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Patent 2593002 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2593002
(54) English Title: A DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE DESIGNED TO FACILITATE AN EASY INTUITIVE CHANGE
(54) French Title: ARTICLE ABSORBANT JETABLE CONCU POUR FACILITER UN REMPLACEMENT INTUITIF FACILE
Status: Term Expired - Post Grant Beyond Limit
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A61F 13/49 (2006.01)
  • A61F 13/62 (2006.01)
  • A61F 13/84 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • MAGEE, LUKE ROBINSON (United States of America)
  • GLAKIN, GEORGE BARTOL, III (United States of America)
  • HOSMER, CHRISTOPHER JOHN (United States of America)
  • KORN, NAOMI SHOSHANA (United States of America)
  • WILSON, JAMES DOUGLAS (United States of America)
  • BATES, MARK CHRISTOPHER (United States of America)
  • SCHMIDT, MATTIAS (United States of America)
  • THURNAY, EVA SUSANNE DOMINIQUE (United States of America)
  • MUELLER, JOERG (United States of America)
  • COSTELLO, JOHN CARL (United States of America)
  • SULLIVAN, ANN MARIE (United States of America)
  • FLENDER, GREGG ALLEN (United States of America)
  • ROE, DONALD CARROLL (United States of America)
  • KLINE, MARK JAMES (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
(71) Applicants :
  • THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY (United States of America)
(74) Agent: WILSON LUE LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2010-08-17
(22) Filed Date: 2003-02-15
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2003-08-28
Examination requested: 2007-07-09
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
10/079,184 (United States of America) 2002-02-20

Abstracts

English Abstract


A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer
that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable
absorbent article
includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy, intuitive
change by
aligning the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or
relative to a
component of the article thereby enhancing the fit and corresponding
performance of
the article.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un article absorbant jetable que la personne doit porter à la partie inférieure du torse pour faciliter un remplacement intuitif facile. L'article en question comprend au moins un timbre en bon état qui facilite un remplacement intuitif facile; il suffit d'aligner l'article sur une partie de l'anatomie de la personne ou par rapport à un élément de l'article de manière à améliorer l'ajustement et l'efficacité correspondante de l'article.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer
that facilitates an easy, intuitive change, the disposable absorbent article
including a
body-facing surface and garment facing surface; a first waist region with a
first end
edge, a second waist region with a second end edge, and a crotch region
interposed
therebetween; a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; and a pair of
opposing
longitudinal side edges joining the first end edge and the second end edge;
the
disposable absorbent article comprising:
a backsheet having a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface,
a topsheet disposed on the body-facing surface of the backsheet;
a core having a shape interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and
a fastening system for releaseably securing the first waist region to the
second
waist region; and,
at least one externally visible serviceable indicium that facilitates the
process
of fitting the absorbent article to the wearer by complementing at least one
component
of the article and indicating power alignment of the article about the
wearer's lower
torso wherein said at least one externally visible serviceable indicium
comprises a
color distinguishing said at least one externally visible serviceable indicium
from a
region of the disposable absorbent article which does not include a
serviceable
indicium.
2. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
externally
visible serviceable indicium ~ said core.
3. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said fastening system
comprises at least one component connected to said second waist region and at
least one female component connected to said first waist region.
4. The disposable absorbent article of claim 3 wherein said at least one male
component is a hook type fastener and said at least one female component is a
loop
type fastener.

5. The disposable absorbent article of claim 4 wherein said article comprises
an
ear panel disposed between said ~ook type fastener and said second waist
region.
6. The disposable absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said ear panel is
elasticized.
7. The disposable absorbent article cf claim 6 further comprising at least one
externally visible serviceable indicium comprising at least one of a character
and an
object readily recognizable to children.
8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said at least one
serviceable indicium comprises contoured shape pattern.
9. The disposable absorbent article of claim 8 wherein said contoured shape or
pattern is curvilinear.
10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9 wherein said article comprises
leg
cuffs.
11. The disposable absorbent article of claim 10 wherein said cuffs are chosen
from at least one of gasketing leg cuffs and barrier leg cuffs.
12. The disposable absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said fastening system
comprises at least one male component connected to said second waist region
and at
least one female component connected to said first waist region.
13. The disposable absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said at least one
male
component is a ~~~~ type fastener and said at least one female component is a
loop
type fastener.
14. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said article
comprises an
ear panel disposed between said ~~~~ type fastener and said second waist
region.
15. The disposable absorbent article of claim 14 wherein said article
comprises an
elasticized component ch~~~~ from at least one of said first waist region,
said second
waist region, said gasketing leg cuffs, said barrier leg cuffs, said topsheet
and said ear
panel.
-26-

16. The disposable absorbent article of claim 15 wherein said at least one
externally visible serviceable indicium highlights said elasticized component.
17. The disposable absorbent article of claim 15 wherein said gasketing leg
cuffs,
said barrier leg cuffs and said ear panel are elasticized.
18. The disposable absorbent article of claim 17 further comprising at least
one
externally visible serviceable indicium comprising at least one of a character
and an
object readily recognizable to children.
19. The disposable absorbent article of claim 18 wherein said character is
disposed on a garment facing surface of said first waist region.
20. The disposable absorbent article of claim 19 wherein article comprises a
plurality of characters and objects readily recognizable by children.
-27-

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02593002 2007-07-09
A DISPOSABLE A.BSORBENT ARTICLE
DESIGiNTED TO FACI"LI 7aTE AN EASY INTUITNE CHANGE
FIELD OF THE INVENTIQN
This invention is directed ta hygienic absorbent articles, such as diapers,
training
pants and the h7ce. Particularly, the invention is directed to disposable
diapers designed to
facilitate the process of fitting the d; aper to s we.a:-er.
BACKGRf)UND OF THE INVENTION
Absorbent articles are well known in the art. These articles typically have an
absorbent core held or positioned :in proximity to the body of a wearer during
use tty a
fastening system in order to cap-hzre and absorb bodily exudates discharged
from the.
wearer. Tyoical absorbent articles, include a tonsheet facing the wearer,
which permits
fluid exudates to pass through, -an(I a backsheet, which prevents the exudates
from
escaping from the absorbent article..
Disposable absorbent articl~~~, snch as diapers are designed to absorb and
contain
bodily waste in order to prevent <,oiling of the body and clothing of the
wearer. The
disposable diapers typically compxisp a single design available in different
sizes to fit a
variety of wearers ranging from 3iewborns to toddlers undergoing toilet
training. The
design of the diaper typically a.ffect;, perforn7ance, such as, ability to
absorb and contain
bodily waste. The size of the diacier ty~icail,y affects fit, for example, the
size of the
diaper waist opening, the size of +:~tc openings around the thighs, and the
length or "pitch"
of the diaper.
Articles worn, eVterna.Jly to '.P.e body tYie wearer, sucll as diapers, are
commonly
misapplied due to awkward possti+).r..ing of the wearer or the restless
movement of the
wearer during fitting. Such misapr.iLcation may result in an uneven fit; gaps,
which result
in leakage; and misplaced parts (such as fasteners), which may result in
marking the skin
of the wearer and/or discomfort. '.Chis is carticularly true of caregivers
dealing with
uncooperative wearers such as Babies, even from a young age, move their legs
into awkward positions, roll frorii side E;o side, or even violently resist
diaper changes
i

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
using hand and leg n:otions. As a :esult, the caregiver often has to hold
portions of the
wearer's body as well as the diape; du..~-irig ;11o, c:hange process making it
very difficult to
achieve proper alignrtent of the diaper for fitt-:ng.
Attempts have been mad+:+ in tY.ie ~x: to improve the process of applying an
absorbent article to the wearer sur,r2 as by using an external change aid such
as descnbed
in co-pending European Patent .A.l;i;?ication No. 01117671 filed July 26,
2001. The
change aids described irs said apl:r:ticatioil are devices that assist in the
application or
removal of articles woru primar.ilv extemally on the body of the wearer,
especially
hygienic absorbent articles, sucli as diapers, adult incontinence articles,
feminine
protection articles and the like. However, such external devices are not
integrated in the
absorbent article itself requiring the caregiver':o purchase an extra device
Thus, there is a need for a ui.sposable diaper including features that
facilitate the
changing process. Particularly, thore is a need for a diaper having intuitive
elements that
facilitate a change by enabling a caregivur to get the fit on the wearer right
the first time
with minimal, if any, adjustment., There is also a need for a diaper having
versatile
change elements that enable it to be flt~pd 0 a wearer while the wearer is
standing or
lying down where in either casA the diaper can easily be fitted to the wearer
without
instruction.
SUVLMARY
The present ixivention paovid.ti.s a disposalale absorbent article to be worn
about the
lower torso of a wearer 1-hat incl~~drs at least one sezviceable indiciunm
that facilitates an
e<asy; int7iitive cYjanl;e by alignir.P.g !.h;; ards;W, relative to a..~.
anatomical feature of the
wearer ox relative to a coxnpon--ot r [the rt~c:ie, thus enhancing the fit
and corresponding
perforrnance of the article. The disposable absorbent article includes a body-
facing
sizface and a garment-facing sta:face; a longitudinal axis and a transverse
axis; a first
waist region with a first end edge, a secocrl waist region with a second end
edge, and a
crotch region inteiposed therebetti%-;;en. A pair of opposing longitudinal
side edges join
the first end edge and the second ~.n~. eds?e The disposable absorbent article
includes a
backshePt having, a body-fac.m~; >;Flr;_~ R. garment-facing surface, and a
core disposed
on the body-fa~ing surface of tbr

