Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
A DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE
DESIGNED TO FACILITATE AN EASY INTUITNE CHANGE
FIELD OF THE DTVENTION
This invention is directed to hygienic absorbent articles, such as diapers,
training
pants and the like. Particularly, the invention is directed to disposable
diapers designed to
facilitate the process of fitting the diaper to a wearer.
BACKGROUND 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 by a
fastening system in order to capture and absorb bodily exudates discharged
from the,
wearer. Typical absorbent articles include a topsheet facing the wearer, which
permits
fluid exudates to pass through, and a backsheet, which prevents the exudates
from
escaping from the absorbent article.
Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers are designed to absorb and
contain
bodily waste in order to prevent soiling of the body and clothing of the
wearer. The
disposable diapers typically comprise a single design available in different
sizes to fit a
variety of wearers ranging from newborris to toddlers undergoing toilet
training. The
design of the diaper typically affects performance, such as, ability to absorb
and contain
bodily waste. The size of the diaper typically affects fit, for example, the
size of the
diaper waist opening, the size of the openings around the thighs, and the
length or "pitch"
of the diaper.
Articles wom externally to the body of the wearer, such as diapers, are
commonly
misapplied due to awkward positioning of the wearer or the restless movement
of the
wearer during fitting. Such misapplication may result in an uneven fit; gaps,
which result
in leakage; and misplaced parts (such as fasteners), which may result in
marlsing the skin
of the wearer and/or discomfort. This is particularly true of caregivers
dealing with
uncooperative wearers such as babies. Babies, even from a young age, move
their legs
into awkward positions, roll from side to side, or even violently resist
diaper changes
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CA 02593575 2007-07-09
using hand and leg motions. As a result, the caregiver often has to hold
portions of the
wearer's body as well as the diaper during the change process making it very
difficult to
achieve proper alignment of the diaper for fitting.
Attempts have been made in the art to improve the process of applying an
absorbent article to the wearer such as by using an external change aid such
as descnbed
in co-pending European Patent Application No. 01117671 filed July 26, 2001.
The
change aids described in said application are devices that assist in the
application or
removal of articles wom primarily externally on the body of the wearer,
especially
hygienic absorbent articles, such 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 to purchase an extra device
Thus, there is a need for a disposable diaper including featares that
facilitate the
changing process. Particularly, there is a need for a diaper having intuitive
elements that
facilitate a change by enabling a caregiver 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 fitted to a wearer while the wearer is
standing or
lying down where in either case the diaper can easily be fitted to the wearer
without
instruction.
S~fMNIARY
The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article to be worn about
the
lower torso of a wearer that 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, thus enhancing the fit and
corresponding
performance of the article. The disposable absorbent article includes a body-
facing
surface and a garment-facing surface; a longitudinal axis and a transverse
axis; 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 pair of opposing longitudinal side
edges join
th.e first end edge and the second end edge. The disposable absorbent article
includes a
backsheet having a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface, and a
core disposed
on the body-facing surface of the backsheet.
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Embodiments of the disposable absorbent article include at least one extemally
visible serviceable indicium disposed on portions of the disposable absorbent
article
proximate the longitudinal side edges 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 disposable absorbent article proximate the first
and second
end edges. The externally visible serviceable indicia distinguish the portions
of the
garment-facing surface of the article proximate the longitudinal side edges
and portions of
the article proximate the first and second end edges from a portion of the
garment-facing
surface of the article proximate an intersection of the longitudinal and
transverse axes.
For these embodiments, the externally visible serviceable indicia can provide
a contoured
pattern complementing features of the disposable absorbent article such a
shaped core,
barrier leg cuffs and/or a fastening system.
For instance, in one embodiment, the disposable article includes a first ear
panel
disposed along each longitudinal side edge in the second waist region. Each
first ear
panel includes a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. At least a
portion of
each of the first ear panels includes at least one externally visible
serviceable indicium
complementing the externally visible serviceable indicium disposed on the
garment-
facing surface of the article proximate the first and second end edges and/or
proximate the
longitudinal side edges. For this e:anbodiment, the disposable absorbent
article includes a
fastening system for releasably securing the first waist region and the second
waist region
about the lower torso of the wearer. During fitting, the at least one
externally visible
serviceable indicia on the portion of each of the first ear panels are aligned
with the
externally visible serviceable indicia proximate the first end edge to form a
composite
substantially aligned indicia encircling the waist of the wearer. At the same
time, the at
least one externally visible serviceable indicium on the garment-facing
surface of the
article proximate the longitudinal side edges form composite substantially
aligned indicia
encircling the legs of the wearer. The composite substantially aligned indicia
encircling
the waist and the legs of the wearer denote proper alignment and fit of the
article about
the hips and legs of the wearer.
Alternate embodiments include at least one internally visible serviceable
indicium
observable on a portion of the body-facing surface of the disposable absorbent
article
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CA 02593575 2007-07-09
facilitating the alignment of the article, or components thereof, to anatomic
features of the
wearer during fitting. For these embodiments the disposable absorbent article
may
include an elasticized topsheet with an elongated slit opening disposed
therein. The
elasticized slit opening is intended to align with the wearer's anus and/or
genitals to
receive fecal matter and/or urine therein. The internally visible serviceable
indicia can be
used to facilitate such alignment.
