Patterned layer for absorbent article

Abstract

A patterned layer is intended to be used in an absorbent article, and has a pattern, for example in the form of a text or an image, which appears clearly legible or interpretable for an observer at a certain distance. The pattern can be formed by a number of dots which, when the layer is in a first state, have a first surface density which forms the legible or interpretable pattern and which, when the layer is in a second and then expanded state, have a second surface density which is lower than the first surface density in the first state, the pattern becoming in the second state essentially illegible or uninterpretable for the observer at the given distance on account of the lower surface density.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 531,037, filed on Dec. 22, 2003.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The invention relates to a patterned layer intended to be used in an absorbent article, having a pattern, for example in the form of a text or an image, which appears legible or interpretable for an observer at a certain distance. BACKGROUND [0003] In absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary towels, incontinence pads etc., it is known to apply texts and / or patterns to certain layers included in the article. The texts are preferably of an informative nature, for example in the form of user instructions or a warning text. The pattern is preferably in the form of a decorative pattern and / or in the form of a handling example. The texts and the pattern are usually arranged on one of the layers which form the outside of the article, for example on the front panel, the rear panel or one of the side pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] There is therefore a requirement for an improved absorbent article where the user can make out a pattern on the article before use and where the pattern essentially disappears when the article is used without the user having to perform any special action in order to achieve this.

[0009] One advantage of the embodiment is that the pattern is clearly visible for a user in the first state and that the pattern becomes faint and diffuse in the second state. The pattern can consist of, for example, a certain color which indicates the absorption capacity of the article. The pattern can moreover consist of a text message, for example in the form of one or more letters which indicate, for example, the size of the article. It is preferable for the pattern to be clear in the first state as otherwise the user may make a mistake and in this way obtain an article of the wrong size or absorption capacity. When the user puts the article on, on the other hand, it is desirable from the point of view of the user that the pattern disappears or at least takes on a slightly more neutral appearance as otherwise there is a risk that the pattern will be visible through the clothes of the user. One of the major advantages of the embodiment therefore resides in the fact that, when the layer is expanded from the first state into the second state, the pattern is broken up and becomes faint and diffuse, which results in a reduced risk of the pattern showing through garments lying outside. “Broken up” means that the pattern is disintegrated or otherwise reduces its surface density in such a way that the pattern becomes fainter and more diffuse in the second state than in the first state.

[0010] Another advantage is that the present embodiment does not result in any such residual product as is obtained in the previously known art when a detachable strip is removed in order to eliminate the pattern when the article is used. Further examples of advantages are that the pattern can consist of an instruction text or an image series which indicates how the article is to be folded together after use. The pattern is then broken up, faint and diffuse during use, that is to say in the second state, but becomes visible when the user takes the article off as the article contracts into the first state, the pattern then becoming visible. It should be mentioned here that at least the layer which bears the pattern is preferably elastic or comprises elastic means / components which allow the elastic deformation from the first state into the second state and also the return from the second state into the first state. The elastic means can consist of, for example, elastic threads or elastic strips. The layer is therefore drawn together in the first state on account of the elastic means and extended in the second state by a force applied to the layer.

[0012] One advantage of this embodiment is that the dyed elevations consist of small specks or dots which in the first state come together to form larger spots which in turn come together to form the desired pattern. “Come together” means here and below that the dots have such high surface density in the first state that the pattern formed by the dots is clearly interpretable for a user at a certain distance. The pattern is preferably clear that it has a signal function, that is to say it provides an indication which is obvious for the user of what the pattern is intended to show.

[0017] The bonding points according to PCT SE03 / 01959 preferably consist of a melt brought about by using an ultrasound device or a counterpressure roller which acts against the dye-coated tops and, where appropriate, the raised microportions. The method according to PCT SE03 / 01959 can also be used for dyeing an individual layer at points. The stamping device then produces a three-dimensional stamped pattern which is at least partly dyed. A great advantage of the method is that the simultaneous dyeing and stamping / joining together produces distinct and clearly dyed dots.

Problems solved by technology

It is true that the text / the pattern disappears as a result of this procedure, but a problem remains, namely that the separate layer which has now been removed has formed a residual product which has to be dealt with.

Images