Absorbent article having a laminate exhibiting highly recognizable patterns and vivid graphics

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, and an outer cover material or a landing zone having an embossed pattern.SOLUTION: A garment-facing surface of a backsheet 28 has one or more graphics 78. A portion of an embossed pattern overlaps a portion of the graphics 78. The portion of the graphics 78 exhibits a first L*, a*, b* color value when measured through a densified region of the embossed pattern. The portion of the one or more graphics 78 exhibits a different second L*, a*, b* color value when measured through a non-densified region of an outer cover material. The garment-facing surface of the backsheet has an area free of the graphics 78 of about 5% to about 85%. The embossed pattern forms at least one and less than 40 recognizable, discrete indicia.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles comprising a laminate of an outer cover material and / or a topsheet comprising landing zones and / or pattern(s) combined with a backsheet comprising graphics of one or more colors to improve pattern recognition and overall graphic clarity perception. [Background technology]

[0002] Absorbent articles are used to contain and absorb bodily wastes (i.e., urine, feces, and menstruation) from infants, children, and adults. Absorbent articles can include, but are not limited to, diapers, pants, adult incontinence products, feminine care products, and absorbent pads. In some cases, one or more patterns are formed in the topsheet, landing zone, and / or outer cover material of the absorbent article. If the underlying components, such as the backsheet, do not contain graphics or contain graphics in muted colors, the pattern in the topsheet, landing zone, and / or outer cover material can be very difficult to distinguish. This is especially true if the pattern includes relatively large, discrete, recognizable indicia. Additionally, if the outer cover nonwoven material, landing zone, or topsheet is a flat, patternless web, the underlying graphic will be somewhat patchy, uniformly muted, and / or uniformly hidden from the view of a consumer looking through the topsheet, landing zone, or outer cover nonwoven material. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Therefore, the outer cover material, landing zone, topsheet, and backsheet graphics should be improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure provides, in part, absorbent articles including laminates exhibiting highly perceptible patterns disposed on the outer cover material, landing zone, and / or topsheet. The present disclosure also provides, in part, absorbent articles including laminates including a topsheet, landing zone, and / or outer cover material including pattern(s) combined with a backsheet including one or more graphics for improved pattern recognition and overall clearer graphic perception. The presence, size, and / or color characteristics of the one or more graphics may allow for easier recognition of the pattern disposed on the topsheet, landing zone, and / or outer cover material, especially if the pattern includes distinct, recognizable indicia, thereby improving the consumer experience.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an absorbent article including a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core at least partially positioned between the topsheet and the liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an outer cover material or landing zone including an embossed pattern. The garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics. At least a portion of the embossed pattern overlaps at least a portion of the one or more graphics. The one or more graphics have a color density greater than or equal to a first L when measured through a densified area of ​​the embossed pattern of the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * A portion of the one or more graphics exhibits a color value of at least one second L when measured through a non-densified area of ​​the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * The color values ​​are indicated. The garment-facing surface of the backsheet has an area that is free of graphics of about 5% to about 85% of the total area of ​​the garment-facing surface of the backsheet. The embossed pattern forms at least one and less than 40 distinct, recognizable indicia.

[0006] In part, the present disclosure provides an absorbent article including a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core at least partially positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an outer cover material or landing zone including a plurality of apertures. The garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics. At least a portion of the plurality of apertures overlaps at least a portion of the one or more graphics. The portion of the one or more graphics has a color that is greater than or equal to a first L when measured through one of the plurality of apertures according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * A portion of the one or more graphics exhibits a color value of at least one second L when measured through a non-apertured area of ​​the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * The color values ​​are indicated. The garment-facing surface of the backsheet has an area that is free of graphics that is about 5% to about 85% of the total area of ​​the garment-facing surface of the backsheet. At least a portion of the plurality of apertures form at least one and fewer than 40 distinct, recognizable indicia.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an absorbent article including a liquid-permeable topsheet including an embossed pattern, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core at least partially positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The wearer-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics. At least a portion of the embossed pattern overlaps a portion of the one or more graphics. The one or more graphics have a color that is greater than or equal to a first L when measured through a densified area of ​​the embossed pattern according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b *A portion of the one or more graphics exhibits a color value of at least one second L when measured through a non-densified area of ​​the topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * The color values ​​are indicated. The wearer-facing surface of the backsheet has an area that is free of graphics of about 5% to about 85% of the total area of ​​the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet. The embossed pattern forms at least one and less than 40 recognizable individual indicia.

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an absorbent article including a liquid-permeable topsheet including a plurality of apertures, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core at least partially positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The wearer-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics. At least a portion of the plurality of apertures overlaps a portion of the one or more graphics. The portion of the one or more graphics has a color that is greater than or equal to a first L when measured through one of the plurality of apertures according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * A portion of the one or more graphics exhibits a color value of at least one second L when measured through a non-apertured area of ​​the topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * The color values ​​are indicated. The wearer-facing surface of the backsheet has an area that is free of graphics of about 5% to about 85% of the total area of ​​the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet. At least a portion of the plurality of apertures form at least one and less than 40 distinct recognizable indicia. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, by referring to the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article in the form of a tape diaper laid out flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view of the exemplary absorbent article of FIG. 1 laid out flat with the wearer-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the absorbent article of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a fastened position. [Figure 4] 1 is a front perspective view of an absorbent article in the form of pants. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the absorbent article of FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 4 laid out flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken around line 7-7 of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken around line 8-8 of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent core or absorbent article. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core of FIG. 9 taken around line 10-10. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core of FIG. 10 taken around line 11-11. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article of the present disclosure, which is a sanitary napkin. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a backsheet containing graphics with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 13B] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a backsheet containing graphics with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a backsheet containing graphics with the wearer-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer cover material including an embossed pattern. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a topsheet including an embossed pattern. [Figure 17A] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a backsheet containing one or more graphics with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 17B] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer cover material including an embossed pattern. [Figure 17C] 17B overlaying the backsheet of FIG. 17A. FIG. [Figure 18A] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a backsheet including one or more graphics, with the wearer-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 18B] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a topsheet including an embossed pattern. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18B is a plan view of a topsheet-backsheet laminate including the topsheet of FIG. 18B overlying the backsheet of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19] 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article in a flat laid-out state with the wearer-facing surface facing the viewer and including a topsheet containing a plurality of apertures. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer cover material including a plurality of apertures, with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. [Figure 21] 1 is an example of a stitch-like pattern on a backsheet. [Figure 22] 1 is an example of a stitch-like pattern on a backsheet. [Figure 23] 1 is an example of a stitch-like pattern on a backsheet. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liquid impervious backsheet including one or more visually distinct graphics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein to provide a general understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of absorbent articles having laminates exhibiting the highly recognizable patterns and vivid graphics disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the absorbent articles having laminates exhibiting the highly recognizable patterns and vivid graphics described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Features shown or described with respect to one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Overview of absorbent articles An exemplary absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure, shown in the form of a tape-type diaper, is shown in Figures 1-3. Figure 1 is a plan view of the exemplary absorbent article 10 in a flat, laid-out state (i.e., without elastic contraction) with the garment-facing surface 2 facing the viewer. Figure 2 is a plan view of the exemplary absorbent article 10 of Figure 1 in a flat, laid-out state with the wearer-facing surface 4 facing the viewer. Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the absorbent article 10 of Figures 1 and 2 in a fastened configuration. The absorbent article 10 of Figures 1-3 is shown for illustrative purposes only, as the present disclosure may be used to make a wide variety of diapers, such as, for example, adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and absorbent pads.

[0012] 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 occupy one-third of the length of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may include a front edge 18, a rear edge 20 opposite the front edge 18, and transversely opposed side edges 22 and 24 extending longitudinally and defined by a chassis 52.