In another embodiment, the disposable absorbent article includes a fastening
system having separate priinary and secondary landing members that attach to
tab
members during a first fit and a second fit, respectively. The primary and
secondary
landing members include serviceable indicia providing instructional marks
designating
matching connections with the tab members during the first fit and the second
fit. The
first fit provides a loose fit which can enable the article to be maneuvered
about the
wearer's lower torso during fitting and the second fit provides a secure fit
about the
wearer's waist.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the
present invention,
it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following
description
which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like
designations
are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to the
present
invention.
Figure 2a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to the
present
invention including externally visible serviceable indicia disposed on the
garment-facing
surface of the article.
Figure 2b is a three dimensional front view of the disposable absorbent
article
depicted in Figure 2a showing the first waist region attached to the second
waist region.
Figure 2c is a three dimensional side view of the disposable absorbent article
depicted in Figure 2a showing the first waist region attached to the second
waist region.
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Figure 2d is a three dimensional rear view of the disposable absorbent article
depicted in Figure 2a showing the first waist region attached to the second
waist region.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to the
present
invention including externally visible serviceable indicia in the rear waist
region
providing a contoured pattern.
Figure 4 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to the
present
invention including externally visible serviceable indicia in the rear waist
region
providing a contoured pattern complementing the shape of the core.
Figure 5 is a plan view of the disposable absorbent article depicted in Figure
2a
including instructional serviceable indicia providing guidance or instruction
to the
caregiver relative to tightness of fit of the article about the wearer.
Figure 6 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable absorbent
article according to the present invention including internally visible
serviceable indicia.
Figare 7 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable absorbent
article according to the present invention including an internally visible
serviceable
indicium, which is both colored and 3-dimensional.
Figure 8 shows the disposable absorbent article depicted in Figure 7 being
fitted to
a wearer.
Figure 9 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting the first
waist region of the
article with a smooth curved transition towards the back.
Figure 10 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting the crotch
region of the
article.
Figure 11 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting crotch region
of the article
and the position of the slit opening.
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Figure 12 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting the first
waist region of the
article.
Figure 13 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article depicted in Figure 12 with visible serviceable indicia providing
patterns to create a
smooth transition between the first waist region and the second waist region
of the article.
Figure 14 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting the slit area
and a target
urination zone in the first waist region.
Figure 15 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia comprising two different
patterns
wherein the outer pattern aids in longitudinal positioning of the article and
the inner
pattern highlights the slit opening.
Figure 16 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting the first and
second waist
regions and the target zone for the anus relative to the slit opening.
Figure 17 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting elasticity
and positioning
of the slit opening.
Figure 18 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposable
absorbent
article according to the present invention including an elastically
foreshortened topsheet
and a slit opening with visible serviceable indicia highlighting the crotch
area, the slit
opening and a target urination zone in the fust waist region of the article.
Figure 19 is a plan view of a c.iaper including instructional serviceable
indicia on
the first and second landing members of the fastening system denoting a first
fit and a
second fit.
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CA 02593575 2007-07-09
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While this specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the invention, it is anticipated
that the
invention can be more readily understood through reading the following
detailed
description of the invention and study of the included drawings.
The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article worn about the
lower torso of a wearer including at least one serviceable indicium that
facilitates an easy
intuitive change. The serviceable indicium is disposed in distinct areas of
the article and
includes features and/or chara.cteristics signaling to a caregiver andlor
wearer how to
achieve a proper fit. The wearable article may be applicable to disposable
absorbent
articles including training pants, incontinence briefs, incontinence
undergarments, inserts
for disposable or durable diapers or other garments and the like. One
embodiment of an
absorbent article of the present invention is a unitary disposable absorbent
article, such as
the disposable diaper 20, shown in Figure 1.
DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
"Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and 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.
"Longitudinal" is a direction ranning parallel to the maximum linear dimension
of
the article and includes directions within 45 of the longitudinal direction.
The "lateral" or "transverse" direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal
direction
and is essentially in the plane of the article when the article is in a flat
stretched out
position.
The "Z-direction" is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse
directions.
The x-y plane refers to thA plane congruent with the longitudinal and
transverse
directions.
The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that
generally
are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused . as an
absorbent article
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CA 02593575 2007-07-09
(i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably,
to be recycled;
composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).
As used herein, the term "disposed" is used to mean that an element(s) is
formed
(joined and positioned) in a particular place or position as a unitary
structure with other
elements or as a separate element joined to another element.
As used herein, the term "joined" encompasses configurations whereby an
element
is directly secured to another element by a.ffixing the element directly to
the other
element, and configurations wbereby an element is indirectly secured to
another element
by af5xing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to
the other
element.
A "unitary" absorbent article refers to absorbent articles which are formed of
separate parts united together to form a coordinated entity so that they do
not require
separate manipulative parts lilce a separate holder and liner.
As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally
worn by
infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso.
As used herein, the term "complement" refers to filling in or completing such
as
by overlapping, matching, or aligning therewith; contextually relating, or
highlighting.
As used herein, the term "body-facing surface" generally refers to a surface
oriented towards the body when fitted to a wearer.
As used herein, the term "garment-facing surface" generally refers to a
surface
oriented opposite the body-facing surface when fitted to a wearer.