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
Embodir;ients of the disp:-sable aby-3xbeizt article include at least one
externally
visible serviceable indicium dispcsed ozi portions of the disposable absorbent
article
proximate the longitudinal side eai,?;es in at least the crotch region. The
disposable
absorbent article may also include at least one externally visible serviceable
indicium
disposed on portions of the dispus:<kbl; absorbent article proximate the first
and second
end edges. The externally visili?.:-, sernice0ole indicia distinguish the
portions of the
garment-facing surface of she arti o' e rro:cimna.tr: the longitudinal side
edges and portions of
the article proxirnate p,he iirst and ;,ef~or.d end edges from a poi-tion of
the garment facing
surface of the article proxima.te an ii=itersection of the longitudinal and
transverse axes.
For these embodiments, the externa 1_:y AsibTe serviceable indicia can
provide a contoured
pattern complementing features of the disposable absorbent article such a
shaped core,
bamer leg cuffs ancL'or a fastening _,ystern.
For in.stance. in one einb~climent; the disposable article inch3des a first
ear panel
disposed along eac;h lonf;.itudina; .; de erlrn~ jn the second waist region.
Each first ear
panel includes a body-facing and a pai rr.ent-facing surface. At least a
portion of
each of the fir,>t e,ar panels includf.-k, at least one exterrnally visible
serviceable indicium
complementing the externaliy ~riGil:le se:niceaible indicium disposed on the
garment-
facing surface of the article proximax:a thry first and second end edges
and/or proximate the
longitudinal side edges. For this c.~xhodtnent, the disposable absorbent
article includes a
fastening system for releasably se:= ai=ing the =1"ir:st waist region and the
second waist region
about the 'awer torso of the we -n; :r Dining, ftting, the at least one
externally visible
serviceable indicia o.ti the norti. r3. +yi' P.,,ch of the first ear panels
are aligned with the
exte~nallv visible serviceable ira.; ;yrc>~;ifaa~ie~ the first end edge to
form a composite
substantially aligAed indicia er..circ.:i,.g tiYe 'i ist of the wearer. At the
same time, the at
least one external.iy visible servic.ea.bie a.ci.cium on the gatment-facing
surface of the
article proximate the longitudinal sic?.e edges form composite sr;bstan.tially
aligned indicia
encircling the legs of the wearer. [~E, composite substantially aligned
indicia encircling
the waist 2.Tad the legs of the weax sr de:,oto proper alignment and fit of
the article about
tbf,~ hips and lens oi'the va.+ar.er.
AJ.terr_;: F:; z;ml;,oclbn~:n.ts +: .,Inile P1 c:ne internally visible
serviceable indicium
observable on of tbQ tTr.face of the disposable absorbent article
;:i

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
facilitating the aligrrrnent of the ar:i ;' :, o:, r,ur:n: ~onents thereof, to
anatomic features of the
wearer during fitting. For these t:cn.z7odiine:nts the disposable absorbent
article may
include an elasticized topsheet wcdi arr elongated slit openinig disposed
therein. The
elasticized slit opening is intend.e,.':. to ai~.gn with the wearer's anus
and/or genitals to
receive fecal matter andlor -urine r;'h: internally visible serviceable
indicia can be
used to facilit;ate, sicl alignment.
In anot'zer er,ibodiment, dis;io_>ab'.e, absorbent article includes a
fastening
system having reparate primEry sJ-xd sr-coer,lary landing members that attach
to tab
mernbers during a first fit ar.d a:~:;uYd fit. respectively. The primary and
secondary
landing members include serviceO::v ind_cia nroviding instructional marks
designating
matching connections with the tab mieitilors dining the first fit and the
second fit. The
first fit provides a loose fit wh;,.1- ,:.=,7 ; ~,-!.abIv the article to be
maneuvered about the
wearer's lowei to:=.,o dlzri:ag a.cxd t: a; y-cond fit provide:s a secure fit
about the
wearer's waist,
BRIEF D~SC IR::~ 1f; tiN !)1? Tl-LE DRAWiNGS
While the spPcafication c,: i; 1;rdF;{ v,Yth claims narticularly pointing out
and
distinctly clainiing the subject mrckt;~i- wh:u:b is regarded as torrn.in.g
the present invention,
it is believed that the invention ix-;11 f.we better lmderstood from t}-ie
following description
wh.?eh is taken in r.r,: t;vrc,:iou w;tl ,, ; n a.;~+r~ ~+~ n Ong drawings
:r11 which like designations
8rP 11Eed. to deS1~Il.i1.e ~s,a')stantia.l":;~ M :_rt::cr.' ~;lt;ln,: nts, and
in which:
Figare 1 is a plan view of ~. ?Etsposal-+le absorbent article. according to
the present
invention.
Figure 2a is a. plan vie:W c,f ~.i..~r<!Galilf; ~bsarbent articlP according to
the present
invention including externally vi ac;r%bie indicia ciisposed o~t the garment-
faeing
surface of the artyclA.
Figure ~;, is a -thxee ~iiar. s=~1 C~+:xir. view of th.e disl+osable
absorbent article
depicted in FiK,.ire 2a -:v,:ii;t r~~ ,ian attached to the second waist
region.
F:gure 2(, is a 1:iir.ee dfi1) view of the ct:isposable absorbent article
depicted in Fig,,.a-e, 2a sLowrn.k. tia 15: 31 r+ :;ion attached to the
second waist region.

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
Figure 2d is a three d'une.n:;:uma1 rear view of the disposable absorbent
article
depicted in Figlzre 2a sliow ing the waist repion attached to the second waist
region.
Figure, 3 is a plan viev+% of ~, C,"sposablo a"osorbent article according to
the present
invention i.iicludi.ng externally servi.ceable indicia in the rear waist
region
providing a contoured pattern.
Figure 4 is a plan view c?4"7 l.Ispos :;:.,1,.- absorbent artic:le: according
to the present
invention including axternally v.i: ~t lr. s:,t- wi.ceable indicia in the rear
waist region
providing aconto~~Ted pattern ;or,=:; r;: ::r. Y:r:t;:t~g thc; shape of the
Yor;,.
Figure 5 is a plan view of tkf= c.ts~cr,sa:,le absorbent article depicted in
Figure 2a
including instnz:;tional serviceallYc , ;n;l.icia providing guidance or
instruction to the
caregiver xe..ative to tightness of fit +%.e artik1z about the wearer.
Figuze 6 is a plan view of bc;ds-= i'ac.ing surface of t:he disposable
absorbent
arti;,le according to th r)rc;sent :r,.-e :::i internally vi,, i.ble
serviceable indicia.
Figure 7 is aol.an view o-f bol~,r-facing surface of the disposable absorbent
article accord:i:.ng to the present i-ve,~atiA A in.c:uding an internally
visible serviceable
indicium, which is bo-th colored a:r. 3-d'uns::isi.onal.
Figure 3 shows the disposaL.I abse:arbznt article depicted in Figure 7 being
fitted to
a wearer.
Fi;?urP (? is apl.an view o; 'nodv=*acsing surface of the disposable absorbent
artzcle according to the prese~it an elastically foreshortened topsheet
and a slit openi:-ig, wi.tli vxsib'=.e= sen;:;c r-:I.IzAli highlighting th.e
first waist region of the
at.ticle wit.h P. srn.oe th inurvPd tran~ :' ., t tovr.arj ,~ the ba.ck.
FigurA 10 zi a phu'i view ~:+.' tias; ~~c l.y facing surface of :11e
disposable absorbent
article acco'r&!.lJ to tiIe present an elastically foreshortened topsheet
and a sli.t opening with visible se:~ vic,eable ixzdicia highlighting =(:he
crotch region of the
article.
F; gs .! 1 i:, ;t. ~Jrui vipw or rl ,~~')o,lv-fiw;ing surface of the
disposable absorbent
article accordi;7e=, to iiie an elastically foreshortened topsheet
and a. sli:t operiing ~Yrilh. visibl.e ,e ~~ ., -G ~le- i_~d5 w=ia
hi.ghlighting crotch region of the article
and the posit;ion 7,'tiie s?.A opErai..;t,.

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
Figure 12 is a plan view of t'ae br.-dy facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present in 4ention inclT.rd:.ng an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening wity~ visible s(.T,-i:.L::ib:',e inic :cia highlighting the
first waist region of the
article.
Figure 13 is a. ptm vie=,~, +a:: ~?:+e surface of the disposable absorbent
article depicted in Figare 12 with ;_4; bl , ilarAoeable indicia providing
patterns to create a
smooth transitioYabetween the first and the secoiid w:ist region of the
article.
Figure 14 is a plan view o' ii:e. boJy facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present inv~,-r_tion including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible seniceable in.,iicia highlighting the slit
area and a target
urination zone in the. ~Ir:.t -waist regr TL.
Figure 15 is a ptan view surface of the disposable absorbent
article acsorditag o the nresent -14:+;litc'ing an elastically foreshortened
topsheet
and a sl*t openin .g_ with visible s i~ ir E.3h e inIcia comprising two
different patterrrns
whereir.. the outpr pattern aids in lo-nviWrir...' positioning of the article
and the inner
pattem highlights t.he slit opening
Figure 16 is a plan view of Lh.e body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
artiele acc.ording to he present irr,-errtion including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a siit opening with visible it?.t14c:iia highlighting -tlae first and
second waist
regions and tb.e target zc-ne for t'r_.e ;-T+zis rela:iva t+) the slit
opening.
Figum 1.7 is a.. plan view +~~' the bndv--fa~ing surface of the disposable
absorbent
art.icle according; to t!?.P present i.n. cs.tx ~n. il.c:; ad.ing an
elasticallv foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opVni-.tg wit'.- visible sexcic;eeb:te in.ucia highlighting
elasticity and positioning
of the slit opening.
Fi,gurr-, 18 is 2 plan vyew o;' tie bod,,t-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present in-y ar;1ior+ an elastically foreshortened
topsheet
and a slit oreni;:ix- witl;1 visiblc ijJi aia higi-jighting the crotch area,
the slit
opening, and a targot +.u-i:nation ze+3,~ i~'; t ic, ~i';.r~;t +'+a?:st
region of the article.
Figure 19 is r: plan view c4 a dEapei= inclading instructional serviceable
indicia on
the first and. secoud. 7ri;nd=vng y+3ercr n >Pste;ung system denoting a first
fit and a
second fit.
6