[0013] The absorbent article 10 may include a liquid pervious topsheet 26, a liquid impervious backsheet 28, and an absorbent core 30 disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28. The absorbent article 10 may also include one or more barrier leg cuffs 32, with or without elastics 33, one or more leg elastics 34, one or more elastic waistbands 36, and / or one or more acquisition materials 38. The acquisition material(s) 38 may be disposed intermediate the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. An outer cover material 40, such as a nonwoven material, may cover the garment-facing surface of the backsheet 28. The absorbent article 10 may include back ears 42 in the rear waist region 16. The back ears 42 may include fasteners 46 and may extend from the back waist region 16 of the absorbent article 10 and be attached (using the fasteners 46) to landing zone areas or landing zone material 44 in the garment-facing portion of the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may also have front ears 47 in the front waist region 12. The absorbent article 10 may 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.

[0014] In another example, the absorbent article may be in the form of pants with 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. Referring to FIGS. 4-8, an exemplary absorbent article 10 in the form of pants is illustrated. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the absorbent article 10. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the absorbent article 10. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10 laid flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. Elements in FIGS. 4-8 having the same reference numbers as those described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3 may be the same elements (e.g., absorbent core 30). FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken around line 7-7 in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken around line 8-8 in FIG. 6. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary configurations of the front belt 54 and the back belt 56. 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 one-third 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 panel) similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, including a topsheet 26, a backsheet 28, an absorbent core 30 disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28, and optional acquisition material 38. The absorbent article 10 may include a front belt 54 in the front waist region 12 and a back belt 56 in the back waist region 16. The chassis 52 can be joined to the wearer-facing surfaces 4 of the front and back belts 54 and 56, or to the garment-facing surfaces 2 of the belts 54, 56. The side edges 23 and 25 of the front belt 54 can 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 can be any suitable seam known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, a butt seam or an overlap seam. Once the side seams 58 are permanently formed or refastenably closed, the pant-form absorbent article 10 has two leg openings 60 and a waist opening perimeter 62.The side seams 58 may be permanently joined, for example, using an adhesive or bond, or may be refastenably closed, for example, using hook and loop fasteners.

[0015] belt 7 and 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 having an elastomeric material (e.g., strands 68 or a film (which may be apertured)) at least partially disposed therebetween. The elastic elements 68 or film may be relaxed (including cut) to reduce elastic strain on the absorbent core 30, or alternatively, may run continuously across the absorbent core 30. The elastic elements 68 can 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 or different amounts. The front belt 54 and / or the back belt 56 may have one or more elastic element-free zones 70 where the chassis 52 overlaps the belts 54, 56. In other examples, at least some of the elastic elements 68 may extend continuously across the chassis 52.

[0016] The front and back inner belt layers 66, 67 and the front and back outer belt layers 64, 65 can be joined using adhesives, heat bonds, pressure bonds, or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt layer configurations can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0211363.

[0017] The front belt edge 55 and the rear belt edge 57 may extend longitudinally beyond the front chassis edge 19 and the rear chassis edge 21 (shown in FIG. 6 ), or they may be coterminous. The front and rear belt side edges 23, 25, 27, and 29 may extend laterally beyond the chassis side edges 22 and 24. The front belt 54 and the rear belt 56 may be continuous (i.e., have at least one layer that is continuous) from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., transverse distances from 23 to 25 and 27 to 29). Alternatively, the front belt 54 and the rear belt 56 may be discontinuous from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., transverse distances from 23 to 25 and 27 to 29) so that they are distinct.

[0018] As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,393, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal axis 50) of the rear belts 56 may be longer than the longitudinal length of the front belts 54, which may be particularly useful for increased buttock coverage when the rear belts 56 have a greater longitudinal length compared to the front belts 54 adjacent or immediately adjacent the side seams 58.

[0019] The front outer belt layer 64 and the back outer belt layer 65 may be separated from each other so that each layer is distinct, or alternatively, these layers may be continuous so that the layers run continuously from the front belt edge 55 to the back belt edge 57. This may also be true for the front inner belt layer 66 and the back inner belt layer 67, i.e., they may be distinct or continuous in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, while the front inner belt layer 66 and the back inner belt layer 67 are distinct in the longitudinal direction, the front outer belt layer 64 and the back outer belt layer 65 may be continuous in the longitudinal direction, so that gaps are formed therebetween (the gaps between the front outer belt layer 64 and the back outer belt layer 65 and the gaps between the front inner belt layer 66 and the back inner belt layer 67 are shown in FIG. 7 , and the gaps between the front inner belt layer 66 and the back inner belt layer 67 are shown in FIG. 8 ).

[0020] The front and back belts 54, 56 may include slits, holes, and / or perforations that provide increased breathability, flexibility, and a garment-like texture. The underwear-like appearance can be enhanced by substantially aligning the waist and leg edges at the location of the side seams 58 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0021] The front and back belts 54, 56 may include graphics (see, e.g., 78 in FIG. 1). The graphics may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the absorbent article 10, and may be located across the side seams 58 and / or across the proximal front and back belt seams 15, 17, or adjacent seams 58, 15, and 17 in the manner described in U.S. Patent No. 9,498,389 to create a more underwear-like article. The graphics may also be discontinuous.

[0022] Alternatively, instead of attaching belts 54 and 56 to chassis 52 to form pants, separate side panels may be attached to the side edges of chassis 22 and 24. Suitable forms of pants including separate side panels are described in U.S. Patent 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; and 6,911,161. Nos. 6,953,452, 6,840,928, 8,579,876, 7,682,349, 7,156,833, and 7,201,744.

[0023] Top sheet The topsheet 26 is the portion of the absorbent article 10 that directly contacts the wearer's skin. The topsheet 26 may be joined to portions of the backsheet 28, the absorbent core 30, the barrier leg cuffs 32, and / or any other layers, as known to those skilled in the art. The topsheet 26 may be conformable, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Additionally, at least a portion of, or the entire topsheet, may be liquid pervious, allowing liquid body exudates to readily penetrate through its thickness. Suitable topsheets may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, including, for example, porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, woven materials, nonwoven materials, woven or nonwoven materials made of natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester fibers, or polypropylene fibers, or bicomponent PE / PP fibers, or mixtures thereof), or combinations of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may have one or more layers. The topsheet may be apertured ( FIG. 2 , element 31) and / or have multiple embossments (e.g., a bonded pattern), as discussed further below. The topsheet may have any suitable three-dimensional features. Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antimicrobial agent, a surfactant, and / or other benefit agent. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, there will typically be apertures to allow body exudates to pass through the topsheet.

[0024] The topsheet may include aperture and / or embossed pattern(s) and may be positioned over one or more graphics on the backsheet to achieve one or more of the advantages of the present disclosure.

[0025] back seat The backsheet 28 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 10 positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 30. The backsheet 28 can be joined to the topsheet 26, the outer cover material 40, the absorbent core 30, and / or any other layer of the absorbent article by any attachment method known to those skilled in the art. The backsheet 28 prevents or at least inhibits body exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 10 from soiling articles such as bedsheets, undergarments, and / or clothing. The backsheet is typically liquid-impermeable, or at least substantially liquid-impermeable. The backsheet may be or include a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing or at least inhibiting body exudates from passing through the backsheet. The backsheet may include one or more graphics on the wearer-facing and / or garment-facing surface, as further described herein.

[0026] Outer Cover Material The outer cover material (sometimes referred to as a backsheet nonwoven) 40 may comprise one or more nonwoven materials that are joined to and cover the backsheet 28. The outer cover material 40 forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10, effectively "covering" the backsheet 28 such that no film is present on the garment-facing surface 2. The outer cover material 40 may include bond patterns, apertures, and / or three-dimensional features.

[0027] The outer cover material may include apertures and / or embossed pattern(s) and may be positioned over one or more graphics on the backsheet to achieve one or more of the benefits of the present disclosure. One or more portions of the outer cover nonwoven material may include one or more integral landing zones.

