Absorbent articles containing humidity indicating compositions and methods of making same

Abstract

An absorbent article is provided having a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a humidity indicating composition. The humidity indicating composition includes a colorant and a colorant fixing agent. The colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition. The colorant has a second, different color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition. The humidity indicating composition is disposed on the absorbent article in a plurality of discrete patterns, wherein each pattern of the plurality of discrete patterns has an area between about 0.02 cm < 2 > and about 25 cm < 2 >.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles and methods of making absorbent articles comprising a wetness indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant fixing agent. Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles are used in the hygiene industry to contain and absorb body exudates (i.e., urine, stool, and menstrual fluid) from infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Absorbent articles may include, but are not limited to, diapers, pants, adult incontinence products, feminine care products, and absorbent pads. Users of absorbent articles, such as wearers and caregivers, often wish to know whether and / or how much liquid is present in an absorbent article at a given time. For example, a parent or caregiver of an infant may wish to know whether and / or how much urine is present in a diaper worn by the infant. In order to signal the presence of liquid or contact of liquid with a portion of an absorbent article, the absorbent article may contain one or more wetness indicators.

[0003] A problem with humidity indicators is the poor retention of some components of humidity indicators at the application site on absorbent articles when in contact with liquid. Attempts have been made to improve the liquid fixation of the components of humidity indicators by incorporating these components into an adhesive composition with a high melting temperature. However, high melting temperature adhesives may be difficult to apply, particularly in small, relatively complex designs. Humidity indicators using high melting temperature adhesives are usually applied to absorbent articles in large strips, thereby requiring the use of a relatively large amount of humidity indicating compositions on each absorbent article. Therefore, absorbent articles comprising humidity indicating compositions should be improved. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure can solve one or more of the above problems by providing an absorbent article comprising a wetness indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant fixing agent. The wetness indicating composition can be designed to be easily applied to an absorbent article or a component or substrate thereof in liquid form to allow a relatively small amount of the wetness indicating composition to be used to produce multiple discrete graphics.

[0005] The present disclosure provides, in part, an absorbent article comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a humidity indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant fixative. The colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition. The colorant has a different second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition. The humidity indicating composition can be disposed on the absorbent article in a plurality of discrete patterns, wherein the area of ​​each of the plurality of discrete patterns is between about 0.02 cm 2 About 25cm2 Between, between about 0.035cm 2 About 15cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 10cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 5cm 2 Between, between about 0.065cm 2 About 2.5cm 2 Between, or between about 0.065cm 2 About 1.0cm 2 between.

[0006] The present disclosure provides, in part, an absorbent article comprising a top sheet; a back sheet comprising a garment-facing surface and a wearer-facing surface; an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the top sheet and the back sheet; and a humidity indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant fixative. The colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition, in which the colorant and the colorant fixative are not chemically bonded. Before the humidity indicating composition is exposed to an activating liquid, the humidity indicating composition is in the first state. The colorant has a second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition, in which at least a portion of the colorant is chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant. The humidity indicating composition is in the second state after being exposed to the activating liquid. The humidity indicating composition may be substantially insoluble in the activating liquid when in the second state.

[0007] The present disclosure provides, in part, a method for preparing an absorbent article comprising a humidity indicating composition. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate; providing a humidity indicating composition; applying the humidity indicating composition to the substrate by a printing process; and joining the substrate to at least one other component to form the absorbent article. The humidity indicating composition comprises a colorant, a solvent, and a colorant fixative. The colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the first state before the humidity indicating composition is exposed to an activating liquid. The colorant has a different second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the second state after exposure to an activating liquid. The humidity indicating composition is in a liquid state at 25°C. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and the manner in which they are obtained will become more apparent, and the present disclosure itself will be better understood, by referring to the following description of example forms of the present disclosure made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article in the form of a taped diaper, with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer, in a flat, unfolded condition;

[0010] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A plan view of an example absorbent article of the invention, with the wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, in a flat, unfolded state;

[0011] Figure 3 For the fastened position Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front perspective view of an absorbent article;

[0012] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an absorbent article in the form of a pant;

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 a back perspective view of an absorbent article;

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 4 a plan view of an absorbent article of the type shown in FIG. 1 , the absorbent article being laid flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer;

[0015] Figure 7 Taken along line 7-7 Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent article;

[0016] Figure 8 Taken along line 8-8 Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent article;

[0017] Fig. 9 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent core or absorbent article;

[0018] Fig.10 Taken along line 10-10 Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent core;

[0019] Fig.11 Taken along line 11-11 Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent core;

[0020] Fig.12 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article of the present disclosure that is a sanitary napkin;

[0021] Fig.13is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article in the form of a taped diaper, with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer, in a flat, unfolded condition;

[0022] Fig.14 is a plan view of the backsheet with the wearer-facing side facing the viewer; and

[0023] Fig.15 A plan view of the backsheet comprising the first plurality of graphics and the second plurality of graphics, with the wearer facing side facing the viewer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the structural principles, functions, manufacture and uses of the absorbent articles containing the humidity indicating composition disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting forms are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the absorbent articles containing the humidity indicating composition described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings and methods of making the same are non-limiting example forms, and the scope of the various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. The characteristic structures shown or described in conjunction with one non-limiting form can be combined with the characteristic structures of other non-limiting forms. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] General description of absorbent articles

[0026] An exemplary absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in the form of a diaper. Figure 1-Figure 3 Shown in. Figure 1 To illustrate a plan view of the absorbent article 10, the garment-facing surface 2 faces the viewer in a flat, flat position (ie, without elastic contraction). Figure 2 for Figure 1 0048] FIG10 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article 10 with the wearer-facing surface 4 facing the viewer in a flat, unfolded state. Figure 3 In the fastened configuration Figure 1 and Figure 2 10 is a front perspective view of an absorbent article 10. Figures 1 to 3 The absorbent article 10 is shown for illustrative purposes only, as the present disclosure can be used to make a variety of diapers, including, for example, adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles such as, for example, sanitary napkins and absorbent pads.

[0027] The absorbent article 10 may include a front waist region 12, a crotch region 14, and a back waist region 16. The crotch region 14 may extend intermediate the front waist region 12 and the back waist region 16. The front waist region 12, the crotch region 14, and the back waist region 16 may each be 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may include a front end edge 18, a rear end edge 20 opposite the front end edge 18, and longitudinally extending transversely opposite side edges 22 and 24 defined by the chassis 52.

[0028] The absorbent article 10 may include a liquid permeable topsheet 26, a liquid impermeable backsheet 28, and an absorbent core 30 at least partially positioned intermediate the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28. The absorbent article 10 may also include one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs 32 with or without elastic components 33, one or more pairs of leg elastic components 34, one or more elastic waistbands 36, and / or one or more acquisition materials 38. The one or more acquisition materials 38 may be positioned intermediate the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. An outer cover material 40 such as a nonwoven material may cover the garment-facing side of the backsheet 28. The absorbent article 10 may include a rear ear 42 located in the rear waist region 16. The rear ear 42 may include a fastener 46 and may extend from the rear waist region 16 of the absorbent article 10 and be attached (using the fastener 46) to a landing zone area or landing zone material 44 on the garment-facing portion of the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may also have a front ear 47 in the front waist region 12. The absorbent article 10 can have a central lateral (or transverse) axis 48 and a central longitudinal axis 50. The central lateral axis 48 extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 50.

[0029] In other cases, the absorbent article may be in the form of a pant having permanent or refastenable side seams. Suitable refastenable seams are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0005020 and U.S. Patent No. 9,421,137. See Figures 4 to 8 , an exemplary absorbent article 10 is shown in the form of a pant. Figure 4 It is a front perspective view of the absorbent article 10. Figure 5 This is a back perspective view of the absorbent article 10. Figure 6 is a plan view of an absorbent article 10 lying flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. Figure 4-Figure 8 The same as above Figure 1-Figure 3 The like reference numbered elements may be like elements (eg, absorbent core 30). Figure 7 Taken along line 7-7 Figure 6 Example cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. Figure 8 Taken along line 8-8 Figure 6 Example cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Example forms of the front belt 54 and the back belt 56 are shown. The absorbent article 10 may have a front waist region 12, a crotch region 14, and a back waist region 16. Each of the regions 12, 14, and 16 may be 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may have a chassis 52 (sometimes referred to as a central chassis or center piece) that includes a top sheet 26, a back sheet 28, and an absorbent core 30 at least partially disposed between the top sheet 26 and the back sheet 28, and an optional acquisition material 38 that is similar to the acquisition material described above with respect to Figure 1-3 The absorbent article 10 may include a front belt 54 located in the front waist region 12 and a back belt 56 located in the back waist region 16. The base structure 52 may be joined to the wearer-facing surface 4 of the front belt 54 and the back belt 56, or to the garment-facing surface 2 of the belts 54, 56. The side edges 23 and 25 of the front belt 54 may be joined to the side edges 27 and 29 of the back belt 56, respectively, to form two side seams 58. The side seams 58 may be any suitable seams known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, abutting seams or overlapping seams. When the side seams 58 are permanently formed or closed in a refastenable manner, the absorbent article 10 in the form of pants has two leg openings 60 and a waist opening perimeter 62. The side seams 58 may be permanently joined using, for example, an adhesive or bonding portion, or may be refastenably closed using, for example, hook and loop fasteners.