As used herein, the term "serviceable indicium or indicia" generally refers to
distinctive marks, colored regions, patterns, and/or textures disposed on a
disposable
absorbent article to provide a functional attribute. Particularly, the
functional attribute
includes providing a visual indication that facilitates an easy intuitive
change of the
disposable absorbent article during fitting.
As used herein, the term "externally visible", as used in reference to an
indicium
associated with an article, refers to the ability of a human viewer to
visually diseern the
indicium with the unaided eye (exceptiuig standard corrective lenses adapted
to
compensate for near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) in standard
lighting
conditions from a point of reference viewing the garment-facing surface of the
article
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while the article is held in a configuration wherein the garment-facing
surface is within
the field of view.
As used herein, the term "internally visible", as used in reference to an
indicium
associated with an article, refers to the ability of a human viewer to
visually discern the
indicium with the unaided eye (excepting standard corrective lenses adapted to
coinpensate for near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) in standard
lighting
conditions from a point of reference viewing the body-facing surface of the
article while
the article is held in a configuration wherein the body-facing surface is
within the field of
view.
As used herein, "standard lighting conditions" refer to lighting conditions in
which human vision operates efficiently (e.g., the human eye is able to
discern complex
patterns, shading, and colors). Specifically, for the purposes of describing
this invention,
standard lighting conditions are at least one of t.he following:
a) natural illumination as experienced outdoors during daylight hours,
b) the illumination of a standard 100 watt incandescent white light bulb at a
distance of 2 meters, or
c) as defined by CIE D65 standard illuminate lighting at 800 lux to a 1964 CIE
standard observer.
As iised herein, an "anatomic feature" of a wearer may include any extemally
discernible portion of the wearer's anatomy specific to a certai.n definable
region and/or
function. Exemplary anatomic features of human bodies include, without
limitation,
waste exit ports such as the anus, genitalia., the perineal region, the
gluteal groove, leg
creases, the navel, buttocks, hip and/or pubic bones, the thighs, the rib
cage, and the like.
Figure 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 in its flat out, uncontracted state
(i.e.,
without elastic induced contraction) with portions of the structure being cut
away to more
clearly show the underlying structare of the diaper 20 and with the body-
facing portion of
the diaper 20 which contacts the wearer facing the viewer. The diaper 20
includes a
longitudinal axis 100 and a lateral or transverse axis 110, a first end edge
10 and a second
end edge 12 connected by longitudinali.y extending side edges. A longitudinal
side edge
refers to an edge oriented 45 from the longitudinal axis 100 and includes
rectilinear and
curvilinear side edges. One end portion of the diaper 20 is configured as a
first waist
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region 36 of the diaper 20. The opposite end portion is configured as a second
waist
region 38 of the diaper 20. An interrnediate portion of the diaper 20 is
configured as a
crotch region37, which extends longitudinally between the first and second
waist regions
36 and 38. The waist regions 36 and 38 generally comprise those portions of
the diaper
20 which, when worn, encircle tha waist of the wearer. Therefore, the first
waist region
36 and the second waist region 38 are commonly referred to as the front waist
region and
the back waist region, respectively, to correspond to orientation of the
diaper 20 relative
to the wearer's body during fit. The waist regions 36 and 38 may include
elastic elements
such that they gather about the waist of the wearer to provide improved fit
and
containment. The crotch region 37 is that portion of the diaper 20 which, when
the diaper
is worn, is generally positioned between the legs of the wearer.
The chassis 22 of the diaper 20 comprises the main body of the diaper 20. The
chassis 22 comprises an outer covering includ:al.g a liquid pervious topsheet
24 and/or a
liquid impervious backsheet 26 ano at least a portion of an absorbent core 28
encased
15 between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. For unitary absorbent
articles, the chassis
22 comprises the main structure of the diaper 20 with other features added to
form the
composite diaper structure. While the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the
absorbent
core 28 may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, preferred
diaper
configurations are described generally in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 entitled
"Contractible
20 Side Portions for Disposable Dia.per" issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January
14, 1975;
U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on September 9, 1992; and U.S.
Patent No.
5,221,274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145
entitled
"Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone Structural Elastic-Like Fihn Web
Extensible
Waist Feature" issued to Roe et al. on September 10, 1996; U.S. Patent No.
5,569,234
entitled "Disposable Pull-On Pant" issued to Buell et al. on October 29, 1996;
U.S. Patent
No. 5,580,411 entitled "Zero Scrap Method For Manufacturing Side Panels For,
Absorbent Articles" issued to Nease, et al, on December 3, 1996; and U.S.
Patent No.
6,004,306 entitled "Absorbent Article With Ivlulti-Directional Extensible Side
Panels"
issued to Robles et al. on December 21, 1999; each of whicli is incorporated
herein by
reference.
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The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may be foreshortened
so as
to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 and the core 28. Exemplary
structures
including elasticized or foreshortened topsheets are described in more detail
in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,892,536 issued to DesMarais et al. on January 9, 1990 entitled
"Absorbent Article
Having Elastic Strands"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to Freeland on
February 5, 1991
entitled "Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste Material Isolation";
U.S. Pat.