[0028] absorbent core As used herein, the term "absorbent core" 30 refers to the component of the absorbent article 10 that has the greatest absorbent capacity and includes the absorbent material. Referring to Figures 9-11, in some examples, the absorbent material 72 can be disposed within a core bag or core wrap 74. The absorbent material can be contoured or uncontoured, depending on the particular absorbent article. The absorbent core 30 can include, consist essentially of, or consist of a core wrap, absorbent material 72, and a size agent encapsulated within the core wrap. The absorbent material can include superabsorbent polymer, a mixture of superabsorbent polymer and airfelt, airfelt alone, and / or a high internal phase emulsion foam. In some examples, the absorbent material can include at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or up to 100% superabsorbent polymer by weight of the absorbent material. In such examples, the absorbent material can be airfelt-free or at least largely airfelt-free. The absorbent core periphery, which may be the periphery of the core wrap, may define any suitable shape, such as, for example, a rectangle, a "T," a "Y," an "hourglass," or a "dogbone" shape. An absorbent core periphery having a generally "dogbone" or "hourglass" shape may taper along its width toward the crotch region 14 of the absorbent article 10.

[0029] 9-11, the absorbent core 30 can have areas with little or no absorbent material 72 that can join the wearer-facing surface of the core bag 74 with the garment-facing surface of the core bag 74. These areas with little or no absorbent material can be referred to as "channels" 76. These channels can be embodied in any suitable shape, and any suitable number of channels can be provided. In other examples, the absorbent core can be embossed to create channel depressions. The absorbent cores of FIGS. 9-11 are merely exemplary absorbent cores. Many other absorbent cores, with or without channels, are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] Barrier leg cuff / leg elastic 1 and 2, the absorbent article 10 may include one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs 32 and one or more pairs of leg elastics 34. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may be positioned laterally inward of the leg elastics 34. Each barrier leg cuff 32 may be formed from a single piece of material that extends upward from the wearer-facing surface 4 of the absorbent article 10 and is bonded to the absorbent article 10 to provide improved containment of body exudates near the junction between the wearer's torso and legs. The barrier leg cuffs 32 are bounded by proximal edges that are bonded directly or indirectly to the topsheet and / or backsheet, and free distal edges that are intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may extend at least partially between the front edge 18 and the rear edge 20 of the absorbent article 10 on either side of the central longitudinal axis 50 and may be present in at least the crotch region 14. Each barrier leg cuff 32 may include one or more elastics 33 (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at its free end edge. These elastics 33 enable the barrier leg cuffs 32 to help form a seal around the wearer's legs and torso. The leg elastics 34 extend at least partially between the front edge 18 and the back edge 20. The leg elastics 34 essentially enable the portions of the absorbent article 10 adjacent the chassis side edges 22, 24 to help form a seal around the wearer's legs. The leg elastics 34 may extend at least into the crotch region 14.

[0031] Elastic waistband 1 and 2, the absorbent article 10 may include one or more elastic waistbands 36. The elastic waistbands 36 may be disposed on the garment-facing surface 2 or the wearer-facing surface 4. As an example, a first elastic waistband 36 may be present near the front belt edge 18 of the front waist region 12, and a second elastic waistband 36 may be present near the rear edge 20 of the back waist region 16. The elastic waistbands 36 may seal the absorbent article 10 around the wearer's waist and help prevent at least body exudates from leaking out of the absorbent article 10 through the periphery of the waist opening. In some examples, the elastic waistband may completely surround the periphery of the waist opening of the absorbent article. The nonwoven fabric of the waistband may include apertures and / or embossed pattern(s) and may be positioned above one or more graphics on the backsheet to achieve one or more of the advantages of the present disclosure.

[0032] Captured material 1, 2, 7, and 8, one or more acquisition materials 38 may be at least partially intermediate the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. The acquisition materials 38 are typically hydrophilic materials that provide significant wicking of body exudates. These materials can dehydrate the topsheet 26 and rapidly transfer body exudates into the absorbent core 30. The acquisition materials 38 may include, for example, one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, crosslinked cellulosic materials, airlaid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, a portion of the acquisition material 38 may extend through a portion of the topsheet 26, a portion of the topsheet 26 may extend through a portion of the acquisition material 38, and / or the topsheet 26 may be nested with the acquisition material 38. Typically, the acquisition material 38 may have a width and length that are smaller than the width and length of the topsheet 26. In the context of a feminine pad, the acquisition material may be a secondary topsheet. The acquisition material may have one or more channels (including embossed versions) as described above with respect to absorbent core 30. The channels of the acquisition material may or may not be aligned with the channels of 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.

[0033] Landing Area 1 and 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. The landing zone area 44 may be located in the rear waist region 16 if the absorbent article 10 is fastened front-to-back, or may be located in the front waist region 12 if the absorbent article 10 is fastened back-to-front. In some examples, the landing zone 44 may be or may include one or more separate nonwoven materials attached to a portion of the outer cover material 40 in the front waist region 12 or the back waist region 16, depending on whether the absorbent article is front-fastened or back-fastened. Essentially, 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 of the fastener 46, or vice versa.

[0034] The landing zone may include apertures and / or embossed pattern(s) and may be positioned above one or more graphics on the backsheet to achieve one or more of the benefits of the present disclosure. In some cases, the landing zone may be integral with a portion of the outer cover nonwoven material. In other examples, the landing zone may be a separate component(s).

[0035] Wetness Indicator / Graphic Referring to FIG. 1 , the absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure may include a graphic 78 and / or wetness indicator 80 visible from the garment-facing surface 2. The graphic 78 may be printed on the landing zone 40, the backsheet 28, and / or other locations. The wetness indicator 80 is typically applied to the absorbent core-facing surface of the backsheet 28 so that it may come into contact with bodily exudates within the absorbent core 30. In some examples, the wetness indicator 80 may form part of the graphic 78. For example, the wetness indicator can appear or disappear, and text can be formed / removed within a particular graphic. In other examples, the wetness indicator 80 may be coordinated (e.g., same design, same pattern, same color) or disco-ordinated with the graphic 78. At least a portion of the wetness indicator may be formed by one or more of the graphics disclosed herein.

[0036] Front and back ears 1 and 2, as referenced above, the absorbent article 10, in the context of a tape diaper, can have front ears 47 and / or back ears 42. In most tape diapers, only one set of ears may be required. One set of ears may include fasteners 46 configured to engage with the landing zone or landing zone area 44. When two sets of ears are provided, in most instances, only one set of ears will have fasteners 46, while the other set will be fastener-free. The ears, or portions thereof, may be elastic or may have elastic panels. In one example, an elastic film or elastic strands may be disposed intermediate the first nonwoven material and the second nonwoven material. The elastic film may or may not be apertured. The ears may be molded. The ears may be integral (e.g., extensions of the outer cover material 40, the backsheet 28, and / or the topsheet 26) or may be separate components attached to the wearer-facing surface 4, the garment-facing surface 2, or intermediate the two surfaces 4, 2 of the chassis 52 of the absorbent article.

[0037] Sensor Referring again to FIG. 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 or integral to the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may include sensors capable of sensing various aspects of the absorbent article 10 associated with the generation of bodily wastes such as urine and / or feces (e.g., the sensor system 82 may sense variations in temperature, humidity, the presence of ammonia or urea, various vapor components of the wastes (urine and feces), changes in the breathability of the garment-facing layer of the absorbent article, changes in the translucency of the garment-facing layer, and / or changes in the color of the garment-facing layer). Additionally, the sensor system 82 may sense components of urine such as ammonia or urea and / or by-products resulting from the reaction of these components with the absorbent article 10. The sensor system 82 may sense by-products that result when urine mixes with other components of the absorbent article 10 (e.g., adhesive, AGM). These sensed components or by-products may exist as vapors that can pass through the garment-facing layer. It may also be desirable to include a reactive substance in the absorbent article that changes state (e.g., color, temperature) or produces a measurable by-product when mixed with urine or feces. The sensor system 82 may also sense changes in pH, pressure, odor, the presence of gas, blood, chemical or biological markers, or combinations thereof. The sensor system 82 may be located more distal to the absorbent article, such as on an iPhone. (registered trademark) The absorbent article may have a component on or in proximity to it that transmits a signal to a receiver, such as a sensor on the absorbent article 10. The receiver may output a result that communicates the status of the absorbent article 10 to a caregiver. In other examples, a receiver may not be provided, but instead the status of the absorbent article 10 may be visually or audibly apparent from a sensor on the absorbent article.