[0030] bring

[0031] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the front belt 54 and the back belt 56 may include a front inner belt layer 66 and a back inner belt layer 67 and a front outer belt layer 64 and a back outer belt layer 65, which have an elastomeric material (e.g., a strand 68 or a film (which may be apertured)) at least partially disposed between the inner belt layer and the outer belt layer. The elastic element 68 or film may be relaxed (including being cut) to reduce the elastic strain on the absorbent core 30, or alternatively be continuously distributed over the entire absorbent core 30. The elastic elements 68 may have uniform or variable spacing between them in any portion of the belt. The elastic elements 68 may also be pre-strained by the same amount or by different amounts. The front belt 54 and / or the back belt 56 may have one or more elastic element free zones 70, wherein the base structure 52 overlaps the front belt 54 and the back belt 56. In other cases, at least some of the elastic elements 68 may extend continuously over the base structure 52.

[0032] The front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 and the front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 can be joined using adhesives, heat bonds, pressure bonds or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt layer constructions can be found in US Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0211363.

[0033] The front belt end edge 55 and the rear belt end edge 57 can extend longitudinally beyond the front chassis end edge 19 and the rear chassis end edge 21 (e.g. Figure 625 and 27 to 29) or they may be coterminal. The front and rear belt sides 23, 25, 27 and 29 may extend laterally beyond the chassis sides 22 and 24. The front belt 54 and rear belt 56 may be continuous (i.e., have at least one continuous layer) from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the lateral distance from 23 to 25 and from 27 to 29). Alternatively, the front belt 54 and rear belt 56 may be discontinuous from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the lateral distance from 23 to 25 and from 27 to 29) such that they are discrete.

[0034] As disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,901,393, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal axis 50) of the rear band 56 may be greater than the longitudinal length of the front band 54, and this may be particularly useful for increasing hip coverage when the rear band 56 has a greater longitudinal length than the front band 54 adjacent to or proximate to the side seam 58.

[0035] The front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 may be separated from each other so that the layers are discrete, or the layers may be continuous so that the layers extend continuously from the front belt end edge 55 to the rear belt end edge 57. The same is true for the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 - that is, they may also be longitudinally discrete or continuous. Furthermore, the front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 may be longitudinally continuous, while the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 are longitudinally discrete so that gaps are formed between them - the gaps between the front and rear inner and outer belt layers 64, 65, 66 and 67 are shown in FIG. Figure 7 and the gap between the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 is shown in Figure 8 middle.

[0036] The front and back bands 54, 56 may include slits, holes and / or perforations that provide increased breathability, softness and a garment-like texture. The underwear-like appearance may be enhanced by substantially aligning the waist and leg edges at the side seams 58 (see FIG. Figure 4 and 5 ).

[0037] The front band 54 and the rear band 56 may include graphics (see, e.g. Figure 1 The graphic may extend substantially around the entire perimeter of the absorbent article 10 and may be disposed across the side seams 58 and / or across the proximal front and back belt seams 15, 17; or alternatively, disposed adjacent to the seams 58, 15, and 17 in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,389 to create a more underwear-like article. The graphic may also be discontinuous.

[0038] Alternatively, discrete side panels may be connected to the sides 22 and 24 of the chassis, rather than attaching belts 54 and 56 to the chassis 52 to form a pant. Suitable forms of pants including discrete side panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,645,190, 8,747,379, 8,372,052, 8,361,048, 6,761,711, 6,817,994, 8,007,485, 7,862,550, 6,969,377, 7,497,851, 6,849,067, 6,893,426, 6,953,452, 6,840,928, 8,579,876, 7,682,349, 7,156,833, and 7,201,744.

[0039] Top sheet

[0040] The top sheet 26 is the portion of the absorbent article 10 that contacts the wearer's skin. The top sheet 26 may be joined to a back sheet 28, an absorbent core 30, a barrier leg cuff 32, and / or a portion of any other layer as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The top sheet 26 may be compliant, feel soft, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, at least a portion or all of the top sheet may be liquid permeable, allowing liquid body exudates to easily penetrate its thickness. Suitable top sheets may be made of many various materials, such as porous foam, reticulated foam, open-cell plastic film, woven material, nonwoven material, natural fiber (e.g., wood fiber or cotton fiber), synthetic fiber or filament (e.g., polyester fiber or polypropylene fiber or PE / PP bicomponent fiber or a mixture thereof) or a combination of natural fiber and synthetic fiber woven or nonwoven material. The top sheet may have one or more layers. The top sheet may be open-cell ( Figure 2 , element 31), may have any suitable three-dimensional features, and / or may have multiple embossings (e.g., bonding patterns). The top sheet may be apertured by over-bonding the material and then breaking the over-bond by ring rolling, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097, issued May 13, 1997 to Benson et al. and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0136014 to Arora et al. Any portion of the top sheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antibacterial agent, a surfactant, and / or other beneficial agent. The top sheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the top sheet is hydrophobic, there will typically be holes so that body exudates can pass through the top sheet.

[0041] Negatives

[0042] Backsheet 28 is generally that part of the surface positioning facing clothes of absorbent article 10 adjacent absorbent core 30. Backsheet 28 can be joined to the top sheet 26 of absorbent article, outer cover material 40, absorbent core 30 and / or the part of any other layer by any attachment method known to those skilled in the art. Backsheet 28 prevents or at least suppresses the body exudates absorbed and held by absorbent core 10 from soiling articles, such as sheets, underwear and / or clothes. Backsheet is generally impermeable to liquid, or at least is impermeable to liquid basically. Backsheet can for example be or include a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film, and it has a thickness of about 0.012mm to about 0.051mm. Other suitable backsheet materials can include breathable materials, which allow steam to escape from absorbent article, while still preventing or at least suppressing body exudates from penetrating backsheet.

[0043] Outer cover material

[0044] The outer cover material (sometimes referred to as a backsheet nonwoven material) 40 may include one or more nonwoven materials joined to and covering the backsheet 28. The outer cover material 40 forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10 and effectively "covers" the backsheet 28 so that no film is present on the garment-facing surface 2. The outer cover material 40 may include bonding patterns, holes, and / or three-dimensional features. The outer cover material 40 may be a spunlace nonwoven material.

[0045] Absorbent core

[0046] As used herein, the term "absorbent core" 30 refers to the component of the absorbent article 10 disposed in the article for absorbing and containing liquids, such as urine received by the absorbent article. Therefore, the absorbent core generally has a high absorbent capacity. Figures 9 to 11 An example absorbent core 30 is schematically shown in . The absorbent core includes an absorbent material 72 that is typically enclosed within or sandwiched between core pockets 74.

[0047] The core wrap may be a single material that is folded and attached to itself, or it may include separate top and bottom layers that may be bonded or otherwise joined together. The absorbent material typically includes superabsorbent particles, optionally mixed with cellulose fibers. As used herein, an "absorbent core" does not include any acquisition system, top sheet, or back sheet of an absorbent article.

[0048] exist Figures 9 to 11 The example absorbent core 30 shown alone in FIG. 3 is in a dry state (before use). The absorbent core may generally have a generally rectangular shape defined by its longitudinal edges and transverse front and rear edges, or may have other shapes.

[0049] The absorbent material 72 may be deposited as an absorbent layer having a generally rectangular profile, such as Fig. 9 . Various absorbent cores may also be used. The layer of absorbent material 72 may also have a non-rectangular perimeter (a "shaped" core), in particular the absorbent material 72 may define a taper (or "dog bone" shape) along its width toward the central region of the core. In this way, the absorbent material deposition area may have a relatively narrow width in the region of the core intended to be placed in the crotch region of the absorbent article. This may provide, for example, better wearing comfort. Other shapes such as a "T" or "Y" or "hourglass" shape may also be used for the region of absorbent material.

[0050] The absorbent material 72 can be any conventional absorbent material known in the art. For example, the absorbent material can include a blend of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent particles ("SAP"), typically with the percentage of SAP ranging from about 50% to about 75% by weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent material can also be free of cellulose fibers, as is known in so-called airfelt-free cores, where the absorbent material consists of or consists essentially of SAP. The absorbent material can also be a high internal phase emulsion foam.

[0051] "Superabsorbent polymer" or "SAP" herein refers to absorbent materials, which are generally cross-linked polymer materials, which are capable of absorbing at least 10 times their own weight of an aqueous 0.9% saline solution, as measured using the "Centrifuge Retention Capacity" (CRC) test (EDANA method WSP 241.2.R3 (12)). The CRC value of SAP may be at least 20 g / g, in particular 20 g / g to 40 g / g. As used herein, "superabsorbent polymer particles" refers to superabsorbent polymer materials in particulate form so that they are flowable in a dry state.