No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. on August 6, 1991 entitled "Disposable
Absorbent
Article Having Elastically Extensible Topsheet"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775
issued to
Freeland et al. on December 14, 1993 entitled "Trisection Topsheets For
Disposable
Absorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection
Topsheets"; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Further
preferred
embodiments of elasticized or foreshortened topsheets are described in detail
in co-
pending European Patent Application No. 01117670 filed July 26, 2001 and
copending
European Patent Application No. 01117669 filed July 26, 2001 each of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
The absorbent core 28 may comprise any absorbent material that is generally
compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearez's skin, and capable of
absorbing
and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. The
absorbent core
28 may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in
disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as comrninuted wood pulp,
which is
generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent
materials include
creped cellulose wadding; melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically
stiffened,
modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and
tissue
laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers;
absorbent
gelling materials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations of
materials.
The backsheet 26 is generally that portion of the diaper 20 positioned
adjacent the
garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 28. Backsheet 26 prevents the
exudates
absorbed and contained therein frona soiling articles that may contact the
diaper 20, such
as bed sheets and undergarments. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 26 is
substantially impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and comprises a laminate of
a nonwoven
and a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of
about 0.012 mm
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(0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include those
manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, IN and sold under the
trade
names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials may
include
breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the diaper 20 while
still preventing
exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathable materials
may
include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such
as
fihn-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by
Mitsui
Toatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by Tredegar, of
Richmond,
VA. Suitable breathable composite materials comprising polymer blends are
available
from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097.
The diaper 20 may include a fastening system 50 such as a hook and loop type
fastener including at least one engaging component (male fastening component)
and at
least one landing zone (female fastening component). Alternatively, the
fastening system
50 may include a tab and slot type fastener wherein the tab member includes a
retaining
element that interlocks with an opening such as a slit, slot, or loop.
The diaper 20 may also include side panels, referred to herein as first ear
panels
30, disposed in the second waist region 38. The first ear panels 30 may be
integral with
the chassis 22 comprising extensions of a unibody chassis design or
altematively, the first
ear panels 30 may comprise separate members attached to the chassis 22 using
adhesives,
ultrasonic bonds, radio frequenry bonds, or other suitable means. The first
ear panels 30
may be elastic or extensible to provide a comfortable and contoured fit by
initially
confonnably fitting the diaper 20 to the wearer and sustaining this fit
throughout the time
of wear well past when the diaper 20 has been loaded with exudates since the
elasticized
first ear panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract.
The fiirst ear
panels 30 may also vrovide more effective application of the diaper 20 because
even if
the caregiver pulls one elasticized first ear panel 30 farther than the other
during
application, the diaper 20 will "self-adju,st" during wear. Examples of
diapers with
elasticized first ear panels are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,857,067, entitled
"Disposable
Diaper Having Shirred Ears" issued to Wood, et al. on August 15, 1989; U.S.
Patent
4,381,781 issued to Sciaraffa, et al, on May 3, 1983; U.S. Patent 4,938,753
issued to Van
Gompel, et al. on Ju1y 3, 1990; the herein before referenced U.S. Pat. No.
5,151,092
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CA 02593575 2007-07-09
issued to Buell on September 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5, 221,274 issued to
Buell on
June 22, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 5,669,897 issued to LaVon, et al. on September
23, 1997
entitled " Absorbent Hrticles Providing Sustained Dynamic Fit"; U.S. Patent
Application
Serial No. 08/155,048 entitled "Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional
Extensible Side
Panels" filed November 19, 1993 in the names of Robles, et al.; each of which
is
incorporated herein by reference.
The diaper 20 can also include side panels, referred to as second ear panels
40,
disposed in the first waist region 36. Similar to the first ear panels 30, the
second ear
panels 40 may be integral with the chassis 22 comprising extensions of a
unibody chassis
design or alternatively, the second ear panels 40 may comprise separate
members
attached to the chassis 22 using ad_hesives, ultrasonic bonds, radio frequency
bonds, or
other suitable means. The first and second ear panels 30, 40 may be
constructed in any
suitable configuration accommodating a particular product design.
An exemplary disposable absorbent article including serviceable indicia for
facilitating an easy, intuitive change according to the present invention is
the disposable
diaper 20 shown in Figures 2a-2d. The disposable diaper 20 includes at least
one
externally visible serviceable indicium 60 that is observable along at least
portions of the
garment-facing surface of the article proxinlate the longitudinal side edges
14 in at least
th-, crotch region 37 and also at least one externally visible serviceable
indicium 60 along
portions of the garment-facing surface of the article proximate the first and
second end
edges 10, 12 in the first and second waist regions 36, 38, respectively. In
each portion,
the serviceable indicia are externally visible so as to distinguish portions
of the garment
facing surface of the article proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 and
first and second
end edges 10, 12 from a portion of the garment-facing surface of the article
proximate the
center of the article defined by an intersection of the longitudinal and
transverse axes 100,
110. The externally visible serviceable indicia 60 may be disposed directly on
the
garment-facing surface of the backsneet 26, on the surface of the backsheet 26
opposite
the garment-facing surface adjacent to the core 28, on one of the components
of the
backsheet 26, or beneath the backsheet 26 on underlying layers so long as the
indicia are
externally visible. The externally visible serviceable indicia 60 may comprise
a separate
element affixed to a component of the article or may comprise a colorant, such
as a dye or
13
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
ink, applied to a component of the article. In addition, the externally
visible serviceable
indicia 60 may include a color, a pattern, and/or a texture that distinguish
the designated
portions from the center portion of the article.