[0038] package The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed in a package. The package may include a polymeric film and / or other materials. Graphics and / or indicia relating to the characteristics of the absorbent article may be formed, printed, positioned, and / or disposed on an exterior portion of the package. Each package may include multiple absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packaged under compression to reduce the size of the package while providing an appropriate number of absorbent articles per package. Packaging the absorbent articles under compression allows caregivers to easily handle and store the package and may also result in reduced distribution costs for manufacturers due to the size of the package.

[0039] sanitary napkins Referring to FIG. 12 , an absorbent article of the present disclosure may be a sanitary napkin 110. The sanitary napkin 110 may include a liquid-permeable topsheet 114, a liquid-impermeable or substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet 116, and an absorbent core 118. The liquid-impermeable backsheet 116 may or may not be vapor-permeable. The absorbent core 118 may have any or all of the features described herein with respect to the absorbent core 30, and in some configurations, may include a secondary topsheet 119 (STS) instead of the acquisition material disclosed above. The STS 119 may include one or more channels (including embossed variations), as described above. In some configurations, the channels of the STS 119 may be aligned with the channels of the absorbent core 118. The sanitary napkin 110 may also include wings 120 extending outward 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 topsheet 114, the backsheet 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 include additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins, as is known in the art.

[0040] The sanitary napkin may include a topsheet including a pattern(s) of apertures and / or embossments positioned above one or more graphics disposed on the backsheet to achieve one or more of the advantages of the present disclosure. In one example, the overlap between the pattern and the one or more graphics may occur within the wings. Because the absorbent core or secondary topsheet may not be present in the wings, the perception of the topsheet pattern within the wings may be improved.

[0041] Bio-based ingredients for absorbent article components Components of the disposable absorbent articles (i.e., diapers, disposable pants, adult incontinence articles, sanitary napkins, panty liners, etc.) described herein may be prepared using any of the methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521(A1) to Hird et al., published September 20, 2007; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139658(A1) to Hird et al., published June 16, 2011; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139658(A1) to Hird et al., published June 16, 2011; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139657(A1), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0152812(A1) to Hird et al., published June 23, 2011, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139662(A1) to Hird et al., published June 16, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139659(A1) published June 16, 2011. These components include, but are not limited to, the topsheet nonwoven, backsheet film, backsheet nonwoven, side panel nonwoven, barrier leg cuff nonwoven, superabsorbent, nonwoven acquisition layer, core wrap nonwoven, adhesive, fastener hook, and fastener landing zone nonwoven, and film base.

[0042] In some embodiments, the components of the disposable absorbent article comprise a biobased content value of from about 10% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, Method B, in other embodiments from about 25% to about 75%, and in still other embodiments from about 50% to about 60% using ASTM D6866-10, Method B.

[0043] To apply the ASTM D6866-10 methodology to determine the biobased content of any disposable absorbent article component, a representative sample of the disposable absorbent article component must be obtained for testing. In one form, the disposable absorbent article component can be ground to fine particles of less than about 20 mesh using known grinding methods (e.g., a Wiley® mill), and a representative sample of a suitable mass can be removed from the randomly mixed particles.

[0044] Laminate The laminate of the present disclosure may include an outer cover material, a topsheet as discussed herein, including a landing zone and / or pattern, and a backsheet including one or more graphics disposed on its garment-facing and / or wearer-facing surface. The one or more graphics disposed on the backsheet significantly increase the visibility of the pattern formed on the outer cover material, landing zone, and / or topsheet when the outer cover material and / or topsheet overlap the one or more graphics. The laminate may also include other materials. A portion or all of the patterns of the outer cover material, landing zone, and / or topsheet may overlap a portion or all of the one or more graphics. One example of a laminate is an outer cover material positioned on a backsheet film having one or more graphics printed on the garment-facing surface of the backsheet. Another example is a topsheet positioned on a backsheet film having one or more graphics printed on the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet. In some cases, the topsheet may overlap one or more graphics on the backsheet film to form a laminate, at least within the wings of the sanitary napkin. In yet another example, the laminate is a landing zone positioned on a backsheet film having one or more graphics printed on the garment-facing surface of the backsheet. The landing zone can be integral with a portion of the outer cover nonwoven material.

[0045] As discussed further below, the apertures and / or embossments of the outer cover material, landing zone, and / or topsheet can form distinct, recognizable indicia. The patterns of the outer cover material, landing zone, and / or topsheet, and one or more graphics on the backsheet, can be sized so that the area of ​​each distinct, recognizable indicia can be smaller than the area of ​​one or more graphics on the backsheet. In such cases, the entire area of ​​at least one distinct, recognizable indicia can overlap with a portion of one or more graphics, but the entire indicia can be highlighted by one or more graphics, allowing the distinct, recognizable indicia to be more clearly perceived. The patterns of the outer cover material, landing zone, and / or topsheet, and one or more graphics on the backsheet can be sized so that the area of ​​each distinct, recognizable indicia can be larger than or the same as the area of ​​one or more graphics on the backsheet.

[0046] Back seat graphics The backsheet of the laminate may include one or more graphics. As used herein, the term "graphic(s)" refers to colored areas of the backsheet. Color may be achieved on the backsheet by dyeing the backsheet or a portion thereof, by applying ink to the surface of the backsheet, for example, by printing on the surface of the backsheet, by incorporating pigment into the backsheet or a portion thereof, or by any other method of applying color known in the art. "Graphics" may include portions or all of design depictions, numbers, letters, words, brand names, icons, logos, characters, wetness indicators, front / back indicia, any shapes and / or symbols (e.g., hearts, clouds, animals, etc.), as well as complete floods of pigment over the surface or portions of the surface of the backsheet. "Graphics" may also include visible location indicia to indicate where a sensor should be attached to an absorbent article, such as, for example, a dashed outline matching the shape of the sensor.

[0047] One or more graphics may be positioned on the wearer-facing surface and / or the garment-facing surface of the backsheet. Figures 13A and 13B are plan views of the backsheet 28 including one or more graphics 1302 on the garment-facing surface 1300, with the garment-facing surface 1300 facing the viewer. Figure 14 is a plan view of the backsheet including one or more graphics 1402 on the wearer-facing surface 1300, with the wearer-facing surface 1400 facing the viewer. The absorbent article may be a diaper, training pants, or adult incontinence article. In another example, as shown in Figure 12, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin, and the wearer-facing surface 130 and / or the garment-facing surface of the backsheet 116 include one or more graphics 1402. The one or more graphics 1402 may be positioned anywhere on the backsheet 116, such as within the wings 120. The one or more graphics 1402 may also be positioned elsewhere on the backsheet 116.

[0048] The one or more graphics on the backsheet may comprise any one color or any combination of colors. The color and / or colors may be characterized by a saturation value according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method described herein. The saturation value is a measure of the vividness or vividness of a backsheet graphic. The color and / or colors may be characterized by a saturation value according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test method described herein. * , a * , b * It can be characterized by the value of L * , a * , b * The color scale is based on lightness (L * ), redness-greenness (a * ), and yellowness-blueness (b * ) to characterize colors. The colors and / or colors may also be characterized by the Pantone color system, which uses a color numbering system to identify and match colors.

[0049] The one or more graphics on the backsheet may include a visually distinct color(s). The one or more graphics including a visually distinct color(s) may include a particular range of saturation values, L * , a * , b * One or more graphic portions containing visually distinct colors may be characterized by exhibiting a chroma value, and / or Pantone value, in the ranges of about 8 to about 130, about 8 to about 100, about 8 to about 90, about 8 to about 80, about 10 to about 95, about 10 to about 90, about 15 to about 80, about 20 to about 75, about 10 to about 60, about 10 to about 50, about 10 to about 45, about 19 to about 45, or about 13 to about 45, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method described herein, and with all 0.5 increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby specifically recited. A portion of one or more graphics may be tested according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method described herein and with a specific recitation of all 0.5 increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby, with an L of less than 95, from about 0 to about 95, from about 5 to about 95, from about 8 to about 95, from about 15 to about 95, from about 25 to about 95, from about 40 to about 95, from about 50 to about 95, from about 60 to about 95, or from about 65 to about 95. * A backsheet including one or more graphics including a visually distinct color may allow the pattern or portion of a pattern of the overlying outer cover material and / or topsheet to appear more prominently, as discussed further herein. A backsheet including one or more graphics including a visually distinct color may also provide an overall distinct backsheet graphic when covered with an outer cover material and / or topsheet.