[0052] Various absorbent core designs containing a large amount of SAP have been proposed in the past, see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,599,335 (Goldman), EP 1447066 (Busam), WO 95 / 11652 (Tanzer), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf), WO 2012 / 052172 (Van Malderen). Specifically, the SAP printing technology disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006 / 024433 (Blessing), U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008 / 0312617 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010 / 0051166A1 (both granted to Hundorf et al.) can be used. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the absorbent core of a specific type. The absorbent core may also include one or more glues, such as auxiliary glues applied between the inner surface of one (or both) of the core wrapping layer and the absorbent material to reduce the leakage of SAP outside the core wrapping. Microfiber adhesive webs can also be used in cores that do not contain airfelt, as described in the Hundorf reference above. For simplicity, these glues are not shown in the drawings. Other core constructions that include a high loft nonwoven substrate (such as a carded nonwoven layer) with a porous structure into which SAP particles have been deposited can also be used in the present disclosure.

[0053] The absorbent material may be deposited as a continuous layer within the core wrap. The absorbent material may also be present discontinuously, for example in the form of individual pockets or strips of absorbent material enclosed within the core wrap and separated from each other by material-free joining areas. A continuous layer of absorbent material, in particular SAP, may also be obtained by combining two absorbent layers with matching discontinuous absorbent material application patterns, wherein the resulting layer is substantially continuously distributed in the absorbent particulate polymer material areas, such as Figure 10 to Figure 11 As taught, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 312,622A1 (Hundorf), each absorbent material layer may thus include a pattern having absorbent material landing areas and absorbent material-free land areas, wherein the absorbent material landing areas of the first layer substantially correspond to the absorbent material-free land areas of the second layer, and vice versa.

[0054] The basis weight (amount of surface deposition per unit) of the absorbent material can also be varied, to form a profiled distribution of the absorbent material particularly in the longitudinal direction but also in the transverse direction or in both directions of the core, to provide greater absorbency towards the center and middle of the core. The absorbent core may also include one or more longitudinally (or otherwise) extending channels 76, which are absorbent layer areas substantially free of absorbent material in the absorbent material layer. The top side of the core wrap can be advantageously bonded to the bottom side of the core via adhesive, mechanical or ultrasonic bonding through these material-free areas. Example disclosures of such channels in a core free of air felt can be found in WO 2012 / 170778 (Rosati et al.) and US 2012 / 0312491 (Jackels). Channels can of course also be formed in absorbent cores comprising a mixture of cellulose fibers and SAP particles. These channels can embody any suitable shape, and any suitable number of channels can be provided. In other cases, the absorbent core can be embossed to produce the impression of a channel. Figure 9-11 The absorbent core in is only an example absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Barrier leg cuffs / leg elastics

[0056] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the absorbent article 10 may include one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs 32 and one or more pairs of leg elastic components 34. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may be positioned laterally inboard of the leg elastic components 34. Each barrier leg cuff 32 may be formed by a piece of material that is bonded to the absorbent article 10 so that it can extend upward from the wearer-facing surface 4 of the absorbent article 10 and provide improved containment of body exudates near the junction of the torso and legs of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs 32 are defined by proximal edges that are directly or indirectly bonded to the top sheet and / or the back sheet and free end edges, which are intended to contact the wearer's skin and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may extend at least partially between the front end edge 18 and the rear end edge 20 of the absorbent article 10 on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis 50, and are present at least in the crotch region 14. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may each include one or more elastic components 33 (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at the free end edges. These elastic members 33 enable the barrier leg cuffs 32 to help form a seal around the legs and torso of the wearer. The leg elastic members 34 extend at least partially between the front end edge 18 and the rear end edge 20. The leg elastic members 34 substantially enable portions of the absorbent article 10 adjacent the chassis side edges 22, 24 to help form a seal around the legs of the wearer. The leg elastic members 34 may extend at least in the crotch region 14.

[0057] Elastic waistband

[0058] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the absorbent article 10 may include one or more elastic waistbands 36. The elastic waistbands 36 may be positioned on the garment-facing surface 2 or on the wearer-facing surface 4. As an example, a first elastic waistband 36 may be present in the front waist region 12 near the front belt end edge 18, and a second elastic waistband 36 may be present in the rear waist region 16 near the rear end edge 20. The elastic waistbands 36 may help seal the absorbent article 10 around the wearer's waist and at least inhibit body exudates from escaping the absorbent article 10 through around the waist opening. In some cases, the elastic waistband may completely surround the waist opening of the absorbent article.

[0059] Collecting Materials

[0060] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , one or more acquisition materials 38 may be present at least partially between the top sheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. The acquisition material 38 is generally a hydrophilic material that provides significant wicking of body exudates. These materials can dehydrate the top sheet 26 and allow body exudates to quickly enter the absorbent core 30. The acquisition material 38 may include, for example, one or more nonwoven materials, foams, formed films, open-aperture formed films, cellulosic materials, cross-linked cellulosic materials, air-laid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof. In some cases, portions of the acquisition material 38 may extend through portions of the top sheet 26, portions of the top sheet 26 may extend through portions of the acquisition material 38, and / or the top sheet 26 may be nested with the acquisition material 38. Typically, the acquisition material 38 may have a width and length that is less than the width and length of the top sheet 26. The acquisition material may be a second top sheet in the context of a feminine pad. The acquisition material may have one or more channels as described above with reference to the absorbent core 30 (including embossed patterns). The channels in the acquisition material may be aligned or not aligned with the channels in the absorbent core 30. In one example, the first acquisition material may include a nonwoven material and the second acquisition material may include a cross-linked cellulosic material.

[0061] Landing Zone

[0062] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2, the absorbent article 10 may have a landing zone area 44 formed in a portion of the garment-facing surface 2 of the outer cover material 40. If the absorbent article 10 is fastened from front to back, the landing zone area 44 may be located in the rear waist region 16; or if the absorbent article 10 is fastened from back to front, the landing zone area may be located in the front waist region 12. In some cases, the landing zone 44 may be or may include one or more discrete nonwoven materials that are attached to a portion of the outer cover material 40 in the front waist region 12 or the rear waist region 16, depending on whether the absorbent article is fastened in the front or back. In essence, the landing zone 44 is configured to receive the fastener 46 and may include, for example, a plurality of loops configured to engage with a plurality of hooks on the fastener 46, or vice versa.

[0063] Graphics

[0064] See also Figure 1 , the absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure may include a graphic 78 visible from the garment-facing surface 2. The graphic 78 may be printed on the landing zone 44, the backsheet 28, and / or other locations. The graphic 78 may be coordinated with other elements of the absorbent article (such as a bonding pattern, a wetness indicator 80, a hole pattern, etc.).

[0065] Front and back ears

[0066] See above mentioned Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the absorbent article 10 may have a front ear 47 and / or a back ear 42 in a taped diaper. In most taped diapers, only one set of ear pieces is needed. A single set of ear pieces may include a fastener 46 configured to engage a landing zone or landing zone region 44. If two sets of ear pieces are provided, in most cases, only one set of ear pieces may have a fastener 46, while the other set of ear pieces does not have a fastener. The ear piece or a portion thereof may be elastic or may have an elastic sheet. In one example, an elastic film or elastic strand may be positioned between the first nonwoven material and the second nonwoven material. The elastic film may be apertured or may be non-apertured. The ear piece may be molded. The ear piece may be integral (e.g., an extension of an outer cover material 40, a backsheet 28, and / or a topsheet 26), or may be a discrete component attached to the base structure 52 of the absorbent article on the surface 4 facing the wearer, on the surface 2 facing the clothes, or between the two surfaces 4, 2.

[0067] Masking layer

[0068] One or more masking layers or materials may be provided in the absorbent article 10. The masking layer may be a layer that provides a soft feel when the absorbent article is touched from the garment-facing surface 2 or the wearer-facing surface 4. The masking layer may "mask" the graininess potentially caused by the absorbent material 72 (such as superabsorbent polymer). The masking layer may "mask" body exudates so that they are not visible when observing the wearer-facing surface 4 or the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10. The masking layer may have a basis weight ranging from about 15 gsm to about 50 gsm or from about 15 gsm to about 40 gsm. The masking layer may include one or more nonwoven materials (e.g., spunlace nonwoven materials), foams, pulp layers, and / or other suitable materials. The masking layer may be an outer cover material 40. The masking layer may be a layer that forms the garment-facing side or the wearer-facing side of the core bag 74. The masking layer may be a separate material positioned between the garment-facing side of the core bag 74 and the liquid-impermeable backsheet 28.

