Patent Publication Number: US-2021186774-A1

Title: Absorbent article

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to long, asymmetrical absorbent articles having printed regions to facilitate individual placement of the absorbent article. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Some commercially-available absorbent articles are extremely long to help manage large volumes of fluid and/or to provide additional coverage for fluid paths depending on the position of the wearer (e.g., lying down). Extra-heavy flow and overnight products can also be asymmetric about their transverse axis, with different geometries and/or fluid management properties associated with the first and second longitudinal ends (e.g., these articles can have a large end and a small end). Due to the length and asymmetry, placement of the article in one&#39;s undergarments can be confusing. 
     Over time, individuals can notice trends of where an absorbent article captures fluid or leaks according to their body type, fluid flow, and typical activities. For example, some individuals may tend to capture fluid or leak towards the front of an absorbent article. Some individuals may discover the opposite. As consumers learn about their needs with the use of a chosen product, they can individualize the placement of the article to best suit their individual fluid management needs. For example, for the consumer that tends to see fluid flow towards the front of the article, they can place the larger end in the front of their undergarment. It would be helpful to consumers to provide a long, asymmetric article with a printed region that does not span the entire length of the article to serve as their personal guide for individual placement. A large portion of commercially-available absorbent articles contain printed regions, but some of the longest and/or asymmetrical products are devoid of printed features. And as discussed above, this represents a long-felt and unmet need. Embodiments of the present invention can address this need. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith. 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a body-facing side of a first absorbent article embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a garment-facing side of the article shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a body-facing side of a second absorbent article embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a body-facing side of a third absorbent article embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a body-facing side of a fourth absorbent article embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of an absorbent article of the present invention, wherein the article is in a partially folded configuration prior to use. 
     
    
    
     The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present invention. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. And it will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. All publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference. 
     It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this specification using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). No term is intended to be essential to the present invention unless so stated. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such a claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph. 
     As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to devices that can capture, absorb and/or contain liquid, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. A non-limiting list of absorbent articles includes feminine hygiene articles, diapers, incontinence products, and pants/briefs. 
     As used herein, the term “feminine hygiene article” refers to disposable absorbent articles to be worn by women for menstrual and/or light incontinence control. Feminine hygiene articles are typically held in place adjacent the user&#39;s externally-visible genitalia (i.e., the pudendal region) by the user&#39;s undergarment. Feminine hygiene articles can be placed into the user&#39;s undergarment and affixed via adhesive or other joining means. 
       FIG. 1  shows a partially cut-away plan view of one absorbent article embodiment of the present invention. Absorbent article  10  includes a topsheet  12 , a backsheet  14 , and an absorbent core  16  disposed therebetween. Topsheet  12  can be formed from any generally soft, compliant, and porous material which is comfortable against human skin and through which bodily exudates can pass. Exemplary topsheets include nonwovens and apertured polymeric films. Backsheet  14  is generally configured to hinder or prevent bodily exudates from penetrating all the way through the absorbent article and soiling a user&#39;s garments or body. The backsheet can be liquid impermeable and be formed from polymer films or film/nonwoven laminates. Backsheets can be vapor permeable while being liquid impermeable to help render the article more breathable. Exemplary vapor permeable materials include microporous films, apertured formed films, and nonwovens. Such materials may include an additive (e.g., wax or surfactant) or treatment to increase their hydrophobicity. Absorbent core  16  can be formed from any of the materials well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plies of creped cellulose wadding, fluffed cellulose fibers, wood pulp fibers known as airfelt, a mass or batt of fibers, airlaid webs or fibers, a web of polymeric fibers, and a blend of polymeric fibers. The absorbent core can also comprise high capacity materials such as polyacrylate particles (often referred to as “superabsorbents” and absorbent gelling material (AGM)) and HIPE foams like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,167; 5,387,207; 5,352,711; and 5,331,015. 