For externally visible serviceable indicia comprising a patterrrn, the pattern
may be
in the form of a series of shapes and/or images. For example, the pattem may
be formed
of one or more dots, one or more lines, one or more regular or irregular
shapes (such as
circles, ellipses, diamonds, squares, and the like), or combinations thereof.
Alternatively,
a pattern may be in the form of a variation of color along a length of the
serviceable
indicia. For example, the color may vary from light to dark or from one hue to
another.
Images may include drawings of characters or objects readily recognizable to
children.
For serriceable indicia comprising texture, portions of the backsheet 26 may
be
mechanically treated to provide texture by methods known in the art, including
mechanical operations, such as pleating, corrugating, or ring rolling to
provide folds that
are able to open when the backsheet 26 is extended in a direction generally
orthogonal to
the pleats or folds. In addition to providing textare, these mechanical
operations may also
provide ex4Wensibility. Suitable processes for ring rolling or pre-comzgating,
including
extensible webs made thereby, are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,107,364
issued to
Sisson on August 15, 1978; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,741 issued to Sabee on May
30, 1989;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,897 issued to Weber et al. on December 1, 1992, and U.S.
Patent No.
5,702,382 issued to Osborn, III et al. on December 30, 1997, each of which are
hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
Alternatively, serviceable indicia comprising texture may be accomplished by
forming a strair.table network having at least two contiguous, distinct, and
dissimilar
regions. Films thus formed have in the past been termed structural elastic-
like films
("SELF"). A stnictural elastic-l=ilce lm cr web is an extensible material that
can exhibit
an elastic-like behavior in the direction of elongation with.out the use of
added elastic
materials. However, SELF webs can be raade which exhibit little elastic
behavior. In
particular, webs comprising a laminate of films and nonwovens can be made
which
exhibit little elastic behavior beyond very low levels of strain.
Serviceable indicia comprising SELF suitable for the present invention, and
methods of forming SELF webs suitable for use as backsheets 26, are more
completely
14
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
described in U.S. Patent No. 5,518,801 entitled Web Materials Exhibiting
Elastic-Like
Behavior, issued to Chappell, et, al. or. May 21, 1996; U.S. Patent No.
5,650,214 entitled
Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Lilke Behavior and Soft, Cloth-like Texture,
issued to
Anderson et al. on July 22, 1997; and U.S. Patent No. 5,904,673 entitled
Absorbent
Article with Structural Elastic-like Film Web Waist Belt, issued to Roe et al.
on May 18,
1999, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. For
film/nonwoven
laminate backsheets, the processes described in the above-mentioned patents
can be
performed on the laminate material, or on the separate components prior to
lamination, or
both.
For the embodiment shown in Figure 2a, the first ear panels 30 disposed along
each of the longitadinal side edges 14 in the second waist region 38, include
a body-
facing surface and a garment-facing surface, a proximal edge 32 joined to the
longitudinal
side edge 14 and a distal edge 34 opposite the proximal edge 32. At least a
portion of
each of the first ear panels 30 includes at least one externally visible
serviceable indicium
60 complementing the externally visible serviceable indicia 60 disposed on the
garment-
facing surface of the article proximate the first end edge 10, the second end
edge 12
as.d/or proxima:e the longitudinal side edges 14. Like the extemally visible
serviceable
indicia 60 extetnally observable on the garr.nent-facing surface of the
article, the at least
one externally visible serviceable indicium 60 on the first ear panels 30 are
also externally
visible as described above.
Once the article is fitted to the wearer, the externally visible serviceable
indicium
60 on the garlnent-facing surface of the first ear panels 30 and the
externally visible
serviceable indicium 60 on the portion of garment-facing surface of the
article near the
first end edge 10 facilitate as well " accentuate the fastening system 50 by
forming a
composite substantially aligned intlicium appearing, in one non limiting
embodiment
illustrated in Figu~:es 2b-2d, as a band enci:.7cling the waist of the wearer.
Alterna.tively,
the externally visible serviceable indicia 60 form a partially overlapping or
aligned
composite indicium as the article is fitted to a wearer. At the same time, the
externally
visible serviceable indicia 60 disposed on the portions of the garment-facing
surface of
the article along the longittidinal side edges 14 encircle the legs of the
wearer in a
siibstantially overlapping and aligned manner, forming a composite
substantially aligned
lr
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
indici.um appearing, for example, as a continl.xous band around each of the
wearer's legs as
illustrated in Figure 2c .
For this embodiment, the externally visible serviceable indicia 60 on portions
of
the garment-facing surface of the article proximate the longitudinal side
edges 14 and the
externally visible serviceable indicia 60 proximate the first and second end
edges 10, 12
can be made to form a contoured pattern that distinguishes the first waist
region 36 from
the second waist region 38. At the same time, the contoured pattern can be
made to
complement the wearer's anatomy. For instance, the contoured pattezn for the
embodiment shown in Figure 3 is c-arvilinear such that the pattern in the
second waist
region 38 and a portion of the crotch region 37 is concave relative to the
intersection of
the longitudinal and transverse axes 100, 110. Such concave curvilinear
pattern can be
made to coniplement the wearer's buttocks. Alteniatively or else in addition
to the pattern
in the second waist region 38, the pattern in the first waist region 36 and a
portion of the
crotch region 37 can be convex relative to the intersection of the
longitudinal and
transverse axes 100, 110 as shown xn Figure 2a. Such convex pattern,
particularly the
pattern proximate the first end edge 10, can complement the shape of the
wearer's belly.
