at least one active pattern is located on the inner surface of the outer shell, and the frame part is located on the outer surface of the outer shell. 8. The product according to claim 1, in which the outer shell contains a liquid-permeable outer layer and a liquid-impermeable inner layer, and at least one active pattern is located on the surface of the inner layer forming the inner surface of the outer shell, and the frame part or circuit is located on the surface opposite the inner layer. 9. The product according to claim 1, in which at least one active pattern is presented on a color background inside the frame part or contour. 10. The product according to claim 9, in which the color background also contains an active pattern. 11. The product according to claim 1, in which the outer shell defines the outer side and is opposite to the inner side of the product, and the frame part and at least one active pattern are visible on the outside of the product, and the absorbent product further includes at least one other active pattern, visible from the inside, with the inside having a print area, and all active patterns visible from the inside occupy at least about 1% of the print area of the inside. 12. An absorbent product, comprising: an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; an absorbent structure adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell; at least one active pattern introduced into the absorbent article; a frame part or contour containing a constant pattern and essentially surrounding the active pattern, and where the outer shell includes free space of the original size, and after activation of all available active patterns, the surface of the free space on the outer shell changes by at least about 20%. 13. The product of claim 12, wherein the surface area of the at least one active pattern is at least about 1000 mm ² . 14. The product according to claim 13, in which at least one active pattern is surrounded by a frame part, and the frame part has an inner perimeter defining a surface within it, with all active patterns present occupying at least about 35% of the surface area within the inner the perimeter of the frame part. 15. The product according to claim 12, in which at least one active pattern is visible on the outer surface of the outer shell, after activation, the active pattern becomes transparent or white, and the surface area of free space on the outer shell increases by at least about 20% after activation all active drawings. 16. An absorbent product, comprising: an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer shell comprising a front half and a rear half; an absorbent structure adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell; at least one active pattern introduced into the absorbent article so that this at least one active pattern is visible on the outer surface of the outer shell; a frame portion substantially surrounding at least one active pattern, the frame portion comprising a constant pattern and including an outer perimeter that defines a surface area within it, and a front half of the outer shell defines a print area, and a surface area within the outer perimeter of the frame portion occupies more than approximately 10% of the print area of the front half of the outer shell. 17. An absorbent product, comprising: an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; an absorbent structure adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell; a moisture indicator visible on the outer shell, the humidity indicator comprising a scale pattern containing a frame portion that contains a constant pattern and at least partially surrounds one control element, with at least one control element containing an active figure.

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