[0069] sensor

[0070] See again Figure 1 , the absorbent article of the present disclosure may include a sensor system 82 for monitoring changes within the absorbent article 10. The sensor system 82 may be separate from the absorbent article 10 or integral with the absorbent article. The absorbent article 10 may include sensors that can sense various aspects of the absorbent article 10 associated with the insult of body exudates (such as urine and / or BM) (e.g., the sensor system 82 can sense temperature changes, humidity, the presence of ammonia or urea, various vapor components of exudates (urine and feces), changes in moisture vapor transmission through the garment-facing layer of the absorbent article, changes in the translucency of the garment-facing layer, and / or color changes through the garment-facing layer). In addition, the sensor system 82 may also sense components of urine such as ammonia or urea, and / or byproducts produced as a result of these components reacting with the absorbent article 10. The sensor system 82 may sense byproducts produced when urine is mixed with other components of the absorbent article 10 (e.g., adhesives, agm). The sensed components or byproducts may exist in the form of vapor that can pass through the garment-facing layer. It may also be desirable to place a reactant in the absorbent article that changes state (e.g., color, temperature) or produces a measurable byproduct when mixed with urine or BM. The sensor system 82 may also sense changes in pH, pressure, odor, the presence of gas, blood, chemical markers, or biological markers, or a combination thereof. The sensor system 82 may have a component on or adjacent to the absorbent article that transmits a signal to a receiver further away than the absorbent article, such as an iPhone, for example. The receiver may output a result to communicate the condition of the absorbent article 10 to the caregiver. In other cases, a receiver may not be provided, and instead, the condition of the absorbent article 10 may be visually or audibly apparent from the sensor on the absorbent article.

[0071] Packaging

[0072] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed in a package. The package may comprise a polymer film and / or other material. Graphics and / or markings associated with the characteristics of the absorbent articles may be formed, printed, positioned, and / or placed on an outer portion of the package. Each package may include a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be stacked under compression to reduce the size of the package while still providing a sufficient number of absorbent articles for each package. By packaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages while also providing savings in distribution for the manufacturer due to the size of the packages.

[0073] series

[0074] "Collection" refers to a display of packages of disposable absorbent articles having different article configurations (e.g., different elastomeric materials [in composition and / or structure] in the side panels, side wings, and / or belt flaps, different graphic elements, different product structures, fasteners, or none of these). The packages may have the same brand and / or sub-brand and / or the same trademark registration and / or be made by or for a common manufacturer, and such packages may be available at a common point of sale (e.g., oriented to be adjacent to each other in a given area of ​​a retail store). A collection is sold as a collection of products, which typically have similar packaging elements (e.g., type of packaging material, film, paper, primary color, design theme, etc.), which conveys to consumers the following information, namely, different individual packages are part of a larger collection. Collections often have the same brand, such as "Huggies", and the same sub-brand, such as "Pull-Ups". Different products in a collection may have the same brand "Huggies" and sub-brand "Little Movers". The differences between the "Pull-Ups" products in the series and the "Little Movers" products in the series may include product form, application method, different fastening design or other structural elements designed to address differences in physiological or psychological development. In addition, the packaging method is obviously different in that the "Pull-Ups" are packaged in a film bag that is mainly blue or pink, and the "Little Movers" are packaged in a film bag that is mainly red.

[0075] Further with respect to a "collection," as another example, a collection may be formed of different products having different product forms that are manufactured by the same manufacturer, e.g., "Kimberly-Clark," and have a common trademark registration, e.g., one product may have the brand name "Huggies," and a sub-brand such as "Pull-Ups." Different products in a collection may have the brand / sub-brand "Good Nites," and both are registered trademarks of The Kimberly-Clark Corporation and / or manufactured by Kimberly-Clark. Collections also typically have the same trademarks, including trademarks of the brand, sub-brands, and / or features and / or benefits of the entire collection. An "online collection" refers to a "collection" that is distributed through a common online source.

[0076] sanitary napkin

[0077] See also Fig.12 , the absorbent article of the present disclosure can be a sanitary napkin 110. The sanitary napkin 110 may include a liquid-permeable top sheet 114, a liquid-impermeable or substantially liquid-impermeable bottom sheet 116, and an absorbent core 118. The liquid-impermeable bottom sheet 116 may or may not be vapor-permeable. The absorbent core 118 may have any or all of the characteristic structures described herein with respect to the absorbent core 30, and in some forms, may have a second top sheet 119 (STS) instead of the acquisition material disclosed above. The STS 119 may include one or more channels (including embossed patterns) as described above. In some forms, the channels in the STS 119 may be aligned with the channels in the absorbent core 118. The sanitary napkin 110 may also include wings 120 extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis 180 of the sanitary napkin 110. The sanitary napkin 110 may also include a lateral axis 190. The wings 120 may be joined to the top sheet 114, the bottom sheet 116, and / or the absorbent core 118. The sanitary napkin 110 may also include a front edge 122, a rear edge 124 longitudinally opposite the front edge 122, a first side edge 126, and a second side edge 128 longitudinally opposite the first side edge 126. The longitudinal axis 180 may extend from the midpoint of the front edge 122 to the midpoint of the rear edge 124. The lateral axis 190 may extend from the midpoint of the first side edge 128 to the midpoint of the second side edge 128. The sanitary napkin 110 may also have additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins as is known in the art.

[0078] Biobased content of components

[0079] The components of the absorbent articles described herein may be composed at least in part of bio-based content, as described in U.S. Patent Application 2007 / 0219521A1. For example, a superabsorbent polymer component may be bio-based via its derivation from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and methods for its production are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521 and U.S. Patents 8,703,450, 9,630,901 and 9,822,197. Other components such as nonwovens and film components may contain bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0139657, 2011 / 0139658, 2011 / 0152812 and 2016 / 0206774 and U.S. Patent No. 9,169,366. Exemplary bio-based polyolefins for use in the present disclosure include those available under the name SHA7260. TM 、SHE150 TM or SGM9450F TM The polymers obtained (all available from Braskem SA).

[0080] The absorbent article component may include a biobased content value of, for example, from about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, as measured using ASTM D6866-10 Method B.

[0081] Recycling-friendly and bio-based absorbent products

[0082] The components of the absorbent articles described herein can be recycled for other purposes, whether or not they are (at least partially) formed by recyclable materials. Examples of recyclable absorbent article materials are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process can sterilize the absorbent articles using an autoclave, and then the absorbent articles can be shredded and separated into different by-product streams. Example by-product streams may include plastics, superabsorbent polymers, and cellulose fibers, such as pulp. These by-product streams can be used to produce fertilizers, manufacture plastic products, paper products, viscose, building materials, pets, or absorbent pads on hospital beds and / or other uses. More details about absorbent articles that are helpful for recycling, designs of recycling-friendly diapers, and designs of recycling-friendly and bio-based component diapers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0192723 published on June 27, 2019.

[0083] Humidity Indicator

[0084] Users of absorbent articles, such as wearers and caregivers, often wish to know whether and / or how much liquid is present in an absorbent article at a given time. For example, a parent or caregiver of an infant may wish to know whether and / or how much urine is present in a diaper worn by the infant. In order to signal the presence of liquid or contact of liquid with a portion of an absorbent article, the absorbent article may contain one or more wetness indicators.

[0085] The humidity indicator of the present disclosure may include or consist of a humidity indicating composition. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure includes a colorant and a colorant fixing agent, which are described in more detail herein. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be essentially composed of or consist of a colorant and a colorant fixing agent, or may include additional ingredients. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be disposed on, attached to, chemically bonded to, or otherwise associated with a substrate, which substrate is a structural component of an absorbent article or a substrate thereof.

[0086] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure includes a colorant. The colorant may have a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with the first state of the humidity indicating composition. Examples of the first color state include, but are not limited to, colors visible to the human eye, such as red, blue, green, indigo, violet, yellow, orange, purple, black, etc.; colors invisible to the human eye, such as colors in the ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, etc. The first color state may also be translucent or opaque.

[0087] The colorant may have a second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with the second state of the humidity indicating composition. Examples of the second color state include, but are not limited to, colors visible to the human eye, such as red, blue, green, indigo, violet, yellow, orange, purple, black, etc.; colors invisible to the human eye, such as colors in the ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, etc. The second color state may also be translucent or opaque. The second color state is different from the first color state, with a change in intensity and / or visual distinctiveness. The first color state may be a first color, such as yellow, and the second color state may be a second color, such as blue; or the first color state may be a first color, such as red, and the second color state may be transparent. The color state change from the first color state to the second color state may be visually observed (e.g., by a human, i.e., human-readable), or may be detected by a human (human-readable) or by a machine or device (machine-readable).

[0088] When the absorbent article is worn, the wetness indicator of the present disclosure can provide a signal visible from the outside of the absorbent article. The signal can be a change of the wetness indicating composition from a first color state to a second color state. The color state change from the first color state to the second color state may be an irreversible, permanent color change. Therefore, the wetness indicator of the present disclosure can be designed to have a wetness indicator state memory property, whereby after changing from the first color state to the second color state, the second color state is maintained even when the exposure to the activated liquid or the conditions associated with the first state of the wetness indicating composition is stopped. This wetness indicator state memory property may be useful as a means of effectively recording the exposure of the wetness indicator composition to the activated liquid.

[0089] The first color state of the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure is associated with the first state of the humidity indicating composition. Such first state of the humidity indicating composition may include, but is not limited to: a specific pH or pH range; the presence or absence of one or more specific compounds, such as water, urea, dissolved oxygen, ions (such as but not limited to iron ions, calcium ions, sodium ions, chloride ions, and combinations thereof), sugars (such as glucose), enzymes; and combinations thereof; microbial flora and animal flora, such as bacteria, etc.; some threshold levels of compounds or compositions, such as water, urine, etc., below a specific amount; and combinations thereof.