In addition to accommodating the fastening system 50 and particularly the fit
of
the diaper 20, the contoured pattern f.ormed. by the externally visible
serviceable indicia
60 can be made to aceentuate other features of the disposable absorbent
article such as the
absorbent core, the gasketing leg cuffs, ox the barrier leg cuffs. For
instance, the
absorbent core 28 may have an hoizrglass shape design having a narrow portion
in the
crotch region 37 to improve the overall fit of the diaper 20. Additionally,
the core 28 may
comprise one or more rounded or c.-itherwise shaped ends. As shown in Figure
4, the
contoured shape formed by one or more externally visible serviceable indicia
60 may
complement or highlight the actual core shape or an idealized core shape
(e.g., such as an
idealized core shape having rounded ends on a diaper having a core with
rectangular ends
as illustrated in Figure 4), making it more appealing to the consumer. In
addition, the
contoured pattern matching the core shape can provide a visual signal
indicating proper
aliglment of the diaper 20 with respect to the wearer's lower torso, i.e., in
the lateral
d;.rection, enha:ncing the fit of tile diaper 20 in the wearer's crotch region
37, thus
ixr.iproving the overall peiforrnance of the diaper 20. Ori the other hand,
the contoured
iE
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
pattern disposed on the garment-facing surface of the article may align with
the barrier
cuffs or gasketing leg cuffs disposed on the body-facing surface of the
disposable
absorbent article, accenting the articles ability to prevent leakage. In some
of these
embodiments, only externally visible serviceable indicia 60 proximate the
longitudinal
side edges 14 and/or proximate oni-I of the end edges 10, 12, e.g., the second
end edge 12
proximate the second waist region 38, may be required to accentuate the
absorbent core
28 and facilitate lateral alignment of the article with respect to the
wearer's anatomy.
In certain embodiments, the exterrially visible serviceable indicia 60 may be
sufficiently opaque, or have a sufficiently dark color, to additionally
provide a masking
benefit, effectively preventLig visual detection of a layer, material, or
substance
underlying =he serviceable indicia. For example, the externally visible
serviceable indicia
60 proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 of a diaper 20 may have an opacity
such that
feces and/oa- portions of the absorbent core 28 that may be present under the
region of the
backsheet 26 proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 of the diaper 20 are not
visible
from outside the diapPr 20.
Ir> certain preferred embodiments, disposable absorbent article can include
instructional aerviceable indicia 70 providing guidance or instruction to the
caregiver
re;ative to the tightness of fit of the article about the wearer. In
particular, the
instructional serviceable indicia 70 can indicate to the caregiver whether to
adjust the fit
or switch to a different size diaper in which proper fit can be obtained. For
example,
instnictiona.", serviceable indicia 70 can be disposed on the garment facing
surface of the
article matching instructional serviceable indicia 70 on the garment facing
surface of the
first ear panels 30 to provide an indication that the first ear panels 30
either do not
sufficientlv overlap the first viaist reg,ion 36 indicating a loose fit, or
overlap the first
waist region. 36 too far indicating ar~ uncomfortably tight fit. In
particular, too little an
overlap may result in overly loose leg fit while too great an overlap may
result in overly
tight leg fit. Preferably, the instractional serviceable indicia 70 are
disposed proximate
the longitudinal side edges 14 of the article for at least a portion of the
longitudinal side
edge 14 and proximate the inner edge 35 of the first ear panel 30 for at least
a portion of
tbe inner edge 35 as shown in F'i gure 5. .~e instructional serviceable
indicia 70
1'?
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
providing guidance or instruction to the caregiver relative to the tightness
of fit may
include dots, graphics of characters, numbers, line segments, and/or patterns.
In an alternate non-limiting embodiment, the disposable absorbent article has
a
body-facing surface including portions thereof having at least one intemally
visible
serviceable indicium 80. The internally visible serviceable indicium 80 may
facilitate an
easy, intuitive change by providing a Guide for aligning the wearer with the
article during
fit;in.g so that in turn the wearer is accurately placed on the article for
fastening, requiring
minimal adjustrnent.
rn certain non-limiting embodiments, the internally visible serviceable
indicia 80
can be disposed on the body-facing surface of the article to facilitate the
placement or
alignment of the article, or a component thereof, with respect to the lateral
axis 110
and/or longitudinal axis 100 of the article with an anatomic feature of the
wearer. For
instance, the topsheet 24 of the article may comprise an internally visible
serviceable
indicium 80, such as a mark in the crotch region 37, that, when aligned to the
anus, results
in improved fit and waste containment performance of the Etrticle. In an
embodiment
shown in Figure 6, the interna',ly visible serviceable indicium 80 is visible
on the body-
facing side of diaper 20 identifying the crotch area to aid in longitudinal
positioning. In
the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the intemally visible serviceable indicium
80 is
colored and includes a three dimensional contour to facilitate alignment of
the article with
the wearer during fitting as shown in Figure 8.