[0050] Graphics containing visually vivid colors characterized by the Pantone color system herein are in the range of L from about 5 to about 95. * It may have a value of L * The value can be less than 95 or less than 90. * The value can be in the range of about -90 to about 90, and b *The value can range from about -90 to about 90. * , a * , and b * Values ​​are from the Nonwoven Backsheet Laminate Color Test herein and all 0.5 increments within the specified range and all ranges therein or formed thereby are specifically recited.

[0051] A graphic that is a Pantone color of 109 may have a chroma value ranging from about 5 to about 90, from about 8 to about 90, from about 18 to about 90, from about 18 to about 84, from about 27 to about 77, from about 37 to about 66, or from about 47 to about 56, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method described herein and specifically reciting all 0.5% increments within the designated ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. A graphic that is a Pantone color of 109 may have a chroma value ranging from about 86 to about 96, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method described herein and specifically reciting all 0.5% increments within the designated ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. * a value in the range of about 0 to about 5 * Values, b in the range of about 18 to about 84 * It may have a value.

[0052] A graphic that is a Pantone color 171 may have a chroma value ranging from about 15 to about 80, from about 19 to about 75, from about 26 to about 65, from about 34 to about 57, or from about 42 to about 49, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method described herein and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. A graphic that is a Pantone color 171 may have a chroma value ranging from about 60 to about 86, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method described herein and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. * a value in the range of about 15 to about 56 * values, and b in the range of about 13 to 48 * It may have a value.

[0053] A graphic that is a Pantone color of 2965 may have a chroma value ranging from about 5 to about 30, from about 7 to about 25, from about 7 to about 21, from about 8 to about 20, from about 11 to about 18, from about 13 to about 17, or from about 13 to about 15, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method herein, and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. A graphic that is a Pantone color of 2965 may have a chroma value ranging from about 14 to about 82, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method herein, and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. * Values, a in the range of about -7 to about -2 * Values, b in the range of about -19 to about -5 * It may have a value.

[0054] A graphic that is a Pantone color of 3272 may have a chroma value ranging from about 10 to about 70, from about 11 to about 65, from about 18 to about 65, from about 25 to about 55, from about 30 to about 50, from about 31 to about 46, or from about 31 to about 40, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method herein, and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. A graphic that is a Pantone color of 3272 may have a chroma value ranging from about 58 to about 89, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method herein, and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. * Values, a range of about -60 to about -12 * Values, b in the range of about -11 to about -3 * It may have a value.

[0055] A graphic that is a Pantone color of 423 may have a chroma value ranging from about 1 to about 5, from about 1 to about 3, from about 1 to about 2.5, from about 1 to about 2.2, from about 1 to about 2, from about 1 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.4, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method herein, and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. A graphic that is a Pantone color of 423 may have an L value ranging from about 58 to about 91, according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method herein, and specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the designated ranges and all gamuts formed therein or thereby. * a value in the range of about -2 to about -1 * value, b in the range of about -1 to about 0 * It may have a value.

[0056] 13A, 13B, and 14, the garment-facing surface 1300 and / or the wearer-facing surface 1400 of the backsheet 28 may include graphic-free areas 1304, 1404 that are about 5% to about 85% of the total area of ​​the respective surfaces of the backsheet 28. As used herein, the term "graphic-free area" refers to the percent area of ​​the garment-facing surface 1300 and / or the wearer-facing surface 1400 of the backsheet 28 that does not display one or more graphics 1302, 1402. In other words, the graphic-free areas 1304, 1404 are the entire areas of the garment-facing surface 1300 and / or the wearer-facing surface 1400 of the backsheet 28 that do not contain ink, tint, pigment, or any other component of one or more graphics 1302, 1402.

[0057] Patterned outer cover material and topsheet The outer cover material and / or topsheet of the absorbent article of the present disclosure may include pattern(s). The pattern(s) may be formed, for example, by embossing and / or perforating the outer cover material and / or topsheet. The pattern may form at least 1 and less than 40, at least 5 and less than 25, at least 8 and less than 20, or at least 10 and less than 15 recognizable, distinct indicia in the outer cover material and / or topsheet, specifically enumerating all integers within the specified range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The recognizable, distinct indicia may be any recognizable indicia, such as, for example, numbers, letters, icons, logos, arbitrary shapes (e.g., hearts, clouds, animals, etc.), and groups of shapes forming a single indicia (e.g., a cluster of circles). For example, FIG. 15 shows an outer cover material 40 including a pattern including a recognizable, distinct indicia 1506 in the shape of a bear. FIG. 16 shows a topsheet 26 including a pattern including a recognizable, distinct indicia 1606 in the shape of a rabbit and a cloud.

[0058] The recognizable individual indicia may be present on the outer cover material 40 and / or topsheet 26 at a size, scale, and arrangement such that the indicia remain visually recognizable even at a distance from the absorbent article. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, any line taken across the outer cover material 40 and / or topsheet 26 parallel to the central lateral axis 48 may overlap from about 1 to about 15, from about 3 to about 12, or from about 5 to about 10 recognizable individual indicia, specifically reciting all integers within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. A single recognizable individual indicia may overlap from about 40 mm to about 15 mm, specifically reciting all 0.5 increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. 2 ~approx. 7,500mm 2 , about 45mm 2 ~approx. 7,400mm 2 , approximately 50 mm 2 ~Approx. 7,300mm 2 , about 52mm 2 ~Approx. 7,250mm 2The area may range from .

[0059] According to the present disclosure, a pattern on the outer cover material and / or topsheet may coordinate with and / or complement one or more graphics on the backsheet. For example, the wearer-facing and / or garment-facing surface of the backsheet may include one or more graphics in the form of particular shapes, designs, and / or indicia, and the overlying outer cover material and / or topsheet may include a pattern of the same shapes, designs, and / or indicia. In one example, one or more graphics may be in the shape of heart(s), and the pattern in the outer cover material and / or topsheet may also be in the shape of heart(s) and may overlap a portion of the backsheet. In another example, as shown in FIG. 16, the topsheet 28 or outer cover material may include a pattern, but a portion of the pattern may be in the shape of a rabbit, and may cover the backsheet 28 including one or more graphics 1402 in the shape of a rabbit, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0060] embossed pattern The outer cover material 40 and / or the topsheet 26 may include an embossed pattern. As used herein, the terms "emboss" or "embossed" refer to forming a pattern in a material by densifying a portion of the material's fibers, resulting in densified and non-densified areas. The non-densified areas may retain a certain amount of thickness and stand out relative to the densified areas. The pattern(s) may be formed relative to the densified areas and / or relative to the non-densified areas.

[0061] Any process known in the art for embossing a continuous or discrete web of material can be used to produce the embossments. Typically, such processes utilize a rotary process having an embossing roller and a pressure roller containing protrusions that form a pattern. In such processes, the web of material can be fed through a nip defined between the embossing roller and the pressure roller, the nip having a width that is less than the thickness of the material being embossed. The pressure generated by the protrusions contacting the pressure roller at the nip can form one or more densified regions in the web of material. The densified regions can take on the pattern from the protrusions of the embossing roller. Portions of the web of material that pass through the embossing roller without contacting the protrusions can become non-densified regions and can retain at least some or all of their thickness.