[0090] The second color state of the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure is associated with the second state of the humidity indicating composition. This second state of the humidity indicating composition may include, but is not limited to: a specific pH or pH range; the presence or absence of one or more specific compounds, such as water, urea, dissolved oxygen, ions (such as but not limited to iron ions, calcium ions, sodium ions, chloride ions and combinations thereof), sugars (such as glucose), enzymes; and combinations thereof; microbial flora and animal flora, such as bacteria, etc.; some threshold levels of compounds or compositions such as water, urine, menstrual fluid, blood, etc.; and combinations thereof. The second state of the humidity indicating composition may be a specific pH range caused by the presence of urine.

[0091] The first state of the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be a specific pH or pH range, and the second state of the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be a specific pH or pH range different from the specific pH or pH range of the first state. The second state may be the pH or pH range of urine, preferably human urine, as measured as a pure solution at human body temperature (typically about 37.6° C.). The pH or pH range of urine is typically about 5.5 to about 8.0. The first state may be a specific pH or pH range that is more acidic or more alkaline than the second state, i.e., a pH less than about 5.5 or greater than about 8.0. The colorant may be a pH indicator. Non-limiting examples of suitable pH indicators include: sulfonphthalein pH indicators such as bromocresol green, m-cresol purple, cresol red, chlorophenol red, bromothymol blue, bromopyrogallol red, bromoxylenol blue, and bromophenol blue; monoazo dyes such as acid alizarin violet N; monoazo pyrazolone dyes such as acid yellow 34; diazo dyes such as acid black 24; acid anthraquinone dyes such as acid black 48; amphoteric anthraquinone dyes such as acid blue 45; triphenylmethane dyes such as acid fuchsin; phthalein dyes such as o-cresolphthalein; xanthene dyes such as 2',7'-dimethylformamide; - dichlorofluorescein eosin B; heterocyclic acridine aromatics, such as acridine orange; diphenylmethane dyes, such as auramine 0; triphenylmethane dyes, such as basic fuchsin; cationic thiazine dyes, such as azure C; cationic anthraquinone dyes, such as basic blue 47; phthalocyanine dyes, such as copper phthalocyanine; quaternized phthalocyanine dyes, such as alcec blue; cationic polymethine dyes, such as astrazon orange G; anthraquinone type, such as alizarin; neutral complex dyes, such as azure A eosin; terpene dyes, such as trans-β-carotene; and combinations thereof.

[0092] The colorant of the present disclosure can be a sulfonphthalein pH indicator, such as but not limited to bromocresol green, metacresol purple, cresol red, chlorophenol red, bromothymol blue, bromopyrogallol red, bromoxylenol blue, bromophenol blue, and combinations thereof. In the acidic state, sulfonphthalein indicators have a neutral charge and are generally yellow. When reacted with an acid having a pK higher than that of the indicator, the indicator is neutrally charged and is generally yellow. a Sulfonphthalein pH indicators typically change to a bluish-green color and acquire an anionic charge when exposed to a pH-activating liquid such as urine—this allows for subsequent removal of the colorant by a cationic compound. For example, bromophenol blue can be activated at pH values ​​greater than its pK value of about 4.0. a The bromocresol green may change from a yellow (first color state) neutral state (the first state of the humidity indicating composition) to a blue (second color state) anionic state (the second state of the humidity indicating composition) at a pH of about 4.7. a The humidity indicating composition changes from a yellow (first color state) neutral state (first state of the humidity indicating composition) to a blue (second color state) anionic state (second state of the humidity indicating composition) at a pH of .

[0093] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may include two or more colorants, at least one of the first state and the second state of each colorant being different, ie, having different pK values. a The first state and the second state of the change can promote the display of interactive scenes, sequences, or provide information about the relative fullness / humidity of the product, or only provide entertainment and / or aesthetic value. For example, the humidity indicating composition can contain a coloring agent that turns blue and another coloring agent that turns red when in contact with an activated liquid. Alternatively, when in contact with an activated liquid such as urine, menstrual fluid, blood, etc., a part of the graphic can appear, and another part can disappear. In another form, the humidity indicating composition can include two or more coloring agents, and the first state and / or the second state of each coloring agent are the same.

[0094] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that when the colorant of the present disclosure comes into contact with an activating liquid such as urine, the charge of the colorant may change from neutral to anionic, thereby not only achieving a color change in the colorant, but also causing the colorant to become more susceptible to associating with polar compounds, such as water and urine. This may result in increased solubility of the colorant in the activating liquid and undesirable removal from the absorbent article. In order to reduce or prevent such undesirable reactions, the wetness indicating composition of the present disclosure may include a colorant fixative.

[0095] The colorant fixing agent of the present disclosure may be any material that fixes the colorant when the colorant is in the second color state. The colorant fixing agent may include cationic molecules, such as permanently charged cationic molecules, which may be associated with the second color state of the colorant to reduce or completely inhibit the solubility of the colorant in the activation liquid or any other liquid. Therefore, the colorant fixing agent may be particularly useful for "locking" the colorant in the humidity indicating composition and / or "locking" it to a component of the absorbent article, such as, for example, on a backsheet. Therefore, when in contact with the activation liquid, the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be less able to diffuse away from the application area and diffuse through the absorbent article.

[0096] The colorant fixing agent of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of a quaternary ammonium compound. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that due to the strong Coulomb interaction between the anionic colorant and the cationic quaternary ammonium compound, the cationic quaternary ammonium compound can form an ionically bonded coacervate with the anionic pH-sensitive colorant. The coacervate complex formed between the anionic colorant and the cationic quaternary ammonium compound can neutralize the charge in the two substances and significantly reduce their solubility in polar solvents such as water or urine, thereby significantly reducing colorant leaching and improving the fixation of the colorant to the absorbent article and / or its parts. The intermolecular forces between the coacervate and the absorbent article and / or its parts can further limit the diffusion and / or migration of the colorant (and the humidity indicating composition) to an aqueous environment such as urine.

[0097] Dialkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds can be effectively used as colorant fixatives in the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure.Dialkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds include but are not limited to dicoco alkyldimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyldimethyl ammonium chloride and (2-ethylhexyl) (hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium sulfate.Alkyltrimethyl ammonium compounds can also be effectively used as colorant fixatives in the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure, including dodecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethyl methyl ammonium sulfate and octadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride.Cationic quaternary ammonium salts of other classes that can be used as colorant fixatives can include cationic compounds of imidazoline quaternary ammoniums, monoamides, diamides, triamides and tetraamides, monobenzyl, dibenzyl, tribenzyl and tetrabenzyl quaternary ammoniums, benzylalkyl quaternary ammoniums, cationic diquaternary ammoniums and cationic ethoxylated quaternary ammoniums.It should be noted that the counter anion used in the neutralization of the cationic quaternary ammonium compound may not be particularly limited to chloride ions. Other anions may also be employed, and non-limiting examples include bromide, methyl sulfate, and nitrate.

[0098] Quaternary ammonium compounds of the monoalkyl, dialkyl, trialkyl, and tetraalkyl classes are particularly effective in reducing or eliminating the solubilization and / or diffusion of anionic colorants from the application site on the absorbent article or its components / substrate. Compounds having a larger number of carbon atoms may be preferred for use in the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure, and in particular for use in printable ink formulations, due to the compatibility of these compounds with both the colorant and the solvent (more particularly, a volatile solvent) that may also be present in the humidity indicating composition, as further discussed herein. Such compounds having more carbon atoms may include tetraoctylammonium bromide, didodecyldimethylammonium chloride, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, tetraoctylammonium bromide, tetrapentylammonium chloride, tetrabutylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and the like.

[0099] Other cationic materials that can be used to help inhibit the dispersion of anionic colorants can include amine acid salts, polyacrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride, PEG-2 dimedowfoamamidoethylmonium methosulfate, meadowfoamglyceryl quaternium, alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaines, imidazolinium betaines, sulfobetaines, quaternized poly(vinylpyridine), amidoamine acid salts, poly(imidate) acid salts, polyethyleneimidates, cationic polyacrylamides, poly(vinylamine) acid salts, cationic ionene polymers, poly(vinylbenzyl onium salts), poly(vinylimidazolinium salts), quaternized silicone compounds such as diquaternary polydimethylsiloxanes, poly(vinyl alcohol) quaternary materials, cationic guar gum, polydimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride, cation and anion exchange resins and polymers, vinylpyrrolidone and methacrylamidopropyl trimethylol The invention also includes copolymers of quaternized vinyl pyrrolidone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride, copolymers of quaternized vinyl pyrrolidone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, polymers based on acidified vinyl caprolactam, acidified copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and styrene, acidified copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and acrylic acid, cationic polyelectrolyte polymers, and acidified n-alkyl-2-pyrrolidones.