Similar to the embodiments including extemally visible serviceable indicia 60,
the
internally visible serviceable indicia 80 may include a color, a patteni,
and/or a texture
that disting<.iisli the designated por'ior.s of the body-facing surface of the
article from
other regions of the body-facing surface not comprising the internally visible
serviceable
inciicia 80. The internally visible serviceable indicia 80 may be associated
with any
portion or component of the article visible on or through the body-contacting
surface of
the article, including the topsheet 24, the absorbent core 28 or portions
thereof, the
fastening system 50, the topsheet 24, and the backsheet 26. In additional
embodiments,
the internally visible serviceable indi -,ia 80 mav be disposed proximate the
longitudinal
si.de edges 14 ancl proximate thA first and second end edges 10, 12 of the
article to provide
a contoured pattern distinguishing the first way.st region 36 from the second
waist region
;8
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
38. The contoured pattern can be made to complement the wearer's anatomy
indicating to
the caregiver where to place the wearer during fitting. For instance,
internally visible
serviceable indicia 80 can fomi a curvilinear pattern such that the pattem in
the second
waist region 38 is concave relative to the longitudinal and transverse axes
100, 110 in
order to match the contours of the wearer' buttocks. The pattern in the first
waist region
36 can also be curvilinear relative tri the longitudinal and transverse axes
100, 110 or else
linear, but in either case, contoured to match the sides of the wearer's lower
back. As a
result, the contoured pattern can be produced to provide an imprint of a
wearer's lower
back and buttocks region on -the body-facing surface of the article directing
the caregiver
where to place the wearer during fitting.
As described above for exte_rnally visible serviceable indicia 60, the
internally
visible serviceable indicia 80 m.ay be disposed on the body-facing surface of
the topsheet
2A or beneath t.he topshe;t 24 as l.on.g as it is visible from the body-facing
surface. In
addition, the ho.ternal.ly visible serriceable indicia 80 can have different
colors, color
patterns, gradient patterns, or textures used in order to communicate softness
of the article
towards the body and also provide some opacity sufficient to mask any
underlying layer
or material, tliereby preventing the visual d=;scernment of the layer,
material, or substance
through the serviceable indicia.
In some preferred embod'unents comprising an elastically foreshortened
topsheet
24 having a hole or slit 90 adapted. to allow feces to pass to the underside
of the topsheet
24, such as those described abovP a,nd in detail in copending Patent
Application No.
01. 117670 filed. July 26, 2001 and copending European Patent Application No.
01117669
filed July 26, 2001, the intei7aally visible sc,r7iceable indicia 80 on the
body-facing
surface of the article may facilitate alignment of the hole or slit 90 with
the anus and/or
gllzteal groove. In these embodiments, the intemally visible serviceable
indicia 80 may
comprise colored regions on the body-facing surface of the article along the
longitudinal
and/or lateral edges of the hole or slit 90.
In an embodiment shown. in Figure 9, the diaper 20 includes an elastically
fcreshortened tonshect 24 having a hole 90 adapted to allow feces to pass to
the underside
of the topsheet 24. In this Y)aricular embodiment, the intemally visible
serviceable
indicium 80 highiights the front region of the article with a smooth curved
iransition
19
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
towards the back aiming at better positioning of the article in the
longitudinal direction.
In addition, the curvature of the colored indicia in the back provides for
improved
transverse positioning of the hole 90 in relation to the anus. The embodiment
shown in
Figure 10 is similar to the emboJiment in Figure 9 in that the internally
visible
serviceable indicia 80 identifies the crotch :rer: of the article snd also
aids in positioning
of the hole 90 in the topsheet 24, relative to the anus.
Other diaper embodiments including intemally visible serviceable indicia 80
for
aligning the hole or slit 90 in an elasticized topsheet 24 with the anus of
the wearer are
shown in Figures 11-18. For the embodiment shown in Figure 11, a diaper 20
comprising
an elastically foreshortened topsheet 24 includes internally visible
serviceable indicia 80
identifying the crotch area of the diaper 20 and also the position of the hole
90 in the
toosheet 24 relative to the anus.
Figure 12 shows an alteniative embodiment of internally visible serviceable
indicia 80 on the body-facing side of an article having an elastically
foreshortened
topsheet 24 witb. the internally visible indicia identifying the front waist
region of the
diaper 20 and highlighting a target urination zone 95 therein that is
particularly applicable
for male wearers. Figure 13 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment in
Figure
12, with a~,r-adient color and pattenis to create a smoother transition
between front and
back of the article. A fiart.her embodinient is shown in Figure 14, where
internally visible
serviceable indicium 80 on the bod~Y-facin.g side of the article highlights
the slit area 90
wl~.~le the intenaally visible serviceable indicium 80 in the front waist area
highlights the
target urination zone 95, the comb~'-nation of which facilitates alignment of
the article
relative to the wearer's anus and gentiles during fitting.
The embodiment shown in Figure 15 provides two different internally visible
serviceable indicia 80, an outer uidi.cium identifying the crotch region 37
and aiding in
lo_~gitudinal positioning of the article and an inner indicium identifying the
position of the
sli.t or hole 90 i.:n the elastically forFshn,rtened +opsheet 24 and aiding in
positioning of the
slit or hole 90 relative to the anus. I. the ~~mbodiment shown in Figure 16,
the internally
visible serviceable indicia 80 indicate the front and back waist areas and
also highlight the
target zon.e therebetween for the an?.i, relative to the elasticated slit
area.