[0062] Referring again to Figure 15, the outer cover material 40 may include an embossed pattern including at least one densified region 1502 and at least one non-densified region 1504. Referring to Figure 16, the topsheet 26 may include an embossed pattern including at least one densified region 1602 and at least one non-densified region 1604. At least a portion of the densified regions 1502, 1602 and / or non-densified regions 1504, 1604 may form recognizable, individual indicia 1506, 1606 on the outer cover material 40 and / or the topsheet 26, respectively. The topsheet 26 and / or outer cover material 40 may include at least 1 and less than 40, at least 5 and less than 30, at least 8 and less than 25, or at least 10 and less than 20 recognizable, distinct indicia 1506, 1606 formed from at least a portion of the densified regions 1502, 1602 and / or non-densified regions 1504, 1604, with all integers specifically recited within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0063] The outer cover material 40 and / or the topsheet 26 may comprise a total densified region area ranging from about 5% to about 40%, from about 10% to about 30%, or from about 10% to about 25% of the total area of ​​the respective outer cover material 40 and / or topsheet 26.

[0064] Portions of the densified areas of the embossed pattern of the outer cover material and / or topsheet may overlap at least portions of one or more graphics of the backsheet. The densified areas may filter underlying colors differently than non-densified areas, resulting in a visual color contrast between the densified and non-densified portions of the embossed pattern that overlap with the backsheet graphics. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that increasing the contrast between the densified and non-densified portions of the embossed pattern (e.g., increasing Delta E) can improve the visual perception of such indicia, particularly when the embossed pattern includes relatively large, recognizable individual indicia. In one example, portions of the embossed pattern of the outer cover material overlap one or more backsheet graphics that include visually distinct colors. In another example, portions of the embossed pattern of the topsheet overlap one or more backsheet graphics that include visually distinct colors.

[0065] Figure 17A is a plan view of a backsheet including one or more graphics 1302, with the garment-facing surface 1300 facing the viewer. Figure 17B is a plan view of an outer cover material 40 including an embossed pattern including densified areas 1502 and non-densified areas 1504. Figure 17C is a plan view of an outer cover material-backsheet laminate 1700 including the outer cover material 40 of Figure 17B overlaying the backsheet 28 of Figure 17A. As shown in Figure 17C, a portion of the densified areas 1502 of the embossed pattern of the outer cover material 40 overlaps a portion of the one or more graphics 1302 on the garment-facing surface 1300 of the backsheet 28. Figure 18A is a plan view of a backsheet 28 including one or more graphics 1402, with the wearer-facing surface 1400 facing the viewer. Figure 18B is a plan view of a topsheet 26 including an embossed pattern comprising at least one densified region 1602 and at least one non-densified region 1604. Figure 18C is a plan view of a topsheet-backsheet laminate 1800 including the topsheet 26 of Figure 18B overlaying the backsheet 28 of Figure 18A. As shown in Figure 18C, a portion of the densified region 1602 of the embossed pattern of the topsheet 26 overlaps a portion of one or more graphics 1402 on the wearer-facing surface 1400 of the backsheet 28. Referring again to Figure 12, the liquid-permeable topsheet 114 of the sanitary napkin 110, or a portion thereof, may include an embossed pattern comprising one or more densified regions 1602 and one or more non-densified regions 1604. Some or all of the densified region 1602 may overlap some or all of the one or more graphics 1402. The placement of a portion of one or more densified regions over a portion of one or more graphics can improve consumer perception of the embossed pattern, including recognizable distinct indicia. The areas of overlap between one or more densified regions and the portion of one or more graphics can have a first color value, and the areas of overlap between one or more non-densified regions and the portion of one or more graphics can have a second, different color value.

[0066] With respect to the outer cover backsheet laminates and / or topsheet backsheet laminates of the present disclosure, the first portion of the one or more graphics is greater than or equal to the first L when measured through the densified area of ​​the embossed pattern of the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * The second portion of the one or more graphics may exhibit a different second L color value when measured through a non-densified area of ​​the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * The difference between the color perception of one or more graphics measured through a densified area compared to the color perception of one or more graphics measured through a non-densified area can be characterized by calculating a Delta E value according to the backsheet laminate color test method described herein. * , a * , b * Color value and second L * , a * , b * The Delta E value between the color values ​​can be at least 2 according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * Color value and second L * , a * , b * The Delta E value between the color values ​​may be from about 2 to about 50, from about 3.4 to about 40, from about 6 to about 35, or from about 10 to about 25, according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein, and specifically reciting all 0.1 increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Delta E values ​​greater than 2, or greater than 3.4, are perceptible to the human eye and may accentuate the embossed pattern of the outer cover material and / or topsheet when overlapping one or more graphics, thereby enhancing the perception of the pattern.

[0067] It is also believed that a graphic, or portion of a graphic, having certain color characteristics can improve the visual perception of the embossed pattern when disposed under at least a portion of one or more densified areas of the embossed pattern. Graphics including visually distinct colors can resist obscuration and provide a distinct graphic perception when viewed through the outer cover material and / or topsheet. The portion of one or more graphics, when measured through one or more densified areas of the embossed pattern of the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein, can have a first L value ranging from about 0 to about 95, from about 5 to about 93, or from about 10 to about 90, with all 1.0 increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein or thereby being specifically recited. * a color value in the range of about -128 to about 128, about -90 to about 90, about -75 to about 80, or about -65 to about 60; * color value, and a first b in the range of about -120 to about 120, about -90 to about 100, about -50 to about 90, or about -25 to about 90 * The portion of the one or more graphics may have a color value of from about 0 to about 95, from about 5 to about 93, or from about 10 to about 90, when measured through one or more non-densified areas of the embossed pattern of the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein, specifically reciting all 1.0 increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. * a color value in the range of about -128 to about 128, about -90 to about 90, about -75 to about 80, or about -65 to about 60; * color value, and a second b in the range of about -120 to about 120, about -90 to about 100, about -50 to about 90, or about -25 to about 90 * It may have a color value.

[0068] Aperture processing pattern According to the present disclosure, the outer cover material and / or the topsheet may include a plurality of apertures. At least a portion of the plurality of apertures may form an apertured pattern. A portion of the plurality of apertures may be grouped into an array of apertures. The apertures of the aperture array may be spaced to create a pattern relative to at least a portion of the apertures and / or relative to at least a portion of the surrounding non-apertured area within the outer cover material and / or topsheet.

[0069] 19, the absorbent article 10 may include a topsheet 26 including a plurality of apertures 1900 and non-apertured areas 1904. At least a portion of the plurality of apertures 1900 may form recognizable, individual indicia 1902, such as, for example, hearts, in the topsheet 26. Referring to FIG. 20, the absorbent article may include an outer cover material 40 including a plurality of apertures 2000 and non-apertured areas 2004. At least a portion of the plurality of apertures 2000 may form recognizable, individual indicia 2002 in the outer cover material 40. The topsheet 26 and / or outer cover material 40 may include at least 1 and less than 40, at least 5 and less than 30, at least 8 and less than 25, or at least 10 and less than 20 recognizable individual indicia 1902, 2002 formed from at least a portion of the plurality of apertures 1900, 2000, with all integers specifically recited within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0070] A topsheet and / or outer cover material comprising a plurality of apertures may have an open area of ​​from about 7% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 25%, or from about 12% to about 20%, according to the Open Area Test described herein, with all 1% increments within the specified range and all ranges therein or formed thereby being specifically recited.

[0071] The plurality of apertures can be formed in the outer cover material and / or the topsheet using any known method, including, for example, pin aperturing and water jet punching. The apertures can also be created by a process of overbonding (intermittently densifying) the topsheet and / or outer cover precursor material prior to subjecting the material to cross-machine direction strain, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097 to Benson et al., issued May 13, 1997, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0136014 to Arora et al., where at least some of the overbonds are at least partially ruptured.