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
D3::TATI.,ED DT: :, ;:: KU"'''IGN OF THE INVENTION
While, this spec,ificatior: .,.; la.clr -vitli claims particularly pointing
out and
distinctly claimi:n.g t:ia.l 'whicl=z ir, w :he iuivention, it is anticipated
that the
invention can be rore readily trsough readin.g the following detailed
description oft.he invention and stu()r offze incladed drawings.
The present invention pro~vicles a disposable absorbent article worn about the
lower torso of a wearer including ,it;.eas't onr: se--viceable indiciam that
facilitates an easy
intuitive change. The s?~vicr abl ='?~.ic i?~-n is disposed in distinct areas
of the article and
include,s i:eaturPs: and/or s:tpL-:lir. _g to a caregiver and/or wearer how to
achieve a prope:x fit. The wea3~!i is a.rti+ .; :rjay be applicable to
disposable absorbent
articles includi27 traini.ig pants. :]ac::, yt.inei,.:e briefs, lncontlllE:uce
undergarments, inserts
for disposable or d.uraOlP, dl.aX)E.rs ca~ 7ti~.er gtx1irmts and the like. One
embodiment of an
absorbent article of the preseit invF~n'ion is a unitary, disposable -
~bsorbent article, such as
the disposable diaper 20, shown. in 'Pi~;urt I
DEFINII'IC)NS
As used 3p-erehi. The fc~lle ~ .=r t4rrni3 na.v03 the following rneanings:
"Absorbent a,rt:; 1a" s",aat absorb and contain liquid, and more
s-r)ecificall.l", re;"et't t- c1e,,~iceF, th :~Ir , J 31-;ainst or in
proximity to the body of the
wearer to absorh and ccntairi the ,;v s~x:?dates discharged. $com the body.
"Longitudinal" is a d.irectio--~ raTvunF7 parallel to the maximum linear
dimension of
the article and includes directions c r'rthin +45 of the longitudinal
direction.
The; "latertil" or "iransvexs;," directican is orthogonal to the longitudinal
direction
and is essentia.lly it; tla,, pla ne a?:' 1.: i~hen the article is i_n a flat
stretched out
pesition.
The'''7-.~~is=ectic~?" i.s nrt'~: : : t =,t'.~ ti.AP longitudinal aind
transverse directions.
T:he 'x..y n?.aY:tN re~e-.s 40 1 ,J,~n:+ ,~sm?*j,.en.t with t:ae longitudinal
and transverse
directions.
'I'he terrn "disoosable" is tiereir~ ~o describe a.bsorb+_n.t articles that
generally
are not intended to b:, laundered (c niher:vise i-estored or reused as an
absorbent article

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
(i.e., they are intended to be discai,.Ged :ifte= a single use and,
preferably, to be recycled,-
composted o:= othe:rwise disposed c f :,.l un ,tiro:imentally compatible
manner).
As used her.e:::ti, tlxe tenn. '' .. ei.' ;; used to mean that an element(s)
is formed
(join(;d and positior:eei) in a part::+: :1.u piace or position as a un:itary
structure with other
elements or as a separate element jc,i~,vd to ar.otl::,,~r element.
As used herein, the terra "io::ae.d:;" e:acor.zpasses configurations whereby
an element
is directly secured to another elenaent Ily affixing the element directly to
the other
element, and configi.rations wheset ;+ an o3.E3I]Ient is indirectly secured to
another element
by aifixing the PIement tc inten r e, a=:te meraber(s) wluch in turn. are
affixed to the other
element,
A' u:aiiAiry" absxE3ent ic, absorbent articles which are formed of
separate parts united together tn :~ i-ir1 a coordinated entity so that they
do not require
separate manipulative parts like a sr: r:aaAf: holder and liner.
As used herein, the tetrn retsrs to an absorbent &.-ticle generally worn by
infants and inroiltin.en.t persons abcr.~t the +ower torso.
As tised her.ein., the tenr.. refers to filling in or completing such as
by overlalsping, xnatcl>ingõ or aligr; iFil ;_ti.e, contextually relating, or
highlighting.
As asea:l her+:ir. :'se tex a'"'. surface' generally refers to a surface
oriented :rowar+:ls the l~a~ i~y w3.ien f= ? c: d to a~Y
As used ~eYein, t? te ter. xk surface" generally refers to a surface
oriented nppos~t- the:',~ody-facing~ r arFF :;e w=~ien. fitted to a wear.er.
As used herein, the terrri ',fsi~~i+,+, 71w indicium or indicia" generally
refers to
distinctive marks, colored re:pierr:; .3a~r1:e=+-,as; cn+3,'or textures
disposed on a disposable
absorbent aticle :'o = ir.ouide aP.}i F.1 te. Particularly, the functional
attribute
includes providir g ,, visual ':;, :':,.,, : facilitates an eWj intuitive
change of the
disposable aMnr'ts nt ox'acis duri: -;; _>-?:Ae.
As ii.seci hc:re-;1, the terva vS,.;ble' , as used in reference to an indicium
associated with an aificle, refexs t, ti~n :,hl' 4Y c f a human. viewer to
visually discern the
indiciurn with rkre unaided e).," stasldard correcdve lenses adapted to
compensate near-sjgl:,ted.rv;s~', or astigrnatizm) in standard lighting
conditiop.s frr)r,. a poinf of ref t+= : E~ ;i ,; ;:~. he gartnent-fa.irig
sur.face of the article

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
while the a.r:ic.le is hLld in a conf, .rL ati.on ~:vherei.n the garment-
facing surface is within
the field of view.
As used. her;;hn., trie tertn vis:'.1;le ', as used in reference to an
indicium
associated with an rst::cle, refers to 66e ati.lity of a human viewer to
visually discern the
indiciurri with. the i:inaided eye standard corrective lenses adapted to
compensate for near-sightedness, :; iYrs i;::te.:in ess, or astigmatisnl) in
standard lighting
con.ditions froin a point of referer..cc~; ~;iavlri_,g the body-facing surface
of the article while
the article is held in G. c7nr~guratic:r: V-ce body-facing surface is within
the field of
A, used herean; ".'starda7d ~i,. :onclitions" refer to lighting conditions in
which hu nata vi"ic>n ~~pc,rates e:ffr.{-; 1ie human eye is able to discern
complex
patterns, shading, a.ncl colors). JAJ'.'=C--? Cl..;aliv. t'Ze purposes. of
describing this invention,
standard l:ighting conditiors are a.t ,y._ l:,i'i:;if: following:
a) r atr:~ral i.Il:unination as ~:{:f 1 i c, a.c:~J outdoors during daylight
hours,
hl the illumi.nation of asu-:o-~:rci. :."0 watt incandescent white light bulb
at a
clistancc- o~' 2 :meter_>, cr
c) as deflnect by CTF: DF~~ ta:~; t;~,; n: I;i:nlinate lighting at 8001ux to a
1964 CIE
sta3i.dard. ahsr,rver,
As uwd herein, ai, ,'anat, =:,:.;r. fe ,! aY. ,~ of a wearer may include any
externally
disceinible po~ic,r. o'~'tl?e -~wear~~r':; ~r!_-,:~ ;ne~~ific to a, certain
definable region and/or
fanction.. Fxemp'a:-y anatonl.i.c fv: rir~s F-:wnan bodies inr,bide, without
limitation,
waste exit po-r#s such. as the snuw the perineal region, th.e gluteal groove,
leg
creases, the navPi, bn,lock:s, hip art+.! -: puiric: bones, the thighs, the
rib cage, and the like.
r'igure 1 i, a l,lar. vieTtr 0: t= ?,n in its flat out, uncontracted state
(i.e.,
without elastic nneoice,d cr.,n.trac.tiai~~ wii:a ror iions of the structijre
being cut away to more
clearly si7.ow *:ice ot 't="!s (i i~pe!= 20 and with the hody-facing portion
of
the dialier 20 wbi'ch contacts zr~, Xe~rf,= i;: ni; the viewer. 'lne diaper 20
includes a
longitudi:nal axis i0(! actai a l.atea a:i e r axis 110, a first end edge 10
and a second
end edge 12 cozu:,ected by lonei.ftlclins.i:;;y ~;,titeiiding side edges. A
longitadinal side edge
refers to ai e=ige oric:c:fer'. 45 frco 2 bie. ?.:)r_;;tudinal axis 100 and
includes rectilinear and
cu:rvilirir:ar G~de c;dges. One er:.d r)(nrl:io.r.i. r+f *1~n diaper 20 is
configured as a first waist

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
region 36 of the cli3Eier 20. 'Tlit; (: 1:, t-o.;i :c :r:c . portion is
configured as a second waist
region 38 of tii:; dia=pcr 20. An i:ct::;:ra.'ui a ~),ar.t,ion of the diarer
20 is configured as a
crotch region37, -tivhic~y ~:xtezads l~u:a;~1.ii{i.L,~..'_ ~ is~:ivieen the
first; and second waist regions
36 and 38. The waist regions 36 ~;Yd :tt? ;r,F -e_ ally comprise those
porki.ons of the diaper
20 which, when worn, encircle tht: v,aL,: ot d-.,- =iHearer. Therefore, the
first waist region
36 and the second waist region 38 are co:rr-r,vonly referred to as the front
waist region and
the back waist region, respectively, i:s_ co:-ra5rond to orientation of the
diaper 20 relative
to the wearer's b::rfy r_ihr'.Y1i; fit. 'llY~: 36 and 38 rria,yinclude elastic
elements
such that: t11ey n,soui wearer to provide improved fit and
containlnent. Tile nro:c Lrega,:~r. S' 7'j. L' 3 i1 L k 4) S.d Uf the diaper ~
0 which, when the diaper
is wer?l, 16 .5?elleral"y '')o:iTtloF:.BG l.fcgs of the w 2_,'er.
The :,r_assis 22 of the diao,r 21:= c;:r:ipii.ses the main body of the diaper
20. The
chassis 22 ca,crrprises an outer c.overM, :iAC;:uc4Jn8 a liquid pervious
topsheet 24 and/or a
liquid imlrn..yrvious backsheet 26 and at least a nortion of an absorbent core
28 encased
15 between the tops'!zeet 24 and the :'-'. For unitary absorbent articles, the
chassis
22 corzinrises t1=ie man structure :::r.'; tlir! 61';.j;:2 20 -with oilier
features added to form the
composite dia~er str,rc: r.re.. tNai'~ 6_e 24, the backsheet 26, and the
absorbent
core 28 inay be s.sscinbled irt s. -,:i' =,4-Il-known confil,r,arations,
preferred diaper
configurations are defcribed general:y in t 1. f'atent No. 3,860,003 entitled
"Contractible
20 Side Po:-c+.ons for ?'Jisnosa.b.le Diarrer' ?~,;:, z{ f-:o Kenneth 13.
33t:~11 on January 14, 1975;
U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 isst.eri to Bu.e?l an ,Sentember 9, 1992; and U.S.
Patent No.
5,221,274 is.u.ed to Ruell on :t'.G3i:= '12= 11!93; and U.S. Pat. No.
5,554,145 entitled
"Absorbent A1iPClt; ' ,Viti; Mli1tillEs '~ qYr~! inic':vral E1Fstic-l_,ik,e
Film Web Extensible
Waist Fea.ture" issnv.d tn Roe 10, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,569,234
entitied "Di,sp-,sabyi, =P n 1-C'r1 ~B rrt " ~t;.l;li. et al. on O,~tober 29,
1996; U.S. Patent
No. 5,580,411 entilled ':Zera For Manutac; ~irinp Side Panels For,
A.bsorbent krl :-cle::" :s saed to TJ= ;is,= e, ai i:i December 3, 1996; and
U.S. Patent No.
6,004,306 exr+itler3 "Absorbent rtrrrClp NV tlj. Multi-Directional. Extensible
Side Panels"
issued to Robles e: al. on Deceir :~er 21, 1999; each of which is incorporated
herein by
referen.ce.