     One or more optional intermediate layers can be employed in the absorbent articles of the present invention. In one configuration, an optional intermediate layer can be disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Such layers are included in many known absorbent article designs and can be referred to as “secondary topsheets,” “surge layers,” “acquisition layers,” “distribution layers,” “transport layers,” “wicking layers” and the like. With this placement, the optional intermediate layer serves to help rapid acquisition of bodily exudates from the topsheet and movement of the same into the absorbent core, and/or to temporarily hold bodily exudates as a means for managing large loading volumes or fast loading rates. Exemplary surge layers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,843,063 and 5,879,343. In another configuration, an optional intermediate layer can be disposed between the absorbent core and the backsheet. In this location, an intermediate layer may provide any number of benefits including, for example, structural integrity, flexibility, body shaping, and bodily exudates management. 
     In some embodiments, absorbent article  10  includes a support layer  13  disposed between absorbent core  16  and backsheet  14 . The support layer can help manage bunching and other undesirable wearing effects. As shown in  FIG. 1 , support layer  13  can extend laterally beyond that of absorbent core  16 . Alternatively, the support layer can be laterally coextensive with the absorbent core. The support layer can extend longitudinally to various extents; e.g., substantially the whole length of the article or only a portion of the length of the article. The support layer can comprise a nonwoven, polymer film, paper sheet, plastic scrim, or the like. 
     The component materials/layers can be combined in a variety of manners to define the finished absorbent article. They can be adhered together with adhesives or thermal bonds, for example. They can also be adhered by mechanical interaction; e.g., by needlepunching or hydroentangling. Some of the component materials/layers can simply reside between adjacent materials/layers without any affixment. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the absorbent articles have a body-facing surface (or side) BFS that is in contact with the user&#39;s body during use and a garment-facing surface (or side) GFS that is in contact with the user&#39;s garment (or undergarment) during use. In general, each component layer of the absorbent article can be said to have a body-facing side and a garment-facing side, the sides being determined by their orientation relative to the in-use orientation of the article. 
     Absorbent article  10  has a longitudinal centerline L and a transverse centerline T, the centerlines being substantially perpendicular to one another in the plane of the absorbent article when in a flat configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Absorbent article  10  includes a first half  20  located on one side of transverse centerline T and a second half  22  located on the opposite side of transverse centerline T. A variety of asymmetries and symmetries are contemplated by the present invention, including along only one or both of the transverse centerline and the longitudinal centerline. The absorbent article in some embodiments is asymmetric about transverse centerline T while being symmetric about longitudinal centerline L, meaning that at least a portion of the first half and the second half are visibly configured differently (e.g., different size, shape, etc.) and/or are configured differently in a manner that is not readily discernible by simply looking at the article (e.g., different exudates management properties or physical properties). 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , absorbent article  10  has a second end  23  associated with second half  22  that includes a maximum transverse width MTW2 that is at least 20% greater than a maximum transverse width MTW1 of a first end  21  associated with first half  20 . The maximum transverse differential can also be at least 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40%. Thus, first end  21  and second end  23  are asymmetrical about transverse centerline T. Notably however, absorbent core  16  is substantially symmetrical about transverse centerline T in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  (e.g., the maximum transverse width dimension for each half is substantially the same). 
     Exemplary absorbent article  10  has a pair of wings  30  extending laterally from the article. Wings  30  are configured for wrapping around a user&#39;s undergarment. Each of wings  30  has a wing length  32  and distal edge  34 . Wing length  32  is measured at a point  1  centimeter in from the distal edge along a line that is parallel to longitudinal centerline L. In preferred embodiments, the majority of the wing length is situated on the first half of the absorbent article due to their asymmetrical design (about the transverse centerline). For example, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more than 90% of the wing length can be positioned on the first half of the absorbent article. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a printed region  40  is included on the absorbent article. Printed region  40  can be on or associated with at least one of the topsheet, the backsheet, the absorbent core, and the optional intermediate layers. In some embodiments, the absorbent article has a printed region on multiple component layers; for example, a first printed region on a garment-facing side of the topsheet and on a body-facing side of the backsheet. When the printed region exists on multiple component layers, individual aspects of the printed region on the different layers can overlap or be spaced apart from one another. Printing can be done by known processes, such as, for example, gravure printing, offset printing, inkjet printing, V-printing (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,731,331) and combinations thereof. 