[0100] The inventors have discovered that relatively low molar ratios of quaternary ammonium compounds to colorants (colorant anchor: colorant) can be particularly effective in reducing or eliminating diffusion of colorants from absorbent articles or components thereof. The molar ratio of the colorant anchor to colorant of the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be between about 1:1 and about 3:1, between about 1:1 and about 2.65:1, between about 1:1 and about 2.3:1, between about 1:1 and about 2:1, or between about 1:1 and about 1.75:1, specifically enumerating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges within or formed by these ranges. In one form, an absorbent article of the present disclosure may include a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core at least partially disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a wetness indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant-fixing agent; wherein the colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with the first state of the wetness indicating composition; wherein the colorant has a second, different color state, wherein the second color state is associated with the second state of the wetness indicating composition; wherein the wetness indicating composition has a molar ratio of the colorant-fixing agent to the colorant of between about 1:1 and about 3:1, between about 1:1 and about 2.65:1, between about 1:1 and about 2.3:1, between about 1:1 and about 2:1, or between about 1:1 and about 1.75:1; and wherein the wetness indicating composition is disposed on the absorbent article in a plurality of discrete graphics, wherein at least a portion of a single graphic of the plurality of discrete graphics has an area of ​​between about 0.02 cm 2 About 25cm 2 In another form, an absorbent article of the present disclosure may include a topsheet, a backsheet including a garment-facing surface and a wearer-facing surface, an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a humidity indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant-fixing agent; wherein the colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition in which the colorant and the colorant-fixing agent are not chemically bonded, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the first state prior to exposing the humidity indicating composition to an activating liquid; wherein the colorant has a second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with the humidity indicating composition. The humidity indicating composition is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition, in which at least a portion of the colorant is chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant fixing agent, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the second state after being exposed to the activating liquid; wherein the molar ratio of the colorant fixing agent to the colorant of the humidity indicating composition is between about 1:1 and about 3:1, between about 1:1 and about 2.65:1, between about 1:1 and about 2.3:1, between about 1:1 and about 2:1, or between about 1:1 and about 1.75:1; and wherein when in the second state, the humidity indicating composition is substantially insoluble in the activating liquid.

[0101] As described herein, the colorant of the present disclosure may have a first color state associated with the first state of the humidity indicating composition, and a second color state associated with the second state of the humidity indicating composition. It is believed that when the colorant of the present disclosure is in the first color state, the colorant may not be chemically bonded to the colorant fixing agent. It is also believed that when the colorant of the present disclosure is in the second color state, at least a portion of the colorant may be chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant fixing agent. When the humidity indicating composition is in the second state, at least a portion of the colorant fixing agent may be chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant in the second color state by one or more of the group consisting of covalent bonding, ionic bonding, and combinations thereof. The resulting coacervate may be less soluble in or substantially insoluble in the activation liquid and / or hydrophobic. The resulting coacervate may also have increased intermolecular forces between the coacervate and other components of the humidity indicating composition, thereby further limiting the diffusion and migration of the colorant into the liquid (such as the activation liquid).

[0102] For example, when the colorant is a pH sensitive compound and the first state of the humidity indicating composition is a low pH, the colorant may have a neutral charge—such as in the case of a sulfonphthalein-based pH indicator—and may therefore not chemically bond to the colorant anchor due to a lack of ionic attraction in the first state. a ), at least a portion of the colorant may have a negative charge (anion), and at least a portion of the colorant may be chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant fixing agent, at least a portion of which has a positive charge (cation). It is believed that at least a portion of the anionic colorant may form an ionically bonded coacervate with at least a portion of the cationic colorant fixing agent.

[0103] In one embodiment, the colorant may be bromocresol green and may have a first color state associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition, wherein the first state is a pH in the range of about 2 to about 4.5, and wherein the colorant has a neutral charge. The colorant having the first color state is not chemically bonded to the colorant fixing agent. The bromocresol green colorant may have a different second color state associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition, wherein the second state is a pH in the range of about 4.6 to about 8.5, and wherein the colorant has a negative charge. At least a portion of the bromocresol green colorant having the second color state may be chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant fixing agent. The colorant fixing agent may be a quaternary ammonium compound having a positive charge in the second state of the humidity indicating composition.

[0104] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may include one or more solvents in which the colorant, colorant fixative, and any additional components may be solubilized before being applied to the absorbent article or its parts or substrates. The solvent may be a volatile solvent that is designed to evaporate once applied to the absorbent article or its parts. The solvent may be a liquid (in a liquid state) at 25°C. The solvent may be selected to solubilize or dissolve the other components of the humidity indicating composition and maintain the humidity indicating composition in a liquid state at about 25°C (room temperature). The solvent of the present disclosure may include or consist of alcohols such as 1-propanol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, etc.; acetates such as propyl acetate, ethyl acetate, glycol ethers, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0105] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be liquid (in liquid form) at room temperature (about 25° C.) before being applied to an absorbent article or a component thereof. The viscosity of the humidity indicating composition is less than 200 cps, preferably less than 100 cps, preferably less than 75 cps, when measured by a Zahn #2 cup at 25° C. Therefore, the humidity indicating composition of the present composition may be configured to be applied to an absorbent article or a component thereof by printing. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be applied to an absorbent article or a component thereof or a substrate by a flexographic printing process, a gravure printing process, a digital printing process (such as an inkjet printing process), and a combination thereof. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be configured to be printed on an absorbent article or a component thereof or a substrate by a high-speed flexographic process at a line speed of about 1,000 feet per minute to about 2,000 feet per minute.

[0106] Because the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be liquid at room temperature and can therefore be applied by a printing process that is opposite to, for example, a slot coating process, the humidity indicating composition can be disposed on an absorbent article or a component thereof or a substrate in a plurality of discrete graphics, wherein each of the plurality of discrete graphics can be relatively small and / or complex and / or disposed in a different pattern. As used herein, the term "graphic" refers to a depiction of one or more designs, any recognizable mark, such as numbers, letters, words, brand names, icons, logos, characters, any shapes, or symbols (e.g., stripes, dots, geometric shapes, hearts, clouds, and individual elements that make up a larger design). In addition, because the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be less prone to spreading away from the application area and spreading through the absorbent article when in contact with an activating liquid, a clearer, more distinct humidity indicating pattern can be produced compared to a humidity indicating composition that does not include a colorant fixative, because the humidity indicating composition that spreads out a humidity indicating pattern tends to appear fuzzy and less distinct. In contrast to large strips of humidity indicating composition, the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may be disposed on an absorbent article in a plurality of discrete graphics, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete graphics has an area of ​​between about 0.02 cm 2 About 25cm 2 Between, about 0.035cm 2 About 15cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 10cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 5cm 2 Between, between about 0.065cm 2 About 2.5cm 2 Between, or between about 0.065cm 2 About 1.0cm 2 , specifically enumerating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges formed by or within these ranges. At least a portion of each individual graphic in the plurality of discrete graphics may be spaced at least 2 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 12 mm, or at least 15 mm from other graphics in the plurality of discrete graphics.

[0107] In addition, compared with other humidity indicating compositions, especially those based on hot melt adhesives, the humidity indicating compositions of the present disclosure can be incorporated into absorbent articles at relatively low levels. The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may contain no more than 50 mg, no more than 35 mg, no more than 25 mg, no more than 15 mg, no more than 10 mg, or between about 3 mg and about 50 mg, between about 1 mg and about 35 mg, between about 1 mg and about 25 mg, between about 1 mg and about 15 mg, between about 1 mg and about 10 mg of humidity indicating compositions, specifically listing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges within or formed by these ranges. Although the application level of the humidity indicating composition may be relatively low, the application area may be relatively extensive. The absorbent article of the present disclosure may include the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure, wherein the humidity indicating composition is disposed between about 0.5% and about 50%, between about 1% and about 45%, between about 5% and about 40%, or between about 8% and about 38% of the surface of the component or substrate of the absorbent article, specifically reciting all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges formed by or in these ranges. Thus, the relatively low application level and relatively high application area of ​​the humidity indicating composition may result in a humidity indicating composition having a relatively small consistency (as measured in the z direction from the surface of the absorbent article or its component or substrate) of between about 0.5 μm to about 12 μm, between about 1 μm to about 10 μm, or between about 4 μm to about 8 μm, specifically reciting all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges formed by or in these ranges, which may be quite different from the humidity indicating composition based on hot melt.

[0108] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may include additional ingredients. The humidity indicating composition may include resins such as polyvinyl butyral (such as MOWITAL BA 20S available from Kuraray Co., Ltd.), polyketone resins (such as REACTOL 1717H available from Lawter, Inc.), polyamide resins (such as FLEX-REZ1155AS available from Lawter, Inc.), phenolic resins (such as REACTOL 1111E available from Lawter, Inc.), fumaric acid resin esters (such as FILTREZ 526A available from Lawter, Inc.), polyurethane resins (such as NEOREZ U-335 available from DSM Coating Resins BV), etc. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin may be less than 150°C, preferably less than 100°C. Resins having a glass transition temperature of less than 150°C, preferably less than 100°C, are believed to be beneficial for humidity indicating compositions as they allow adhesion to the substrate whilst also allowing flexibility to the applied (dried) humidity indicator, thereby reducing or preventing cracking and chipping of the humidity indicating composition.