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
1A~e topehccrt ,'%,Y :,~ ;yb ital:iCr ox 1;,c1 -?asticized or maybe
foreshortened so as
to provida a void b+-ltweeYz and the core 2;8. Exemplary structures
including elasticized or foreshox ~uaxe3 tol she> e'::4 are described in more
detail in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,892,5:36 issued to D,-1s;'Viar<-i=, f,i: al. c,; i ~:xnuary 9, 1990
entitled "Absorbent Article
Having Elastic Stra.nds"; T.J.S. Pai. No. 4,3 )9:),147 issued to Freeland on
February 5, 1991
entitled "Absorbent Article With Blastic Liner For Waste Material Isolation";
U.S. Pat.
No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen ct al, or1. A.~~jg-,a st 6, 1991 entitled
"Disposable Absorbent
Article Naving Elditi,~a.ily Ex.te-n, yt:,e and U.S. Pat. '9o. 5,269,775
issued to
Freeland et al. oa Dec: rnbe, 34 !Q.031 "Trisectiun "'opsheets For Disposable
Absorbent .Arlacies atsd 1,."r.;,o-ba-nt Articles Having Such Trisection
Topsheets"; each of' which is it7.corporat~c' by ref.erence herein. Further
preferred
embodiments of elasticized or ?;crF.~her f~~ ~cc topsheets are described in
detail in co-
pending European Patent ApplFca,l:ion Nu. 0::117670 filed July 26, 2001 and
copending
Euronean Patent A.pplicption No 0111766) :dled July 26, 2001 each of which is
ixacoar-por.at:ed by hereix.
The ab;:orb:;r.t c.o:e ?p s.ny absorbent ,naterial that is generally
c.ompressible, Esor:fdrtns.ble, non-iuit::<rinf, ti! i:~:e wearer's skin, and
capable of absorbing
and retaiiuxxb l.iqi;.ids such a.s u:=i..r c: a.-r;n c:,t}7 r.F-rtain body
exudates. The absorbent core
28 may comprise a~ircd.e vari~~-ty of 1,iqnii-absorbent materia.ls commonly
used in
disposable diapers anci other abscaa'annt wtic:;l o,, sueh as eonuninuted wood
pulp, which is
generally referred to as air felt, 'E:,xar.:xples of other suitable absorbent
materials include
creped eellul,-se vvaddir.g; melt blo ~vn. polvir, crs, including co-form;
chemically stiffened,
modified oP t~.r,.ae, incb,idin.K ia.ssue wraps and tissue
Yatninates; absorbe superabsnrbent polyniers; absorbent
gelling rnaterials; ar a.ny at;.l :r l:: ;+ a_. ~:b ~~~;~:Pr,r. :-aaterial or
cotobinatiors of materials.
The'naa:sheel: ~ 6is g(:1-cer4:1y triFr t-, ~i't.o:, o:Pthe diaper 2t)
positioned adjacent the
ga.rment-facing si.vface of t:he v~.sn'b,nt r,. -, :8. Backsheet 26 7revents
the exudates
absorbrd and contain.e.d therein f-c :1a. soi'.irtt; articles that may contact
the diaper 20, such
as bed sheets an.ci. tndergaa;-n,m,:r. fi=i. pi.-: Ferred embodim,;nts, the
backsheet 26 is
substRntally =' ~4.zrl comf+ri.seõ a laminate of a nonwoven
anci a t?: Y pl~t<;t .c so;;l a, .012 mm
rn having a t.,c~ess of about 0

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
(0.5 mil) to abcvrit 0.051 rp.ni. :;:õ0 Suitable backsheet films include those
manufact?:rert by Tr.edega::= Tnd:ustr es Ir.j.r, r,f Te.n~e Haute, N and sold
under the trade
names X15306, X10952, and X10:1ti4. Other suitable backshec:; materials may
include
breathable matezials that pennit va.nors to usca:?e from the diaper 20 while
still preventing
exudates fiam passiW,r through tro bac1:4'::~FJ 26. Exemplary breathable
materials may
include materials su h n. wnve,a õ r,:,Fw'oven webs, composite materials such
as
film-coated :ionwa=ven webs, ar.? :?. s~ ru i: i= c!a s films such as
manufactured by Mitsni
Toatsu Co., of ,(apan mc~t-r the 'i;qP':)IR NO and hv Tredegar, of Richmond,
VA. Suitab?e breAable coml:so~::'e c:omprising polymer blends are available
from Cl.onav Cornoration, Cincir.r::ti, DIi tmrler &e name IiYTR}?L blend P18-
3097.
Ti'le diaper 20 may include a fast:rr-in;; system 50 such as a hook and loop
type
fastener including; atleas=c one en,;Wil-'n; .:(.TaTonent (male fastening
component) and at
least one landing 3oa.e (female fts,:n:nq c3-1n,orent). Alternatively, the
fastening system
50 may ir.ciilde a t,rt3 Znd slc;t tvl: vrli;:rNin the tab mer.nber includes a
retaining
element that interlocks -tvith an o: ur 8.t.~;:. >-; slit, slot, or locp.
The dlaper 20 Y'llay also rric-l;:rie ,~.=k: pauels, referred to herein as
first ear panels
30, disposed in tiile sN.cond waist r; tdoa :sb. 'i'he iirst ear pa.r..eiG 30
may be integral with
the chassis 22 com.prisi:nb extensi;: l.: of a z~>t;>o~'ty chassis desigr. or
a?tematively, the first
ear uanels '-:0 may comprise sr/prxmce m.eraMer:, attached to the chassis 22
using adhesives,
ultra.so,rsic bnnds, r.adi.o 5~eguen{.y hr-nrl.,,, other suitable mear.)s The
first ear panels 30
-nay bp F:iasti. or xtrrsible tr: r=f~a :. c=a~r.fortable ancl (.ontoured fit
by initially
rortforna~'rly flt.tmE- ' e rliaoer 20 , r.i.d s xstairdu.g tlji.s fit
throughout the time
of'wear ;vel'.1:,:iõt vt', ,it - _ :) ~~aK T -i laarled wi.tlx erc:c'.ates
siYce the elasticized
first ear panels ?CS alj<:~rv the s;,9(;!, a:Tt4c -r 20 to expaurt a.rrd.
cc,ntracr.. The first ear
pa.uels 30 may v,sn ~yrr=~vic?e !ro? F~ efi.~cr'.G=~ aplication of'the c_.aper
20 because even if
panel 30 farr~:~::~= than the other during
the careFiver pu is one elasõ:ir~;~;,;d fi-r,! i~~
applieatic,n, i:be 20 wil?. ;f0T-vdlj,:-; ' clxr.ring wear. Exa.-iples of
diapers with
ela.sticized_ ;:arst ea:, r~a;.rs.ris slre rli, :'u ; A i~. J'1,1. Patent
4,857,t:67, entitled "Disposable
Diaper Havir? a S'nkrred. .;:.as:z ' 4. ~ -.- ., . !; et al. crn August 115,
1989; U.S. Patent
4.381õ781 issued :o Sc ier aff~ ~E a << t11;3. LT.S Pat -. ' 4,938,753 issued
to Van
Gompe'l, et 2l, oa .;_t 3, iy?';) ,.'r?.J r,~: ~re lef'erence:ci U.S. Pat. No.
5,151,092

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
issued to Bu<.ll or,: ,3e,ctl:mber S), flY:~. :.'.S Pat. No. 5, 221.,274
issued to Buell on
June 22, 1993: U.S, PaYent 'No. to LaVon, et .al on September 23, 1997
entitled ".4bsc,rbent A i:iclas Pro-k : J-:; S Dynamic Fit"; iT. S. Patent
Application
Serial No. 08/:55,(48 entitled With Multi-Directional Extensible Side
Panels" filed November 19, 199:3 i,:i 11l?.:; :_ r,1ua of Robles, et al.; each
of which is
incorporated here~~ by ref.;rence.
The diaper 2i! c;uz a1s: referred to ~s second ear panels 40,
disposed in trN fa1_'St tit..llst ref~7'7k". ; f;.. S 'a: '0 the first EYdr
13=3nPls 30, the second ear
panels 40 may be qT1.t ;s?, raT v- .ti1 th ;c:rnprising extensions of a
unibody chassis
design or alternatively, t;ne sec:l,.c:: cfl~ 17a?:el,; 40 may coml:riGe
separate members
attached to tbP rhassi3 22 usirAg a(it-t, ,siv:,s, i:. TraSonic bor.ds, ?-adio
frequency bonds, or
other suitable rneans. The first fxid .<.ec,-,~xld. E=aJ~ panels 30, 40 may be
constructed in any
suitable con~wintion. accom-nodi.a.': r; ; G. z..:u-wic ~:?la.r product
design.
An tci.,pasab'-F -t4.cle i.n, ludiir, serviceable indicia for
faailitatir~ an ca.s),, irsttitive ac:co ~c'=v io the present invention is the
disposable
diaper 2+7 shc=cv;a in ili;.gures 2.:= ; r 'T r.F= . .>~osable diaper 20
includes at least one
extemally visible ser.v ; ea:hle anE~:,:~ cr~ 60 i,~ observable a1or; at least
portions of the
garm.en.t-t'acin":1 t-urfaof the ai=1:io; r~ryr. i, the lonE~.,i.tudinal ;ide
edges 14 in at least
th crotcli xegi.on 37 a;;zc; atso at visible servicea?ile indicium 60 along
portions o:Pt',P garme:~.*,-facir~,; sy~=.=.:e r~~~ t;:rt.icle proximate the
first and second end
edges = U; 12 in frõt <::nc ~eF o;,.s 36, 38, resr~~ectively, In each portion,
the SP.r~1ceab:e inc!ici,,+ are .:.o :;s to distingc#sta portions of the
garment
fan,ir:g 6.1?fa:' Elf j;v' ii:'=7( .1F t?;.C7ta;Jl 13' p1~iT,C.1T",e'.l side
eC: '.3 14 ara3 first and second
erxa edges 1:+, 12. f rorr ;:. PT- irn; r!i: ,,: accing sir =fa.4e of the
Erticle proximate the
center of ~aer by s!; r r;;~: ;, re:: tiae longitTzdirazl and traxasverse axes
100,
110. T_1=e ex.ter.n~Odw ; isable 60 i.uay bw J_ist)osed directly on the
garment-Fa;ein~ s'11fit~:+' of the _sn lie surface of the backsheet 26
opposite
the 28, on one of the components of the
backsheet 26, u.r. ~r~E:Y~,:ai i~ the 'a~._ ... :=~ : . ierlyin~; L~ve s,;o
:iong as the indicia are
indicia 'da nza}, cc:::n3rise a separate
..
;,~'r~ i:_, ;1=C4' fOnl?7r15E'= 7L c,oinrant, such as a dye or