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
In the em'3odiment shown in Figure 17, the internally visible serviceable
indicia
80 ori the body-facing side of an elastieally foreshortened topsheet 24
comprise curved
colored elastics to highlight the elasticity and the positioning of the hole
90 with respect
to the anizs. In, addition, the stripe pattein uyaderneath the topsheet 24
highlights the
passage area for feces.
Figure 18 shows an alternative emboc:iment of a combination of different
internally visible serviceable indicia 80 which highlight the crotch area to
allow better
longitudinal positioning of the diaper 20, indicate the target urination zone
95 in the front
waist region, and highlight the slit or hole 90 disposed in the elastically
foreshortened
topsheet 24 providing alignment relative to the anus. The internally visible
serviceable
indicia 80 highlighting the slit or hole 90 can also provide masking of feces
discharged by
the wearer once it has passed through the hole 90.
In addition to the internally visible serviceable indicia 80, the diaper 20
may
include a pair of batrier leg cuffs and a pair of elastically contractible
gasketing leg cuffs.
Each of the gasketing leg cufES is disposed outside of a barrier leg cuff,
adjacent to the
longitudinal side edge. The barrie.r leg cuffs and the gasketing leg cuffs may
be tinted a
color complementing the pattern or color of =the internally visible
serviceable indicia 80
on the topsheet 24 providing an ad.ditional guide for aligning the article
with the wearer's
lower torso during fitting.
In addition, each of the gasketing leg cuffs may comprise one or more elastic
strands covered by a portion of the longitudinal side edge of the backsheet 26
that is
folded over the o:ne or more elastic strands to form a finished gasketing leg
cuff. For this
embodirnent:, the garment-facing surface of t;1e article may include
serviceable indicia
forming a pattern as previously described such that once the longitudinal side
of the
backsheet 26 is folded over the elastic strands forming the finished cuffs,
the finished leg
cuffs may include the serviceable inF.iicia on the body-facing surface of the
diaper 20.
In addition to the features described above, the disposable absorbent article
accordin.g to tne present invFntion may includ-, a, fastening system 50
designed to
facilitate an easy int7utive change. An example of an ernbofliment including
such a
fastening system 50 is shovm in Fig!ire 19. For this embodiment, the fastening
system 50
rel-.asably attaches the first waist region 36 to the second waist region 38
and provides a
21
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
Instructioiial serviceable indicia 70 disposed on the first and second landing
members may be particularly useful where the diaper includes the versatility
of being
fitted to the wearer while the wearer is standing or lying down. For such an
embodiment,
the first fit may comprise fitting the diaper to the wearer while the wearer
is standing in
which case the diaper is fitted around the wearer's ankles by attaching the
tabs to the first
landing members and then pulled up around the lower torso of the wearer. Once
the
diaper is positioned around the lowe:r torso, the diaper may be adjusted to
achieve the
second fit by removing the tabs from the first landing members and engaging
them with
the second landing members. Fc~r this embodiment, the graphic on the first
landing
member may include a character wearing a diaper around its ankles while the
graphic on
the second landing membe.r includes a characte?- wearing a diaper secured
about its waist.
Tn addition to graphics, the instructional serviceable indicia 70 may also
comprise
words such as "ankles" and "waist" associated with the position of the article
during the
first fit and the second fit or they may designate the type of fit such as
"loose" and "snug".
Also, the instruction2l marks may comprise numbers such as one "1" and two "2"
designating t,he first and second fits, respectively.
. In tr_e embodiment shown in Figure 19, the fastening system 50 includes two
tab
members 56. Each tab member 56 has a tab proximal edge 57 disposed at the
distal edge
34 of each of the first ear panels 30, a tab distal edge 58, a tab body-facing
surface, and a
tab garment-facing surface. Each tab member 56 includes fastening elements
disposed
proximate the tab distal edge 58. Second ear panels 40 are disposed along each
longitudinal side edge 14 in the first waist region 36. Each second ear panel
has a body-
facing surface ar.d a garment-facing surfac:e, a proximal edge 42 joined to
the longitudinal
side edge 14 and a distal edge 44 opposite the proximal edge 42. A primary
landing
member 52 is disposed on the garrr,ent-iacing surface of each of the second
ear panels 40.
The seconda:y landing member 54 is disposed. on the garment-facing surface of
the article
in the first waist region 36. Dtuing fastep.iiig the primary landing member 52
provides a
first fastening point wherein once the tab member 56 is engaged a first fit is
achieved.
The first fit provides a loose fit about the wearer enabling the diaper to be
maneuvered
about to achieve an effective orientation fcr wear. The second landing member
54
provides a second fastening point for achieving a second fit where the article
is tightly
23
CA 02593575 2007-07-09
secured about the waist of the wearer. For this embodiment the instructional
serviceable
indicia comprise graphics. The grapiiic on the first landing member 52
includes a
character wearing a diaper around its ankles while the graphic on the second
landing
member 54 includes a character wearing a diaper secured about its waist.
While particular embodiments and/or individual features of the present
invention
have been illustrated and described, it wolild be obvious to those skilled in
the art that
various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the
spirit
and s-,ope of the invention. Further, it should be apparent that all
combinations of such
embodiments and f:,atures are possible and can result in preferred executions
of the
invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such
changes and
mcdifications that are within the scope of this invention.
24