     The printed region can include one or more pigments that provide a visual distinction from surrounding areas that are not printed. The color and intensity of the printed region can be measured by reflectance spectrophotometer ASTM standard test methodology. Tristimulus L*, a*, b* values are measured form the body-facing surface of the absorbent article. These L*, a*, b* values are reported in term of the CIE 1976 color coordinate standard. The differences between the printed region and non-printed areas can be determined according to ASTM D244-99 “Standard Test Method for Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates.” Intensity of the printed region can be determined by ΔE* calculations between the printed region and non-printed areas, or through a saturation determination (Chromo or C*). In some embodiments, the ΔE* calculation between the printed region and a non-printed area is at least 3.5. 
     Despite the location of the printed region, it should be visually perceptible when viewing the body-facing side of the article, meaning that a human viewer can visually discern at least some of the printed region with the unaided eye (excepting standard corrective lenses adapted to compensate for near-sightedness, farsightedness, or stigmatism, or other corrected vision) in lighting at least equal to the illumination of a standard 100 watt light bulb at a distance of 1 meter. 
     The printed region has a printed length and printed area. The printed region can be one solid and continuous design or be made up of multiple design sub-elements. The printed length is an overall length measurement from terminal points of the printed region along a line parallel to longitudinal centerline L. The printed area can be measured by any known techniques, including, for example, imagining the article to capture the visibly discernible printed area and then measuring/calculating the number of pixels associated with the printed area. Pixels can be color-characterized by assigning them RGB or L*a*b* values. And the measurement or calculation of the pixels can be filtered for inclusion by assigned color values. Color characterization can also be used for determining intensity of aspects of the printed area. 
     More than 50%, 70%, or 90% of the maximum printed length can be positioned on the first half of the absorbent article in some embodiments. And more than 50%, 70%, or 90% of the printed area can be positioned on the first half of the absorbent article. The printed region may not exist at all on the second half of the absorbent article. In other embodiments, the printed region can be substantially centrally located about the transverse centerline, or be skewed towards the second half of the absorbent article.  FIGS. 3 and 4  show alternative embodiments, with variations in the geometry and location of the printed region. Absorbent articles  110  and  210  include a printed region  140  and  240 , respectively, that exists on both the first half and the second half of the article. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , exemplary article  310  is shown having a printed region comprising three printed elements  390 ,  391 , and  392 . Printed element  391  is a single diamond of a first color situated on a first end  321  of article  310 . And printed element  392  is defined by two diamonds of a second color situated on a second end  323  of article  310 . Collectively, the majority of the printed region exists on first half  320 . Thus, the printed region exists in a different manner in the first half  320  versus the second half  322 . As discussed in the background section above, consumers may notice trends of where an absorbent article captures fluid or leaks according to their body type, fluid flow, and typical activities. Some individuals may tend to capture fluid or leak towards the front of an absorbent article. For these individuals, they may choose to orient article  310  such that wider end  323  is positioned in the front portion of their undergarment. Some individuals may discover the opposite, wherein they choose to orient article  310  such that wider end  323  is positioned in the rear portion of their undergarment. As consumers learn about their needs with the use of a chosen product, they can individualize the placement of the article to best suit their individual fluid management needs via characteristics of the printed region. 
     The description thus far has focused on printing on a component material (e.g, a topsheet) to provide a visibly-distinct area of the absorbent article. Alternative methods are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, fibers, particles or other raw materials from which component materials/layers are made can include colorants (e.g., pigments, dyes). Component materials may be manipulated further to create a design leveraging the colorants in the raw materials. For example, the component material may be embossed, needlepunched, or hydroentangled to create a design via the colorants. Alternatively, the design may be manifested simply by how the raw materials containing a colorant are incorporated into the component material without further manipulation. In some embodiments, the entire component material may appear to be colored (non-white), wherein the shape of the component material itself provides the visibly-distinct design. 
     Absorbent articles of the present invention may optionally employ a variety of other surface and/or deeper features to help manage acquisition and containment of bodily exudates. By way of example and with reference to  FIG. 1 , absorbent article  10  employs a series of embossed channels, including first half central channels  50  and end channels  52 ,  54 , and  56 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , printed region  40  of exemplary absorbent article  10  is at least partially framed laterally by channels  50  and longitudinally by channels  52 ,  54 , and  56 . Other configurations of the printed region in relation to channels or other features are contemplated by the present invention. 