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
ink, applied to a c.yrizpo.,,ae.r,t of ic:ldition, the extemally visible
serviceable
indicia 60 may inclucie a color, ~. ;foite; tz. z~:tii: or a texture that
distinguish the designated
por.tions from the cent+~;r portion of fh1
For oxte.rnally visi'ole ser%,ic,:!ab!e comprising a patterri, the pattern may
be
in i:he fortr- c' a sceriu- r-f shrapes r1Or i- r, ,,.: <-. Fnr example, the
pattern may be formed
O:l' one or ''')re drits i}r r1ol 1. 11. +''tUr'. regular ar Yrre;ula.r.
shapes (such as
circles, ellipses, diamrands, sclu;:a~ anr; or combinations thereof.
Alternatively,
a pattern inGav be in the f ' o t . r . ' 1 of r' r).E color alon;g a lenf;th
of the serviceable
inciicia. 1io.= example. the co:lor var;, :f r(: Ga light to dark; or ;'.rorn
one hue to another.
Images may i.nr,lueLe c+.,-a.wins?s of r:} rxactg,=5 .r objects readily
recogriizable to children.
Fcr sas=viceable in:'?cia c,t-Yn,)ririxo tihare, 'portious of the backsheet 26
may be
mechar.-icarIz~ t.reatet:t to prnvi.cir... '-,, r~aethods knorr~n in the art,
including
rrechanical .~aera':i r. =ri:,h as :: i~ y;, ;.t:i7~g, or riag :ro"ling to
provide folds that
a:a able to upeax,rlle;ii bakj<=;:: in a;iirectic>n generally orthogonal to
the nleats or folds. L-add=tio31 Ac 13:-.:iVi>1t.-..~ :.'W:c:trze, these
mechanical operations may also
rar rrng ralling or. p: e-. orrugating, including
pr,~vide e,ctersibilitS'. Suitable
extensible webs xnarie tEereb,y, ::i:e in U.S. Patent No. 4,107,364 issued to
Sisson yn lku;ust l.S.. 1978; U.S. -:E':rteut 1,u. 4 .8:34,741 issued to Sabee
on May 30, 1989;
U.S. Pat. r1o. 5.Iti7,9,3,'1 issued ic o:i December 1; 1992, and U.S. Patent
No.
5,702,38~2; :is ;r::ed to .D:,Abc-na, 1Ti . ; ,.., au : c,; iaP:r 30, '1991',
pach of which are hereby
ir.,corpor.ited llereirr "a: T r>'=~r.er1;, :.
.A11ernntivell s?r.-:ioir; ,*>risin; texture ::nay be acconnplished by
formin; ?, a; 57F1"'J(.;K. .'1~1, (tiVn Cor]'fi,-;.louS, distinct, and
dissimilar
rc;sions. Film.s tbu~ 1:otxnPd tia,r: 0;r been terrn?si stv lctura.l elastic-
like films
("SELF"). A st.rzr;ta: i e'.ast.ic-l.rb~" fil:r"z ',r ;v:_-h is an exten.sfele
material. that can exlu'bit
an elastic-=liLe Geh:a'-;,-)x irr tY~e riI: t~cti.,vn ~i :=:.c,rj.g tion
without the use of added elastic
Ilt.l,.C 7/i t"' .. 1~.'; _~ ::_ f Y~7!)1C11 ?.bit Ntle elastic behavior. In
na.rt3cu.lar, Las ;zud notfvt'ovens can be made which
e):hib::t c-,ljastir 1, Jr, ?~r.~~õ;.~ iFvr~J.s of stl=ain.
sr;-v'.teabi.-ta,'ia a~oy r ;~:''t = s=i~i1.:able fQ.r thc present invention,
and
me.thoc.ls ef fi,r;r';..lr 1117ei). backsheet5 7,E, ar,!; more completely

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
described in US. Fat~.nt No. o,ri'6+sil. Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like
Behavior, iss-Lied to Cia:ippl-ll, et, ; tl. on:e!r2:1õ :1996; U.S. Patent No.
5,650,214 entitled
Web Materials Rxliibifing; EXast:c ':.;~ s _6~lhavi=jz and Soft, Cloth-like
Texture, issued to
Arcderson et. ai, on. "L.;, ..'? 1 09 / an(!. i.~ .S. Piai:eat No. 5,904õ673
entitled Absorbent
r Article w:th S:~..~tur :~.liastic tike I:';1-ra Belt, issued to Roe et al.
on May 18,
1999, all of ~vd,dch are b.eraL-y j.e::Lein by refere:r:.ce. For film/nonwoven
Iatninate baclcshee~.s, iie irz the above-niez itioned patents can be
performed on tre l.~n,i:zat., t,= :..; }4+,a.rate componen}s p rior to
lamination, or
both.
Fcr the e:mbr,dimep.:t shcv,;rn I T'.:;i,u=e 2a, the first ear r!anels 30
disposed along
each of the lorigiiud'.:.al. side eri:F<<;=; :=1 yn the se;cond waist re;;ion
38, include a body-
facing surlace anc.1 a c?asr:'~ ;nt-faci, ' s Mf;z.n-,, zi -rOxi.mal edge 32
ioin.ed to the longitudinal
side edge 14 arinl a dist:}t adne crlS~ Rafi, proxirrm.a,1 ede;E, "~,2. At
?ebst a portion of
each of ffie fzrsfi. ezrY g>amis 30 one sxternally visible ser7iceable
indicium
60 complemercting th:- extetcxall ;- indicia 60 disposed on the garment-
facing surface of the .zrticle prex:i -:cite zi:.r+ first end edge 10, t:1e
second end edge 12
and/or proximate thP 7on,gitudir:a! ~,tde ! 4. Like the externally visible
serviceable
indicia 60 e'x.ternal.ly obsen7ab1e ~:,t ttie trs)rr.lent-facing surface of
the article, the at least
or_e exterr,~:lv v1 c.ble se=n; .cF,~l+le indici-~ar.a 60 on the first ear
panels 30 are also extemally
visible as descri?ned
rlnce the ~rti c=lr; is fiit,0. t,~ r=ATRIr~I=., t,~ce exfiernallv visible
ser6ceable indicium
6{) on the garmsnt-fitcing. snrtar.,;: of tbe fr:>; fsa.r panels 30 and the
externally visible
se:rviceabli; #ndiciiua, :)() on the (>>:i ii--x w-,):ient-facing su~-fa,:e of
the esticle near the
first end e<ipf, 10 fac; iit;at,- a, ;.s #-ho fastcninV ;,yst;em. 50 'by
forming a
co?11pos:itB sLibst~n-itially a11gied iSR?'citl3'~ a.p'3Mar'irig, ln one -non-
liInitlllg eInbo(ll.Ynent
illczs=rated ir Fifp:.:re4 "-)-;%d.. as ~: b,:c;d erccirclin; the waist of Oe
wearer.. Alternatively,
ttze extenial+.v 6;a ier.cra a p;z.rtiai:i;r overlapping or aligned
co1TlpoSlte iTldi('=iC:M %is 1-re to a1wed.rer. A': &,f; same time, the
externally
v:',sfr)le yervicc,a~olf, i~:,dx:;is. 66 ic5ri;~~F,c~ ru :6e. pr.rtions of *he
~3nnent-faeing surface of
the artn,:te i:l,,; :,~ ~-- ".4 yncircle th,~ let;s of the wearer in a
stabstantiallti ozrciiar;:_'ng and ali:: :ri r;..i;toret torm.ing a compo:;ite
substantially aligned

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
indiciurn appearing, for exarr:ple, a,:; a ccõrõrtlnuaus band around each of
the wearer's legs as
illustY ated in r ip,u:re 2c .
i: or this erra,c lia1r,3it. the ~ii,le serviceable qridicya 60 on portions of
the garment-f.acin~ su~= t:kce of~tb,e. r.ic :e 13 : x.a the longituddita.l
side edges 14 and the
ex'tertiall,y visib'.: sar, ic r;a'ah. -;,,ciit a.:r~'tte the first =1
seco:r~.d end edges 10, 12
can be rnade to form .a contoured ~'~-~t.:bzn Ya~t~r eli,:ting;uishes the
fiist., waist region 36 from
the second waist regi:ox 38. At sazr.; ti.r)t, the contoured 19attern can be
made to
co*nplement the wearer's anaznn.y: For -nst.auce, the cont.our$d pattern for
the
embodiment. shown it1. Figure 3 is ;,urvihnear such that the pattern in the
second waist
region 38 atzd. ;z portimn of the crut(!t- re;a-+on 37 is concave re'ative to
the intersection of
the longitztdiial. arid t::rt5 ve, se a, . 'uE: it: concave vta-vilinear
pattern can be
mride to coxra.t='?e-mont -',_, wear;:.'s a te;:riatively or elsti in addition
to the patte,m
in the secctici vvaist re.g on 38, t':te, -r -+te:rn ~1: 6--.f"irst waist
regior- 36 and a portion of the
crotch regia.l 37 :~ar be conve:: M'c t:;ie intersecticn of the longitudinal
and
transverse axe.s 1o4'l, 1:0 as sl~av;r+ ui P':N; e 21:1. Sach convex pattern,
particularly the
pattenl nro)-iwate the first ,m.d edg~: 1 t), <1,;I coen7,lement the shape cf
the wearer's belly.
Ln ad(1itior to ac.cczrmo(l~;,tjrg t';zc fas'e''ng system 50 and parti.cularly
the fit of
the diapLr 1), the r.o, ~tar, p:-:3 r:atF '),, :11e externa.lly ,,4sib'e
serviceable indicia
60 can bFS zncr'.e to a.c:: -Ttc:ate o6; ~4 :;; disposable a.bsorbent !~rticle
such as the
absorbe:cat cor,;, tf; õ~ykr;;~i~g 1F ,-x 'Ds, .-.,= -iae b2rripr leg ,nxff;s.
For instance, the
absorbent ct~rv 28 n-,-.u bave a:a, -ct ,_ ;?as 41;ra desim ba.ving a narrow
portion in the
crotch region 37 ta ixr_ rcve tl-Le ov~=: zil fi:: c:Rt!;- diap,-,r 20.
Additionally, the core 28 may
comprise one o:r :,torn ro>znd.ecl c:- xh-~Yni:se :.I-aped ends. As shown in
Figure 4, the
contoured sh~;ce foxroed by one !x mctre: ex+et.rially visible serviceable
indicia 60 may
comnl.eri,tPr.t or h.;;hl.i< t~t -i;tc v.ctU.r11 x-rf-r rilapo or. an
idealized core shape (e.g., such as an
ideaiized !,>tving rou:tr': u: arer having a cx,re with rectangular ends
as ffl,laslratP,r,~ iC] FJFC~1~=I ,Il~.lCTC I LJ F! tO 'thf,: -%ykl1sX?Iller.
,.n add2tlon, the
contourtx1 -patterC; ta.=::f Etir,o lix, c,-=; orov.de a visr;a1 sip-na1
indicating proper
a).i =g;zunen# o:: 'L-.e 6.:49,~'lr 20 ;,rith r:r,et7,~ k Cie; wearer's luA-"-
"orsc, i.e., in the lateral
direction, en.ttar.c.i*-g, v v fit oll' 1t,: cii-.xv!, 20 in the we:arer's
crotch region 37, thus
im;nrovin; tl:e, ov,~ra',l 1?erf6trn.zn.c,' -:;f't]ZF On. the other hand, t?ae
contoured
T;:

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
pattern disposed cp. tlx.e garmen:~ -f,,~.in_-- swrta-~,,- sf the article may
align with the barrier
cuff's or gi;i?ke-,in ;= s i,: l:)ady-f.a.cing s5a:rface of the disposable
absorbent ar:iGle, ac.;f~.r:ti:ag ~1ie J: i.:Lty to prevent lualcage. ={n some
of these
eTllbUdift:ieTits, 54_-'.,e'' indicia 60 )""ox.irr:ate the longitudinal
side edges 14 andior ?>>oxir-na.e t=a ~_i:t tb:, k:.iti :_clges 10, 12; e.g.,
the secorid end edge 12
proxixnEtte the second rFra.ist regic.c :r,,)y h;; ::equiced to acceri;uate
the absorbent core
28 and facilitate ldteral alignm.erit .~i'?iie a:ticlt; with respect to the
wearer's anatomy.
In cer.=tav:i enibodims; :ts; 11:.t: c~.tc rr,.z.ply -irisible serviceable
indicia. 60 may be
safficient]y r'soi.W c:e, nr b.r-,ve a,:~:~ I r d~I A , olor, to addi_tionally
provide a masking
benefit, effe.otJv;yl,cr ig of a, lay,r, material, or substance
i~~derlyir:g tliC' ;if;r JLGt;c.i7ia :T~C It',1: ."_ 7' :::i trt~!":1;~, tJ:te
exter21a1_ls' visible serviceable indicia
60 proxii-nate ':h;; : can ii aain ~ sr~ r; 7.;s ! zt u"a dif.p?r 20 inav
liave an opacity such that
feces andlo!- portill:Ks j:,z t're absos'~;Cfl .. c:oro 2R that inay be
present under the region of the
b<icksheet 26 pro:x:irnai;e the laLi.~,: ! fir~al sidc e .;lges 14 of the
diaper 20 are not visible
from outside the d:anff 20.
In ce..rtai-n preferred e-,r(?.a:ii.r,:.e%ts. diõpcsable absirbent article can
include
i11stY'I:()tiQ"n=.'~ 1nt~õ~,1cs t7ddance or it'str9.l.etlon to the careglver
I lsLttlre to 'lu '~F of f!'t 51.bOut the ~?~'ext.t'. 'Ctl particular, the
'.riStruet'mml B="rV"~~?~'~; "~~.i'~i ~ 'G F trJ the c;yre*!iWbAner to adjust
the fit
oT switch to a ci7,i'. 'r vdh c, h -!'r.rppar fit CaT.I 1'ie obta.in~d. For
example,
1PstXllCtH'nO :i 1~ .Ce !yt?1_P i_"lfjic.ip (---r[i ~ 3!1p''IiPJd on t11P.
QaTm,i15 facing surface of the
article matchTng instro.cti.onal servi,::r:atile. indicia 70 on tYie garnient
facing surface of the
first ea-r paneAs 30 txl Provtde ~:-.cLr:-~:7ov that the first ear 73anel:s 30
either do not
sufi.~;ci.entl'~ or-t'r;.Lp ;:irst wai~ ie:. 3 iaidirating a lc=o,~: fit, or
overlap the first
waist regioT! 36 t: o r:i', 1! uC 1:=3~".Y'i'_ ct tigi:t fit, Z:?S
1)artirlllar, too little an
nVerlap nza,y rf:5oi* iY ow~rly l?csK; i t.si-'i. 1-' tao P_re:a,t a, rc-
erlap .r.a.ay result in overly
tight leg fit. the inti-;:~:~::'hor<~ se: i:f;anle in.dicia 70 arP clisposed
proximate
txle longitwj.dimai sidr= e;t.g-s 114 o': 1.ri~~ ar?i~: ic~ ~ a~ ai;'.east a
poifi.ioo of the longitudinal side
edge 14 and ptoyi.-ct>,~w. t:f~.e inr~r;r ::_'.~;. ,,t ,e first ear parie130
for at least a portion of
the inner e(?r;t :33 ,;; s:~~7~~n i.'i ''11~ ~, ,'~ The instx-uctiot)a(
se,rviceable indicia 70

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
providing guidance a''= ir..structior: t'7e c:ar,-;r;iver relative to the
tightness of fit may
i..iclur-ie dets, graphics .,'.'ciraractr_ , r;.. ia segme:7ks, aaci%or
patterns.
In an ai-er+,.atr +aorx-lz,nt( ~;-xAr,l l;tr =r_a, the disposs'-,O.e
absorboint aricle has a
b:;dy facuig ~n iudirig y_~ having at lf;r.st oixe internally visible
se:rviceabie ia:liciisrn ~1f). Tk.e incliciuri 80 may facilitate an
easy, intu:it.ive cha:r.ige E:,y providiri;;; ror aligrsiag the )VeWN;r with
the article during
fitting so that ia tLu.n. f1e wearer is ;:~;aced on the article for fastening,
requiri.ng
mini..'nal a(ju3'rnent.
Ln ce;7:l:sir =Ioll lim.itilil7 !lre itzternally viqi';le serviceable indicia
80
ca.i be disposcr, iri. bod~y fic,?i s,Y:.- :);: =tlx., articl,- to
far,:ilit;zte the placement or
ai;,cnlrrezt of kf s ar:i ;l, ; or a tvith rc-sr.cc.,t to xie lateral axis 110
aP..dIOT 1rJ'lh'i:tf;lillal a 1f1"a J; ti; ri' C,C; i; >>'::1i an. anatotrzic
reatAre of the wearer. For
instance, t:hr~- !:opsfleet 24 of tbe ar.~tic~a :-r,.a,v ccinprise an
internally visible serviceable
in.dieium 80, such as a;:riark in tl"_c r, 37. t;sat, wheil :a?4'ned to the
anus, results
in improved :.,it and vi-ast, con:aiY.:fxeut ;:;erfc;x-crLance of the article.
In as embodiment
shown in lii~q<::e t, tio l.nterralI y o,il-,le sr i.ir:-eable indiciun-i 80
is visible on the body-
facir,; sid.y ;=t +';~ c; ;;+ i_4e t# fia,.. , c~a:t~a to aid in
lon;;ito_dinal positioning. In
th,, c:mbodur:ne x~ Iic r, 1i~i: : y visibte ceable indicium 80 is
cs l:n?:ed ~~:{. ar+.c ,ul =;: -', :,.rG=- d,r7. to facilitate ~.e', ~ nrlent
of the article with
tl;;, weare? as {hcrxr i;.;1r;:, ty.
''c5 fle ! :C:fl-);-~dirC3F1'':; rir,';'f '7 c f; :1:~mlafly i4slble ti
,nAcx'a:hle indicia 60, the
intern.ally vrs,;?-i?e ",Fr%ItCeabl~; iril1C " ! i\'ft !1lijU.le a color, %!
pattern, and/or a texture
thr.t distiui;vr-'1~4) i':.e I 5it;no:d u tc ,r,- o {=; brdy-facsng atr::a,~e
of the article from
4en.:T' Tegi l);a ~.'v r,,: :"r~+= :I~TP~?f s111g the m3Jy visible serviceable
i:zd<cia 30. 'C L :;; icia f?ft ho as~sa7ciated with any
PiITd012 or r:'f [Ifr j;Y"F'iS 1~41?"CSU~rlt ljae fiy-<.~,4Y1t2.Ut111g surface
of
t41t% article, 1;2~ ton',llf-';. '~4a+6s3Ibent core 2S or portions thereof,
the
fastenn7g :iy~ft!CI i:.f, 'rl.' = tlC~ t! f, {'):.CIC:iI'.@et 26. T?
:3dlll.i.ons.l embodiments,
the inte.rnakv vi.>iifle ;er.vicea.iilF ii rl:c ,, i"+i be disposed.
pr.)xiYrIate the longitudinal
sidP edges 14- s3i:. _+raO,ir:a.s:itc flx.:: fi-;+ ;txafl se , ,d ~r,d edges
10. 12 ofthe article to provide
a contou.red 7j tt.--~ v zrl;;A z b:xuE xc>Pi.on 36 fi=.~~r~ th: second waist
region