[0072] The absorbent article of the present disclosure may include laminate(s) formed from a portion of the outer cover material and / or topsheet including an apertured pattern and an overlying portion of the backsheet including one or more graphics. Similar to Figures 17C and 18C, portions of the apertures in the outer cover material and / or topsheet may overlap portions of one or more graphics in the backsheet where one or more densified areas of the embossed pattern overlap one or more graphics in the backsheet. The overlap of one or more graphics with portions of the apertures may provide a visual color contrast between the apertures and the non-perforated portions of the outer cover material and / or topsheet in the overlapping areas. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that increasing the contrast (e.g., Delta E) between portions of the apertures and the non-perforated areas of the outer cover material and / or topsheet may result in improved visual perception of such indicia, particularly when the overlapping portions of the apertures form relatively large, recognizable, individual indicia. Additionally, if one or more graphics on the backsheet include a visually vivid color, as discussed herein, the pattern formed by at least a portion of the plurality of apertures may appear more pronounced compared to a backsheet graphic that includes a more subdued color. Thus, the overlapping area between the outer cover material and / or topsheet and the portion of the backsheet graphic within the outer cover backsheet and / or topsheet-backsheet laminate may have a first color value when measured through the apertures, but a second, different color value when measured through the non-apertured area.

[0073] With respect to the outer cover backsheet laminate and / or topsheet backsheet laminate of the present disclosure, a first portion of the one or more graphics has a color that is greater than or equal to the first L when measured through one of the apertures in the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b* The second portion of the one or more graphics may exhibit a different second L color value when measured through a non-apertured area of ​​the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * The difference between the color perception of the graphic measured through an aperture compared to the color perception of the graphic measured through a non-apertured area can be characterized by calculating a Delta E value according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * Color value and second L * , a * , b * The Delta E value between the color values ​​can be at least 2 according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein. * , a * , b * Color value and second L * , a * , b * The Delta E value between the color values ​​may be from about 2 to about 50, from about 3.4 to about 40, from about 6 to about 35, or from about 10 to about 25, according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein, and specifically reciting all 0.1 increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Delta E values ​​greater than 2, or greater than 3.4, may be perceptible by the human eye and may accentuate the pattern formed by the plurality of apertures in the outer cover material and / or topsheet, thereby enhancing the perception of the pattern and / or indicia.

[0074] It is believed that a graphic or portion of a graphic having certain color characteristics can improve the visual perception of the apertured pattern when such graphic is disposed beneath at least a portion of the plurality of apertures in the outer cover material and / or topsheet. The presence of the plurality of apertures in the outer cover material and / or topsheet can improve the perception of a visually distinct graphic, or a graphic including a visually distinct color, when viewed through the outer cover material and / or topsheet. The portion of one or more graphics can have a first L value ranging from about 0 to about 95, from about 5 to about 93, or from about 10 to about 90, when measured through one or more densified areas of the embossed pattern of the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein, with all 1.0 increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby specifically recited. * a color value in the range of about -128 to about 128, about -90 to about 90, about -75 to about 80, or about -65 to about 60; * color value, and a first b in the range of about -120 to about 120, about -90 to about 100, about -50 to about 90, or about -25 to about 90 * The portion of the one or more graphics may have a color value of from about 0 to about 95, from about 5 to about 93, or from about 10 to about 90, when measured through one or more non-densified areas of the embossed pattern of the outer cover material and / or topsheet according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method described herein, specifically reciting all 1.0 increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. * a color value in the range of about -128 to about 128, about -90 to about 90, about -75 to about 80, or about -65 to about 60; * color value, and a second b in the range of about -120 to about 120, about -90 to about 100, about -50 to about 90, or about -25 to about 90 * It may have a color value.

[0075] Stitch-like pattern In addition to the various graphics discussed herein, the backsheet may include a stitching pattern on its garment-facing or wearer-facing surface. The stitching pattern may surround or partially surround the graphic. Typically, the stitching pattern does not overlap or is free from overlap with the graphic. In some cases, the stitching pattern may overlap the graphic or a portion thereof. In some cases, the stitching pattern may be used without a graphic. FIGS. 21-23 illustrate an example of a stitching pattern 2100. Of course, a graphic may be present within the stitching pattern. A stitching pattern on the backsheet paired with an outer cover material, landing zone, and / or topsheet having an embossed and / or apertured pattern disclosed herein provides the absorbent article of the present disclosure with a garment-like, soft appearance that is desirable to consumers. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the stitching pattern may include a plurality of linear elements 2102. In an absorbent article, the linear elements 2102 typically extend in a direction generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article, but may extend in other directions as well. Generally, in this context, generally parallel means ±10 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article. The linear elements may also extend within a range of about 11 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article, such as about 45 degrees. The linear elements may be continuous or discontinuous. The linear elements may include arcuate portions to form wavy linear elements. The linear elements may be spaced a distance from each other in the horizontal direction. The distance may range from about 1 mm to about 15 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 15 mm, about 2 mm to about 12 mm, about 2 mm to about 10 mm, about 2 mm to about 8 mm, about 2 mm to about 5 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The distance between two adjacent linear elements may vary or may be consistent within a stitch-like pattern.Distances of less than 1 mm between linear elements create the impression of a "flood" of color, significantly reducing the aesthetic benefit of the stitch-like pattern. The linear elements themselves may be in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.4 mm to about 4 mm, or 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Two adjacent linear elements 2102 may be connected to each other by multiple connecting elements 2104. The connecting elements 2104 may extend generally horizontally between the linear elements 2102 or may extend at a non-horizontal angle. Different connecting elements may extend in the same direction or in different directions. About 5 to about 100 connecting elements 2104 may extend between two adjacent linear elements 2102. In other stitch-like patterns, such as the pattern illustrated in FIG. 23, linear elements may not be provided. The stitch-like pattern can cover from about 20% to about 95% of the total surface area of ​​the backsheet.

[0076] FIG. 24 is a plan view of a liquid-impermeable backsheet including one or more visually distinct graphics. The wetness indicator 80 may or may not include portions of one or more visually distinct graphics. The backsheet may include a stitch-like pattern as described above. In some cases, it may be desirable to include a non-printed zone, a no-graphic zone, a lightly graphic zone, a no-color zone, or a white zone (together "zone 2400") surrounding the wetness indicator 80 so that the wetness indicator 80 is still clearly visible to the caregiver. In other examples, the zone 2400 surrounding the wetness indicator 80 may be a different color from at least a portion of the remainder of the graphic and the wetness indicator so that the wetness indicator is still clearly visible to the caregiver. In some examples, the zone 2400 may be graduated or have a gradient to make the wetness indicator 80 more visible, and may have fewer coarse lines / no graphic or color / no color. For example, the graphics in zones 2400 more distal from the wetness indicator 80 may be darker or more visible than the graphics in zones 2400 proximal to the wetness indicator 80. In another example, the graphics in zones 2400 more distal from the wetness indicator 80 may be visible, while areas in zones 2400 more proximal to the wetness indicator may not include a graphic or color. Zones 2400 with different colors or graphics or no color or graphics may completely or at least partially surround the wetness indicator 80.