     As noted in the background section, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to long, asymmetrical absorbent articles. Referring again to  FIG. 1 , preferred absorbent articles have an overall length  60  (as measured on a line parallel to the longitudinal centerline) of at least 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, or 400 millimeters. 
     Garment-facing surface GFS is shown in  FIG. 2 . Multiple pressure-sensitive adhesive zones are shown on exemplary absorbent article  10 . Two, spaced apart central adhesive zones  70  are shown running along a substantial length of article  10 . Adhesive zones  72  are employed on wings  30  to help secure the wings to the underside of one&#39;s undergarment. Exemplary absorbent article  10  includes another pair of adhesive zones  74  on distal areas of widened end  23 . Depending on the dimensions of the undergarment, adhesive zones  74  can be adhered to a body-facing surface of one&#39;s undergarment or the underside of the same; i.e., the distal areas of end  23  may optionally be used as a second pair of wings. The skilled artisan should appreciate that other temporary attachment means may be employed to secure the absorbent article to one&#39;s undergarment. 
     Absorbent articles of the present invention can be folded and manipulated in numerous ways for packaging and portability. Absorbent article  10  is partially folded in  FIG. 6 , with wings  30  and portions of second half  22  and second end  23  folded laterally inward. The absorbent article can then optionally be folded lengthwise along one or more (e.g., three) transverse folding lines to render the overall size more manageable for discreetly carrying replacement articles around. Adhesive zones  72  and  74  are covered with a protection sheet  73 . A portion of printed region  40  is visible and can act as a placement guide for consumers. That is, a consumer can utilize adhesive zones  70  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to place article  10  in their undergarment before removing protective sheet  73  from adhesive zones  72  and  74 . They are able to do this, at least partly, by utilizing the visible portion of printed region  40 . The vast majority of commercially-available articles that have portions (e.g., wings) folded laterally inward only have one portion done so. Asymmetric articles that have enlarged ends in addition to wings, such as exemplary article  10 , can have two separate portions folded laterally inwardly. Consumers may be confused about placement into their undergarment when confronted with multiple inwardly folded sections (particularly when the sections are spaced apart along the length of the article). The skilled artisan will appreciate that adhesive zone  70  can also have a protective sheet and a wrapping film or layer can be used alternatively or in addition to the same for individually wrapping absorbent article  10 . 
     The present invention contemplates alternative configurations to that shown in  FIG. 6 . For example, rather than having two separate protection sheets, a single, long sheet can extend sufficiently to cover both adhesive zones  72  and  74 . In this arrangement, a portion of the printed zone can be visible towards end  21 . Furthermore, the protection sheet(s) can be made such that a printed region can be visible through the protection sheet(s). For example, the protection sheet may have window or discontinuity area, or be made from a material that is transparent or translucent enough to see an underlying printed region so that a consumer can use the printed region for proper placement prior to exposing adhesive zones  72  and  74 . There can also be two different printed zones (or two portions of a single printed zone) that exist under each of the inwardly folded portions (wings  30  and second half  22 /second end  23 ), wherein the features of the printing can be differentiated from one another to provide guidance on placement of the article into one&#39;s undergarment. Such differentiation can be, for example, color, color intensity, geometrical shape, text, or other communicative indicia. 
     In addition to the asymmetries discussed above, the absorbent articles of the present invention can have varying calipers. This can be achieved by incorporating a different number of component materials/layers in one part of the article versus another part, and/or by varying the caliper of individual component materials/layers. For example, a stacked absorbent core can be utilized with the area or “footprint” of the two core layers being different from one another. The difference in caliper can be as much as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 millimeters. The absorbent article can have one portion having a first caliper and another portion having a second caliper that is different (smaller or greater) than the first caliper, wherein the printed region is biased (positioning, intensity, amount of ink/pigment, area, length, geometrical focusing) towards the first or second caliper. Again, this can help a consumer in their chosen placement of a variable thickness article to best suit their individual needs. 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.