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
38. 'T'he cont,o.reJ omri rt1~ !;1z ' c;, af;.l::ulent tlle wer;rr,r's
anatoniy indicating to
the caregivni r~v;_ct ;c p1ac,:tl: l.& t'ittinf;. For ~.~.~ta~~ce, ir~ternally
visible
serviceable t; ) ,;aaa for,:,: il initterrl such tho.t the pattern in the
second
VVaast rEg:c21 3i i:.' oe=:'_Ea e 1c.,7;:.'' ~,..'.4' ttLC.:t'1a.l aT':C'
t:rcT!sVi;rie axes 100, 110 in
order to lnat~,.;i. t17e cc; ;tours of WiaA-9. The pwt Fv~z! the first waist
region
M can alsc- l,Ãy ;;uz ; ih ~e,ar reiat;s-n ,.'.:I: .~.; :trluza1 and Fr-ran.},
e:rs;; axes 100, 110 or else
liriear, bi::t in c;::se, ccnio.-Lr,-i -o t;1:~. i::_e s,ides of the wearo%'s
lower back. As a
TeSll'~.t, the co').?:o'lird 7;~tt;'rtl C<"'i tc~ r7rovide an i:1mrYT1t of a
wearer's lower
azid hu tc i;: , cr of?:rr{-, aY;'.,:,'.e directing the caregiver
to rf1a-c .,~dnrir =.
~=~,s ci" ,(:riKx?. ;aljo re :r ;erviceabJe: i:di;;Y,a 60, the internally
visible sPrv: l;-; inr ;ria 80 r., r; r. the body-ftc ir~.; se+rf'ace of the
topsheet
24 or be.ieath 'h,~t tc -cr:.er,f ~14. W 13 risible froin thf .wdv-facin~;
surface. In
addition, tf_e vis;iblE ce +ci a 80 c;ap, La rF~ c.:'f_-feYent colors, color
patte*ns, grad-icnt pattpxns, cr text. r.e mccl n oYdei- to communicate
softness of the article
towards the 1xdv av,si also n.rnv i.r' it,,~ s~zff;.cient to ~_nask any
underlying layer
or rraa.tP'f7.ai. flA+~e~tl)t , F.;Vt 1t7TiP. s ';1l .91':'1--'11e1it Of Lie
'x?r+3r, T'aat,-,rlal, or substance
through tlr.e ser1rir.r;a'.y 7 = irAcifl.
T7J 5o7l1C p? M fi: P.d 116a.t .3n eja8ti,:.;111,V EC~lP,6,hortened topsheet
24 havin.t; a h:o1 or s':.it 90 adapted to efl.ow f c=ss t(i pass to t;)e
underside of the topsheet
21, such as tl-iosP (Y.:crihec?. abov~-I: ),.f;i -,.:ril in co-nond rc;
P!lt~rt A.pplication No.
01117670, fils.,d ; uiy 26, 2001 an,; c;~,t~,~~.r!;~:;~ 1~a opean Patent
_Alm.licatior No. 01117669
fiied Jztt;~ :~.~, 2.t?i.t tl:? iratet:-l~, g~ v. ~4r~ireable indic;Ja. 80 on
the body-facing
Slr'l::F3(;e c'' Y~[-; 95-C5 !~,~~ Yrt2;v fa6l11: :E C,F rile ho.'~.E' or
''.:i190 with tlle anus and/or
-l1zteal g;roowe. l;z i Lek i c. i.; :':eit1a11y visi:ble se?rviceable indicia
80 may
CC1TT1prIS,~ ColO)~B!;. X, t j1ilS tSi" J_Yt~ I of i~le aY.*:c~tP a.1fYl?ff
the longitUdlnal
and/or laterai eri ;e;z nEtb h+a, ? or : i~.t 9 .~7.
9n an nxrIboji~nent ;Lov=n i.ra the diaper ~G:r.ohAes an elastically
fcresho;t:,n d to :,she& 24 havi~Gi tiol~:. ?} ?.ci ipie(l to allov, fec:es to
,>ass to the underside
of t~e topshcet 2z In this _ ~ ar.r t ~c~ n ent, tllc ;%nt..rnal'.y visible
serviceable
i,xdiciusr Isr) h_ ~- li 1:fis t? .c f ron 1.~. qP ,:a rk=cle ws th :z.ooth
cLlrved transition

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
towards the a4o:;rc a-i xiz,g a.: ti-i;t.tt .. ~..i.' oi' the article u, iiie
iongitudinal direction.
In adclition, rhe ~ 1kl,a~~ate of t- .o~~r al i~ 4lr(xia in the back provides
for improved
transverse positi.onir.,-: of thc, :rtol.+a :r)A~~ ic,i~a.:lcnn to the anus.
The :enxbodixnent shown in
Figure 1.0 is siPnihd- tc the; rr:i rig~~re 9 in that a:he inten~ally visible
t :
seiviceabie indicia 80 idaatifie-; t a of the article a71d. also aids in
positioning
of the hole 90 in the topsheet 74. rec!::;tiv;~ to i' rt- ar:as.
Other d7Grxer Ertibodi;.7tm .s ir.: :.aJing interraally visible serviceable
indicia 80 for
ali;;riing t:ne: t s?:t 9) ua TM~ S.l)~lh~;et 24 !~rith the anus of the wearer
are
~, ;k,.)wu in Figure :ti 1, a diapaj= 20 comprising
an. elastics.liy iui e>!x,.F:rPA tor..' t.: 2.'.= intFrnally vi-.,ible
serviceable indicia 80
xea Dfffi f :- -Yr.l ;-i;so tiie -nositsori oi'the hole 90 in the
identifyinr; the F
twsheet -?.4 rel?~tivc, tct the a.nr,.s.
Fi m:.xe 12 shows x:r Et ~ii i err~,: oi9inient of internally visible
serviceable
indicia 80 ori t~:e bcdy-facinP. s.d.e ~f ax -artic:lo, having an elastically
foreshortened
toosheet 24 Nc'i whc, ir,.t n-zi~z1.'.y ik,'entif.ying; the front waist region
of the
a t;}t ,q 5 tnerein Imp.t is pscticula*ly applicable
fc,: rla.lf, wf.<+r -p, F., c+ '~ }( F ttl c.+. ~r.e:at sirrii',.ar to the
er.r.~bodiment in Figure
12, -"6th a gladi!.1~?- r ;1ur an(i fo a ~i-nocther b.'r1nsitinr, l,etlveen
front and
back of the t:x-tl:rer emt ~c; mcr ;;t.cwn in Figure 14, wnere irlternally
visible
serviceab)e irs.d;6i::n-, ,30 cn the .~& of the ar:iclfl r.i;e;7lights the
slit area 90
wbile the -diterrr-2lly r!sibl: iG, nr1i: narr 8~.') in the front waist area
highlights the
target tirin.s.tio:c E:r:)r,t : 95. tNlt corn-7"o,a;ioil :,f which facilitates
alignment of the article
r';'4H.t1Ve to f}7' -o
;oY(tiVldf;S t5'vi) ctiifexent internally visible
servioeau~e -Ln ratr:rk't~~~ th. (,~otcii regior. 37 and aiding in
locrL>itudl.nsl pns :ivzi. ,: ok't7, ; ~~j "I,. ir ae;r. ;ndi.ci.iun
id(}p.ti.fvNYig the position of the
sht or h4)t:y 90 '.:Z tt?E; E;I.,:l.it7Caliy f{ v r'':r n1' .1 o,, s11;:ei 24
aT.!d a :'(I lr -' :i.L'. positioning of the
sl;t or ho?o ?0 rela=:ive to thc. p xt s t:.' -.=:orli;Y3ert shoNvn yn FiF;
lre 16. the internally
visible serri :eabJ.e i -,Jicia St) in.,:i.rtc--r? fl?e fr,. n,~ a?i 1 back
waist sreas and also highlight the
ta.r~~f: z 7~e 1%~ ~:) :or t~~~:zI- IY,to f:~: elastict~tec, slir, area.

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
L r,ne 4yit',,:y: .. ..:-'lt: s',.tvS 1", ihr aiternal;.y ,i.;iblE~ se.-
viceable indicia
8C orc tb~c hcd~r fCQ. LA s:de= e:' .u= 1'1:cs'xiortened topsN,e:t 24 comprise
curved
coi.ored ela:,tics 1:c, Y,i;':1i;;llt the e?~~si a; hc.-i positioning
o.f'tl:ie hole 90 with respect
to the anus. fr~ add1tioxi, the stxi>>;: prtta.:, cndemeath the topshset 24
highlights the
passage area fbr feces,
FzgL;xe l.l: sh+~ws an a:te.-3a"'*c.. ;W:,:=o: irrcent of a combination of
different
internally vis b!:; ;'+~ ~=,.~ble .::~di a t. 8:> rig;,ilight die c1 ~:1:ch
area to allow better
lor_g?tuoinai n- asitior.=- :J of'th; . c'i,i :e.r :,C:. i= r;ic -r:e the
tarõet ui-l;.;Alan zo:.ie 95 in the front
waist regic~~i, sz+:l h.ik}tal:i7bt tk'e s~:it cf;= 1:i.r,1e c.i.sposed in
thr, elastically foreshortened
topsheet 24=-provTrling ca.lihnriernt re<=: i z I:o *; :inus. The inter.r..aLy
visible serviceable
indicia 80 higbliF;h.tinff 1:he slit or h6; 910 can a:so =orovide niaskinl;
of'Feces discharged by
the weare- once it has passed throu.;Tl A-,n 1io1e 90=
.Tn aclcl:ticr~ c, the intenia!:; r:en:~.ceable i:idicia 80, the diaper 20 may
incha.ca.e 3 l,ar; eL"isaa7 - 1-; cc, f f , F "'I'L .>' t;-as:ically
omfr:idible gasketing leg cuffs.
Each of'tbe: t;asl:-c;dm 'i;g c:utf r;;; zzt;4~,' _y d; ftf ab?-m. leg cuf'f,
adjacent to the
long;i+;udir.a:l 11ae ct!fK: auc!. ttie gasl?:etinfr lrg cuffs may be tinted a
color cor;lr,l,=-me.r=:f.'..r..q the na,t. ;ri, t:.F= tac c.:' '?e
iri*.wrnal'.y ~~isihlP ~ervicexble indicia 80
or_ the top~hc:=~; 'T.." pr t, id.ing - n ciije f6r aligni.ng the ,u-ticl:
with the wearer's
lower torso tira:ring ftti*a.g.
1.n ad.clitu'+:o, c~ach of +.i:te c'l.fts may corrnrlse one or more elastic
stxF,ndG covf':~"H 'ra .. rortion of -'Ie nfl side edge of the baeJ:sheet 26
that is
fnlried over t l~, tir.+õ 1 finish:d r~~,yketi ~ leg; ,
ruf~ For this
eXT1h:iC1l ?1U.':4.. C." :~;a7 .it:.;~'-1& 1i:lti.: ,~ I;+;;e:= li N.l"t'kOle
7tlciv 1j:J]idf9 '>;:r'4lceable indicia
fULT'fii11g Fi. s13;4t mi ,i: oYl'd: ol'tCe t!- 1oT;s;?3tad'llr=.al side of
the
bac:csheel; ~t7 is : ioicicil :tvti c'a {s : ci. .rting tne ;3:,n-is'rted
~izffs, the finished leg
cuffs ma_v %nclucl,: t~ s,~;viceabta i:c+:.i;:in o:a clza, l:=c,dy-facinq;
sur:f<ie.e oi the diaper 20.
;rr a{:ic:itio:r.. ~ the featurr,:+;; -,Owve, the dimosable absorbent article
according: to -r.',w prc,:;e:ot ir.ventio -. tr ~w iri:iia,?e a fastenir
;,ystem 50 designed to
fa-.il u-ai;+- a-4: r~=;'c i~ }!'.i.~ E~ 1~; ;,, i 0
f a,n f, rn'r <' ni.mc r;t including such a
fi15+P.~'-! 3L _ . :%~ i . t~=w; r - + :. t ' t"':. .t' L~':f?f. 'Lc; I,
~I'.E: 13;'',[llllg system 50
rc;l.f.a.,ala',~r ;c;ac~d ws; ' sw~ic +. '~~ ~nd provides a