[0109] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may include one or more acids that can stabilize the colorant in the first color state and reduce or prevent premature color change. The acid may include an organic acid, such as, but not limited to, fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, fruit acids such as citric acid, and salicylic acid; esters such as citrates, such as monostearyl citrate, glycolate, lactate; phosphorus-containing organic acids such as monostearyl phosphate; ether carboxylic acids; N-acyl sarcosine; N-acyl glutamic acid; N-acyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid; alkane sulfonic acid; α-olefin sulfonic acid; α-sulfonic fatty acid methyl ester; sulfate; inorganic acid such as phosphoric acid; and combinations thereof.

[0110] The wetness indicating compositions of the present disclosure can be adjustable for drying rate and / or press / print runnability, for example by including a solvent that slows the evaporation rate, or by adding a solvent that speeds up the evaporation rate—for example, by evaporating the solvent after it has been applied to the absorbent article or a component or substrate thereof.

[0111] See also Fig.13 , the absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure may include a wetness indicator 80 comprising a wetness indicating composition of the present disclosure visible from the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10. The wetness indicator 80 may be disposed on the landing zone 44, the backsheet 28, and / or other locations. The wetness indicator 80 may be disposed on the absorbent core-facing side 1400 of the backsheet 28 so that these wetness indicators may be contacted by body exudates within the absorbent core 30. Fig.14As shown, the wetness indicator 80 may be disposed only on the first surface 1400 of the backsheet 28, for example, only on the surface of the backsheet 28 that faces the absorbent core (ie, faces the wearer).

[0112] In some cases, the wetness indicator 80 may be coordinated with the graphic 78. For example, the wetness indicator may appear or disappear and create / remove characters in coordination with the graphic 78. In other cases, the wetness indicator 80 may not be coordinated with the graphic 78. The absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure may not contain the graphic 78. The wetness indicator 80 of the present disclosure may include, consist essentially of, or consist of a wetness indicating composition as discussed herein. The graphic 78 may be formed of inks, pigments, colorants, etc. that are different from the wetness indicating composition of the present disclosure.

[0113] As discussed herein, the wetness indicating compositions of the present disclosure can be disposed on an absorbent article or component or substrate thereof in a plurality of discrete patterns, such as, for example, in Fig.13 , Fig.14 ,and Fig.15 As shown in Fig.14 As shown, the wetness indicator 80 may be disposed on the first surface 1400 of the backsheet 28 as a plurality of discrete patterns. Fig.15 As shown, one or more graphics 78 may be disposed on the second surface of the backsheet 28 as a single graphic or as a plurality of discrete graphics. Fig.13 As shown, the wetness indicator 80 and the one or more graphics 78 can be disposed on the same surface of the backsheet 28, such as the first, wearer-facing surface.

[0114] Example

[0115] The following examples are provided to help illustrate the humidity indicating compositions of the present disclosure.Exemplary humidity indicating compositions can be prepared by conventional formulation and mixing techniques, as further discussed herein.

[0116]

[0117] The foregoing Examples 1 to 3 can be prepared by first combining the solvent in a mixing container. The resin can then be added and / or dissolved in the solvent mixture via continuous mixing at room temperature (approximately 25° C.) over time, where the time can depend on the volume and shear of the mixer. Next, the colorant, colorant fixative, and acid can be added and / or dissolved in the solvent-resin mixture via continuous mixing at room temperature over time. It is noteworthy that the humidity indicating compositions of Examples 1 to 3 can be liquids at room temperature.

[0118] Method for making an absorbent article having a wetness indicating composition

[0119] A substrate or a component of an absorbent article that can be incorporated into an absorbent article, such as a backing film, can be provided. The substrate may include a film, a nonwoven, a woven, a foam, and a combination thereof, such as a laminate of a film and a nonwoven. The substrate may include synthetic and / or natural materials, and processed natural materials, such as regenerated cellulose. The substrate may be translucent, transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque.

[0120] A humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be provided. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be prepared by first adding one or more solvents to a mixing container. The resin (if used) can be added to and / or dissolved in the solvent mixture under continuous mixing at about 25°C over time, wherein the time depends on the volume and shear of the mixer. Next, the colorant, colorant fixative, and acid are added to and / or dissolved in the solvent (and resin) under continuous mixing at about 25°C over time, wherein the time depends on the volume and shear of the mixer. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure does not need to be heated during preparation, which can reduce energy and equipment costs compared to, for example, a humidity indicator composition incorporated into an adhesive composition having a high melting temperature. The resulting humidity indicating composition can be liquid at 25°C.

[0121] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can then be applied to the substrate by a printing process. As discussed herein, the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be applied to an absorbent article or its parts or substrate by a flexographic printing process, a gravure printing process, a digital printing process (such as an inkjet printing process) and a combination thereof. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be configured to be printed onto the substrate at a linear speed of about 1,000 feet per minute to about 2,000 feet per minute by a high-speed flexographic printing process. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be configured to be printed onto the substrate by a rotary gravure printing press at a linear speed of about 1,000 feet per minute to about 2,000 feet per minute. The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be configured to be printed onto the substrate by a digital printing process (such as an inkjet printing process).

[0122] The humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure can be placed at a temperature between about 1 BCM / in 2 About 10BCM / in 2 Between, about 2BCM / in 2 About 8BCM / in 2 Between or about 3BCM / in 2 About 10BCM / in 2The rate of application of the humidity indicating composition to the substrate may result in the finished absorbent article comprising no more than 50 mg, no more than 35 mg, no more than 25 mg, no more than 15 mg, or no more than 10 mg of the humidity indicating composition per absorbent article.

[0123] After applying the humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure to the substrate, the solvent portion of the humidity indicating composition may be allowed to evaporate prior to incorporating the substrate into an absorbent article.

[0124] In one form, a method of making an absorbent article comprising a humidity indicating composition of the present disclosure may include the steps of: providing a substrate; providing a humidity indicating composition comprising: a colorant; a solvent; and a colorant fixative; wherein the colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the first state prior to exposing the humidity indicating composition to an activating liquid; wherein the colorant has a different second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition The invention relates to a method of forming an absorbent article comprising: applying the humidity indicating composition to a substrate by a printing process; and bonding the substrate to at least one other component to form the absorbent article.

[0125] Combinations of the present disclosure

[0126] The following combinations are provided as examples according to the disclosure herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0127] 1. An absorbent article, comprising: a top sheet; a back sheet; an absorbent core, the absorbent core being at least partially disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and a humidity indicating composition, the humidity indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant fixative; wherein the colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition; wherein the colorant has a different second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition; and wherein the humidity indicating composition is disposed on the absorbent article in a plurality of discrete graphics, wherein at least a portion of an individual graphic of the plurality of discrete graphics has an area of ​​between about 0.02 cm 2 About 25cm 2Between, between about 0.035cm 2 About 15cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 10cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 5cm 2 Between, between about 0.065cm 2 About 2.5cm 2 Between, or between about 0.065cm 2 About 1.0cm 2 between.

[0128] 2. The absorbent article according to paragraph 1, wherein the wetness indicating composition is in a first state prior to exposing the wetness indicating composition to an activating liquid.

[0129] 3. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the wetness indicating composition is in the second state prior to exposing the wetness indicating composition to the activating liquid.

[0130] 4. An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs 2 to 3, wherein the activated liquid is urine.

[0131] 5. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs 2 to 4, wherein the wetness indicating composition is substantially insoluble in the activating liquid.

[0132] 6. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the colorant comprises sulfonphthalein.

[0133] 7. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the colorant comprises bromocresol green.

[0134] 8. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the colorant comprises bromophenol blue.

[0135] 9. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs, comprising no greater than 50 mg, no greater than 35 mg, no greater than 25 mg, no greater than 15 mg, or no greater than 10 mg of the wetness indicating composition.

[0136] 10. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the wetness indicating composition is disposed only on the first surface of the backsheet.

[0137] 11. The absorbent article of paragraph 10, wherein the wetness indicating composition is disposed between about 0.5% and about 50%, between about 2% and about 45%, between about 5% and about 40%, or between about 8% and about 38% of the first surface of the backsheet.

[0138] 12. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the humidity indicating composition further comprises a resin, wherein the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin is less than 150°C, preferably less than 100°C.

[0139] 13. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete graphics is spaced apart from other graphics in the plurality of discrete graphics by at least 2 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm.

[0140] 14. An absorbent article comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet having a garment-facing surface and a wearer-facing surface; an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a humidity indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant-fixing agent; wherein the colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition in which the colorant and the colorant-fixing agent are not chemically bonded, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the first state before exposing the humidity indicating composition to an activating liquid; wherein the colorant has a second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition in which at least a portion of the colorant is chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant-fixing agent, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the second state after exposure to the activating liquid; and wherein when in the second state, the humidity indicating composition is substantially insoluble in the activating liquid.

[0141] 15. The absorbent article according to paragraph 14, wherein the activating liquid is urine.