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
T1'St!"L.All>i'=a.l =,~:I"Jyt zrHf; ltl" 1,'.i %'.' 1 isl.'o3E;d ol.l the
first and. second landing
members may b:; X a.r~dculariy L?sei'J vhrzr=e ttr diaper inca-Ide:= the
versatility of being
fitted to ti;.v ,wear'r:r wl:ti.l.e the weare;. i s stat:din;; or. 'yi.-ag do-
wn. For such an embodiment,
the first Yi.t rrav y;ossllprise :ti.ttixi~:; t3,.~; tc xvearer wlule tb.e
wearer is standing in
whic:n case the di.aper :is fitted arcur3 the w;re,a?:;ar',; ankles by
at:trcllirag the tabs to the first
larldirig 11;s::.'~er:> as; ynille:: t1 z.ao~ lri =:1?.,, lower torso o r" the
wLarer. Once the
di:.per i+. rjoii:i, nt:d r c:-+,xrd ts, h:: c.idper niay' i?c ali.jursted to
achieve the
second fi:: rf.,nczN;;~ta th.e ta':,s iir,-i:ae aa6in; nlexnber:; an;i
en,aging them with
the secow, (and"ine ?,-rernbers. Pn;: ti,is :t6t:ciin--.rnt. the grr,n11:c cn
the first landing
raem.ber rnay i.nr.'T.dF a chara.ater ~vvr,arir?g a d:;t~por around its ankles
wnile the graphic on
the secorrd 1?:nc3.irprn;:.mbe.r i.n.olud;.~õ a ~~itaring a di.ape9 secuced
about its waist.
In addlition to Ã~,rapi?ics, th: ;>>str!r.c"~ic>?i;:~t smviceable inc;i.oia 70
may also comprise
words srlch , s"~:ikle " and wit~ the pcsa.tiryn if the article during the
C.1. ~ .~7 ~.=.fY 'i~'. ~ v ~.= ,1- ~i'~i+t.1 fl ~. H 11 11
n. it and t;i . tr? y. ( 1;; type o:f fit -:irc.h ws loo~e and snug .
Also, Vl: sucit .:)ne "17' and two 11211
designati:~.i fy :s: ~~ r1G+. sF:c~~r:d z. ,~soc;c:; .:: v
Trk ':he -,m'cd'rxent sne?iun i:1 T"arrr.::r= 1.'). ':ha fastening syste:'n 50
includes two tab
members 15. E ach W-i membe?.. 5C, Aa=:-rcxi7n.al edge 57 ir,,posed at the
d'zstal edge
34 oa ea.~.:b o ft.hr; f; rs: ea.r Ti an.el ,? t,-~!- di,~ dgr 58, a taFi b o
d.,- facing surface, and a
tab t?arznei?.t=-f',i~ix,g s xfa.cF. includes .fia4ten:ng elements disposed
rrC1X? . .~e ':z 2' va fpa11elF 40 i1P,'(', d?.5.){Jsed along each
1CCr.pis.a ?_:'cl.l r G'?o :'+ Tl f e Ed61 t'!.~;t7r:.d. ear pauel has a body-
fae.r.l.a ~r<1=." a~:e a ,:i a a p?mt ie' E ,s.amal edge 4 .''2: ;ioin:.ci to
che longitudinal
side edze ls: arri -,~ ~~'k~ra.l yi rtrax.imal edGe 42.. A primary landing
me-rlber 5t is di:snosc lon. th(L ga-?;.: 3?~~ ta :.~õlafk:e of each o.l.'tb.e
second ear panels 40.
The secr.l:-)d~~Ly raFnribe,r 54 ~s cit<< r~ :r..r3 or! the garnterlt.,facirq
~.,ta.rface of the article
in the fir_5. lw~:l8+ 36. :Dt J..t=t y f~~ .?pll u tll,' }ji:7lTlar',~
landtn?' sr;:em~ael52 provides a
fi.rst f-,_.;;tenir,g po:rrt .,~ypreir oak(,.;, ,;c a.l: :p lr:-)ear 56 is
sngam=r:l a first fit is achieved.
i.t! k=r7:,=:t 'i.t. :"c~as1 .f.i* r::: t:ziablxriJ tt1~1 ~~aaper to be
maneuvered
about ar~ . r.-~+.;fj T~e landing member 54
p"="tVkS~~r a "F.'1'.!'+!ti f h?l:L+i .) :''' :i. CI?CCI1C~. FlT "1'.tle e tiv
article is tightly

CA 02593002 2007-07-09
secttred e.hnui t'ie of 1h. fic3~ *i; a,.iLr-diment the :;r.struational
serviceable
indicia c; r:aTFr.iSe :; ar l_i.cs. The ~,,a.;:}hic c n ErFr, first landing
merrher 52 includes a
character ,i 6i::per arounrj ii:j ai~,.clr>s ;vMo the graphic on the seaond
landing
member 54 ins,i:?c' W y a c.hara.cter wca. -I.T-,g adia; ,r secur.ed about its
waist.
; zrr1r.= ; idi<<iclual featurw of the present invention
have ~,een ::es;a:ih 1 .e <ibvious to rJt~~;M skilled in th.e art that
various other cl-.ar,gei,~ a.id mod,.fi:: a.tTn3 be tn.ade witlwut departing
ftom the spirit
and scoiSrj of the ?nvf~, Ilion. :!:~xth r , :ti aX F.pparent that all
combinations of such
embodinlr;nx;, ara.ci i:e .':res arF r.:sult in preiE.:;:red execla.tions of
the
invention.. ::'h m:4ore. the apperid,;c. a::u iAr,nded to cn, er al[ such
changes and
modifications rh.at are iAthin the sco-n~~; oi'i,ds ~-,:ivertion.
;7 t:1

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Event History

Description Date
Inactive: Expired (new Act pat) 2023-02-15
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Appointment of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2016-12-16
Inactive: Office letter 2016-12-16
Inactive: Office letter 2016-12-16
Revocation of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2016-12-16
Appointment of Agent Request 2016-12-01
Change of Address or Method of Correspondence Request Received 2016-12-01
Revocation of Agent Request 2016-12-01
Inactive: Adhoc Request Documented 2016-11-28
Revocation of Agent Request 2016-11-03
Appointment of Agent Request 2016-11-03
Grant by Issuance 2010-08-17
Inactive: Cover page published 2010-08-16
Pre-grant 2010-05-28
Inactive: Final fee received 2010-05-28
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2009-12-30
Letter Sent 2009-12-30
4 2009-12-30
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2009-12-30
Inactive: Approved for allowance (AFA) 2009-12-23
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2009-09-16
Inactive: S.30(2) Rules - Examiner requisition 2009-03-16
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2008-11-03
Letter Sent 2008-05-06
Inactive: S.30(2) Rules - Examiner requisition 2008-05-01
Inactive: Office letter 2008-02-22
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2007-11-06
Inactive: Office letter 2007-10-03
Inactive: Correspondence - Formalities 2007-10-03
Inactive: Compliance - Formalities: Resp. Rec'd 2007-10-03
Inactive: Incomplete 2007-09-24
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2007-09-20
Inactive: Cover page published 2007-09-18
Inactive: IPC assigned 2007-09-17
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2007-09-17
Inactive: IPC assigned 2007-09-17
Inactive: IPC assigned 2007-09-17
Letter sent 2007-08-07
Divisional Requirements Determined Compliant 2007-08-02
Letter Sent 2007-08-02
Application Received - Regular National 2007-08-02
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2007-07-09
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2007-07-09
Application Received - Divisional 2007-07-09
Inactive: Single transfer 2004-10-08
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2003-08-28

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2010-01-12

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

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Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
Past Owners on Record
ANN MARIE SULLIVAN
CHRISTOPHER JOHN HOSMER
DONALD CARROLL ROE
EVA SUSANNE DOMINIQUE THURNAY
GEORGE BARTOL, III GLAKIN
GREGG ALLEN FLENDER
JAMES DOUGLAS WILSON
JOERG MUELLER
JOHN CARL COSTELLO
LUKE ROBINSON MAGEE
MARK CHRISTOPHER BATES
MARK JAMES KLINE
MATTIAS SCHMIDT
NAOMI SHOSHANA KORN
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Description 2007-07-08 23 1,409
Abstract 2007-07-08 1 11
Claims 2007-07-08 3 106
Drawings 2007-07-08 21 995
Representative drawing 2007-09-03 1 5
Cover Page 2007-09-17 2 43
Drawings 2007-09-19 20 793
Abstract 2007-09-19 1 9
Description 2007-09-19 22 1,078
Claims 2007-09-19 2 73
Abstract 2007-10-02 1 10
Drawings 2007-10-02 21 1,049
Claims 2007-10-02 3 100
Description 2007-11-05 24 1,322
Drawings 2007-11-05 21 1,042
Description 2007-10-02 23 1,272
Description 2008-11-02 24 1,324
Claims 2008-11-02 5 211
Claims 2009-09-15 6 259
Representative drawing 2009-12-28 1 29
Cover Page 2010-07-23 2 70
Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2007-08-01 1 177
Commissioner's Notice - Application Found Allowable 2009-12-29 1 162
Correspondence 2007-08-01 1 43
Correspondence 2007-09-23 1 25
Correspondence 2007-10-02 1 16
Correspondence 2007-10-02 61 2,831
Correspondence 2008-02-21 1 18
Correspondence 2008-05-05 1 15
Correspondence 2008-04-24 1 25
Correspondence 2010-05-27 1 39
Correspondence 2016-11-02 3 143
Correspondence 2016-11-30 4 214
Courtesy - Office Letter 2016-12-15 3 159
Courtesy - Office Letter 2016-12-15 3 161
Correspondence 2016-11-27 138 7,761