[0142] 16. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs 14 and 15, wherein the wetness indicating composition is disposed on the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet in a first plurality of discrete patterns.

[0143] 17. The absorbent article according to paragraph 16, wherein a second plurality of discrete graphics are disposed on the wearer-facing surface and / or the garment-facing surface of the backsheet.

[0144] 18. The absorbent article according to paragraph 17, wherein the second plurality of discrete graphics are formed from a different composition than the wetness indicating composition.

[0145] 19. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs 17 to 18, wherein the first plurality of discrete graphics and the second plurality of discrete graphics do not overlap.

[0146] 20. An absorbent article according to any of paragraphs 16 to 19, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete graphics is spaced apart from other graphics in the plurality of discrete graphics by at least 2 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm.

[0147] 21. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs 16 to 20, wherein at least a portion of an individual graphic of the plurality of discrete graphics has an area of ​​between about 0.02 cm 2 About 25cm 2 Between, between about 0.035cm 2 About 15cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 10cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 5cm 2 Between, between about 0.065cm 2 About 2.5cm 2 Between, or between about 0.065cm 2 About 1.0cm 2 between.

[0148] 22. An absorbent article according to any of paragraphs 14 to 21, wherein the wetness indicating composition is disposed between about 0.5% and about 50%, between about 2% and about 45%, between about 5% and about 40%, or between about 8% and about 38% of the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet.

[0149] 23. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs 14 to 22, wherein the wetness indicating composition further comprises a resin.

[0150] 24. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs 14 to 23, wherein the absorbent article comprises no greater than 50 mg, no greater than 35 mg, no greater than 25 mg, no greater than 15 mg, or no greater than 10 mg of the wetness indicating composition.

[0151] 25. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the colorant fixing agent comprises or consists of a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0152] 26. An absorbent article according to paragraph 25, wherein the colorant fixative comprises or consists of a quaternary ammonium compound selected from the group consisting of: dialkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds; alkyltrimethylammonium chloride compounds; imidazoline quaternary ammonium compounds; monoamido, diamido, triamido, and tetraamido quaternary ammonium compounds; monobenzyl, dibenzyl, tribenzyl, and tetrabenzyl quaternary ammonium compounds; benzylalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds; cationic diquaternary ammonium compounds; cationic ethoxylated quaternary ammonium compounds; monoalkyl, dialkyl, trialkyl, and tetraalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0153] M1. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising a humidity indicating composition, the method comprising the following steps: providing a substrate; providing a humidity indicating composition, the humidity indicating composition comprising: a colorant; a solvent; and a colorant fixative; wherein the colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the humidity indicating composition, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the first state before the humidity indicating composition is exposed to an activating liquid; wherein the colorant has a different second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the humidity indicating composition, and wherein the humidity indicating composition is in the second state after exposure to the activating liquid; and wherein the humidity indicating composition is liquid at 25°C; and applying the humidity indicating composition to the substrate by a printing process; and joining the substrate to at least one other component to form the absorbent article.

[0154] M2. The method according to paragraph M1, wherein the humidity indicating composition is applied to the substrate by a flexographic printing process.

[0155] M3. The method according to paragraph M1, wherein the humidity indicating composition is applied to the substrate by a gravure printing process.

[0156] M4. The method according to paragraph M1, wherein the humidity indicating composition is applied to the substrate by a digital printing process.

[0157] M5. The method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M4, wherein the viscosity of the humidity indicating composition is less than 200 cps, preferably less than 100 cps, preferably less than 75 cps when measured by Zahn #2 cup at 25°C.

[0158] M6. The method of any of paragraphs M1 to M5, wherein when the humidity indicating composition is in the second state, the humidity indicating composition is substantially insoluble in the activating liquid.

[0159] M7. A method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M6, wherein the activation liquid is urine.

[0160] M8. A method according to any one of paragraphs M1 to M7, wherein the humidity indicating composition is between about 1 BCM / in 2 About 10BCM / in 2 Between, about 2BCM / in 2 About 8BCM / in 2 Between or about 3BCM / in 2 About 10BCM / in 2 A transfer rate between 20 and 20 is applied to the substrate.

[0161] M9. A method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M8, wherein the humidity indicating composition is applied to the substrate in an amount of no more than 50 mg, no more than 35 mg, no more than 25 mg, no more than 15 mg, or no more than 10 mg of the humidity indicating composition.

[0162] M10. A method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M9, wherein the humidity indicating composition is applied to the substrate in a plurality of discrete patterns, wherein at least a portion of an individual pattern of the plurality of discrete patterns has an area of ​​between about 0.02 cm 2 About 25cm 2 Between, about 0.035cm 2 About 15cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 10cm 2 Between, about 0.05cm 2 About 5cm 2 Between, or between about 0.05cm 2 About 2.5cm 2 between.

[0163] M11. A method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M10, wherein the humidity indicating composition is disposed on between about 0.5% and about 50%, between about 2% and about 45%, between about 5% and about 40%, or between about 8% and about 38% of the surface of the substrate.

[0164] M12. The method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M11, wherein the humidity indicating composition further comprises a resin.

[0165] M13. The method of any of paragraphs M1 to M12, wherein the solvent comprises a volatile solvent.

[0166] M14. The method according to paragraph M13, wherein the solvent comprises at least one of: ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, and 1-propanal.

[0167] M15. The method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M13, wherein the solvent consists of ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, and 1-propanal.

[0168] M16. A method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M15, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete graphics is spaced apart from other graphics in the plurality of discrete graphics by at least 2 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm.

[0169] M17. The method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M16, further comprising the step of evaporating the solvent after applying the humidity indicating composition to the substrate.

[0170] M18. A method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M17, wherein in the first state the colorant is not chemically bonded to the colorant fixing agent, and wherein in the second state at least a portion of the colorant is chemically bonded to at least a portion of the colorant fixing agent.

[0171] M19. The method of paragraph M18, wherein the humidity indicating composition is substantially insoluble in the activating liquid when in the second state.

[0172] M20. A method according to any of paragraphs M1 to M19, wherein the colorant fixing agent comprises or consists of a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0173] M21. The method according to paragraph M20, wherein the colorant fixing agent comprises or consists of a quaternary ammonium compound, which is selected from the group consisting of: dialkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds; alkyltrimethylammonium chloride compounds; imidazoline quaternary ammonium compounds; monoamide, diamide, triamide, and tetraamide quaternary ammonium compounds; monobenzyl, dibenzyl, tribenzyl, and tetrabenzyl quaternary ammonium compounds; benzylalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds; cationic diquaternary ammonium compounds; cationic ethoxylated quaternary ammonium compounds; monoalkyl, dialkyl, trialkyl, and tetraalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0174] M22. An absorbent article made by the method described in any of paragraphs M1 to M21.

[0175] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0176] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor is it an admission that it alone or in any combination with any other reference or references teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. In addition, when any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0177] Although the content of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with specific embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure are consciously included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent article (10), comprising: Top sheet (26); Negative film (28); an absorbent core (30) at least partially disposed between the topsheet (26) and the backsheet (28); and A humidity indicating composition, the humidity indicating composition comprising a colorant and a colorant fixative; wherein the colorant has a first color state, wherein the first color state is associated with a first state of the wetness indicating composition; wherein the colorant has a different second color state, wherein the second color state is associated with a second state of the wetness indicating composition; and wherein the humidity indicating composition is disposed on the absorbent article (10) in a first plurality of discrete graphics (80), wherein at least a portion of an individual graphic in the first plurality of discrete graphics (80) has an area of ​​between about 0.02 cm 2 About 25cm 2 between.

2. The absorbent article (10) according to claim 1, wherein the wetness indicating composition is in the first state before exposing the wetness indicating composition to an activating liquid.

3. The absorbent article (10) of claim 1, wherein the wetness indicating composition is in the second state prior to exposing the wetness indicating composition to an activating liquid.

4. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the activating liquid is urine.

5. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wetness indicating composition is substantially insoluble in the activating liquid when in the second state.

6. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the colorant comprises sulfonphthalein.

7. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the colorant comprises bromocresol green.

8. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the colorant comprises bromophenol blue.

9. An absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising not more than 50 mg, preferably not more than 35 mg, more preferably not more than 25 mg, even more preferably not more than 25 mg, still more preferably not more than 15 mg, or even not more than 10 mg of the humidity indicating composition.

10. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wetness indicating composition is disposed only on the first surface (1400) of the backsheet (28).

11. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wetness indicating composition is disposed between about 0.5% and about 50% of the first surface of the backsheet.

12. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the humidity indicating composition further comprises a resin.

13. The absorbent article (10) according to claim 12, wherein the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin is less than 150°C, preferably less than 100°C.

14. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of each of the first plurality of discrete graphics (80) is spaced apart from other graphics of the plurality of discrete graphics (80) by at least 2 mm.

15. An absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a second plurality of discrete graphics (78) are arranged on the backsheet (28), wherein the second plurality of discrete graphics (78) are formed from a composition different from the humidity indicating composition, and wherein the first plurality of graphics (80) and the second plurality of graphics (78) do not overlap.

Images