[0077] Examples / Combinations 1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet; and a liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet; an outer cover material or landing zone including an embossed pattern; the garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics; A portion of the embossed pattern overlaps a portion of one or more graphics, A portion of the one or more graphics has a color that is greater than or equal to the first L when measured through a densified area of ​​the embossed pattern of the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * , a * , b * indicates the color value, and A portion of the one or more graphics has a different second L when measured through a non-densified area of ​​the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * , a * , b * An absorbent article exhibiting color values. 2. The absorbent article of paragraph 1, wherein the embossed pattern forms at least 1 and fewer than 40 distinct, recognizable indicia. 3. An absorbent article as described in paragraph 2, wherein the entire area of ​​at least one distinct recognizable indicia overlaps a portion of one or more graphics. 4. One recognizable individual mark, approximately 52 mm 2 ~approx. 7,500mm 2 4. The absorbent article of paragraph 2 or 3, having an area in the range of 5. An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs 2-4, wherein the recognizable distinct indicia includes an animal, a logo, a brand name, a word, a symbol, a character, or an icon. 6. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 2-5, wherein one graphic of the one or more graphics has an individual graphic area, and one recognizable individual mark has an individual mark area, and the individual mark area is smaller than the individual graphic area. 7. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the outer cover material or landing zone comprises a densified region area in the range of about 5% to about 30% relative to the total area of ​​the outer cover material or landing zone. 8. The First L * , a * , b * The color value ranges from about 5 to about 95 when measured through the densified area of ​​the embossed pattern of the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * Values, a range of about -90 to about 90 * value, and b in the range of about -90 to about 90 * 8. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, having a value. 9. The Second L * , a * , b * The color value ranges from about 5 to about 95 when measured through a non-densified area of ​​the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * Values, a range of about -90 to about 90 * value, and b in the range of about -90 to about 90 * 9. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, having a value. 10. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1-9, wherein the garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics and a non-overlapping stitch-like pattern. 11. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1-10, wherein the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet includes a wetness indicator, and a zone of different color or graphic or a zone of no color or graphic at least partially surrounds the wetness indicator. 12. The First L * , a * , b * Color value and second L * , a * , b * 12. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, wherein the Delta E between the color values ​​is from about 2 to about 19 according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. 13. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein a portion of the one or more graphics exhibits a saturation value in the range of about 8 to about 130 according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method. 14. No portion of one or more graphics shall have an L of less than 95 in accordance with the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method. * 14. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein the absorbent article exhibits a value. 15. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet; and a liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet; an outer cover material or landing zone including a plurality of apertures; the garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics; Portions of the apertures overlap portions of one or more graphics; A portion of the one or more graphics has a color that is less than or equal to the first L when measured through one of the apertures in the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * , a * , b * having a color value, The one or more graphic portions have a different second L when measured through a non-apertured area of ​​the outer cover material and / or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * , a * , b * having a color value, An absorbent article wherein at least a portion of the plurality of apertures form at least 1 and less than 40 distinct discernible indicia. 16. The absorbent article of paragraph 15, wherein the entire area of ​​at least one distinct recognizable indicia overlaps a portion of one or more graphics. 17. The absorbent article of paragraph 15 or 16, wherein the outer cover material or landing zone has an open area of ​​between about 7% and about 30% according to the Open Area Test Method. 18. The First L * , a * , b * The color value ranges from about 5 to about 95 when measured through an aperture in the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * Values, a range of about -90 to about 90 * value, and b in the range of about -90 to about 90 * 18. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15 to 17, having a value. 19. The Second L * , a * , b * The color value ranges from about 5 to about 95 when measured through an unperforated area of ​​the outer cover material or landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * Values, a range of about -90 to about 90 * value, and b in the range of about -90 to about 90 * 19. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15 to 18, having a value. 20. One recognizable individual mark is approximately 52 mm 2 ~approx. 7,500mm 2 20. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15 to 19, having an area in the range of 21. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15 to 20, wherein the recognizable distinct indicia includes an animal, a logo, a brand name, a symbol, a word, a character, or an icon. 22. Test the first L according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. * , a * , b * Color value and second L * , a * , b * 22. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs 15 to 21, wherein the Delta E between the color values ​​is at least 2. 23. The First L * , a * , b * Color value and second L * , a * , b *23. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs 15 to 22, wherein the Delta E between the color values ​​is in the range of about 2 to about 19 according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. 24. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15 to 23, wherein a portion of the one or more graphics exhibits a saturation value of greater than 8 according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method. 25. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15-24, wherein one graphic of the one or more graphics has an individual graphic area, one recognizable individual mark has an individual mark area, and the individual mark area is smaller than the individual graphic area. 26. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15-25, wherein the garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics and a non-overlapping stitch-like pattern. 27. The absorbent article of any one of paragraphs 15 to 26, wherein the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet includes a wetness indicator, and a zone of different color or graphic or a zone of no color or graphic at least partially surrounds the wetness indicator.

[0078] Test Method: Backsheet graphic color test method The saturation value is a measure of the vividness or sharpness of the backsheet graphic. Generally, saturation is measured using the CIE 1976 L * a * b * Color values ​​are calculated from reflectance measurements. Chroma is measured using a spectrophotometer with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is HunterLab LabScan XE running Universal Software, available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, VA). All testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained at approximately 23±2°C and approximately 50±2% relative humidity.

[0079] To obtain the sample, the backsheet film layer of the material is carefully removed from the absorbent article. If necessary, a low-temperature spray (such as Cyto-Freeze (Control Company, Houston TX)) may be used to remove the sample from the underlying layer. An area of ​​the sample containing a uniformly colored graphic is identified as the test site. If the sample in the test site contains any holes, tears, or other physical deformations, an alternative site will be selected. Ensure that all adhesive and nonwoven fibers are completely removed from the test site. The raw backsheet film material layer with the graphic, obtained before incorporation into an absorbent article, can also be tested. Precondition the sample for approximately 2 hours at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity before testing.

[0080] Select the disk with the largest measurement port size that can fit within the selected uniformly colored graphic test site. Utilize the black and then white tiles supplied by the manufacturer to standardize the instrument using the selected port size (instruct the software on the appropriate area view). Calibrate the instrument using the supplied standard tiles according to the manufacturer's specifications. CIE1976 L * a * b * Configure the software to measure color using a color scale, a D65 illuminant, and a 10° standard observer.

[0081] Place the sample on the measurement port with the garment-facing or wearer-facing side oriented towards the instrument, depending on which surface the graphic is on. Gently pull the sample taut without stretching it, ensuring it is not leaning into the port, then back it up against a standard white tile. Ensure the area of ​​the sample to be measured faces the port and completely covers it. Take a reading and measure the individual L * , a * , and b * The value is recorded, then the white tile and sample are removed. * , a * , and b * Values ​​are recorded to the nearest 0.1.

[0082] Calculate the saturation value of the sample according to the following formula:

[0083]

number

[0084] Record the saturation value of the sample to the nearest 0.1.

[0085] Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method The purpose of this test is to verify the CIE 1976 L of the outer cover material, landing zone, and / or backsheet graphic visible through the area and / or aperture of the topsheet. * a * b * The objective is to measure color values ​​and calculate the Delta E, or the magnitude of the color difference, between the two regions. Images are acquired using a flatbed scanner (a suitable scanner is the Epson Perfection V750 Pro or equivalent, manufactured by Epson America Inc., Long Beach, CA) capable of scanning a minimum of 24-bit color at 2400 dpi and with manual color management controls. The scanner is interfaced to a computer running color calibration software capable of calibrating the scanner against a color reflective IT8 target using corresponding reference files conforming to ANSI method IT8.7 / 2-1993 (suitable color calibration software is Monaco EZColor or i1Studio, or equivalent, available from X-Rite, Grand Rapids, MI). The color calibration software constructs an International Color Consortium (ICC) color profile for the scanner, which is used to color correct the output image using an image analysis program that supports the application of ICC profiles (a suitable program is Photoshop or equivalent, available from Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, CA). The color-corrected image is then converted to CIE L for further color analysis.* a * b * Convert to color space (a suitable image color analysis software is MATLAB available from Mathworks, Inc., Natick, Mass.).

[0086] To obtain a sample, carefully remove the outer cover backsheet laminate, landing zone backsheet laminate, or topsheet backsheet laminate from the absorbent article. If necessary, a low-temperature spray (such as Cyto-Freeze (Control Company, Houston TX)) may be used to remove the sample from the underlying layer. A portion of the sample where the embossed pattern or densified area of ​​the apertures in the outer cover material, landing zone, or topsheet overlaps a portion of the uniformly colored graphic on the backsheet is identified as the test site. If the sample in the test site contains any holes, tears, or other physical deformations other than the embossed pattern apertures or densified areas, a different site will be selected. Outer cover backsheet laminates, landing zone backsheet laminates, and / or topsheet backsheet laminates with backsheets containing one or more graphics obtained before incorporation into an absorbent article can also be tested. Before testing, precondition the sample at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for about 2 hours.

[0087] Allow the scanner to be on for 30 minutes prior to calibration and image acquisition. Deselect any automatic color correction or color management options that may be included in the scanner software. If automatic color management cannot be disabled, the scanner is not suitable for this application. Following the recommended procedures in the color calibration software, create and export an ICC color profile for the scanner. The color calibration software compares the acquired IT8 target image with the corresponding reference file to create and export an ICC color profile for the scanner, which is then applied within an image analysis program to correct the color of subsequent output images.

[0088] Open the scanner lid and carefully place the specimen flat on the center of the scanner glass, with the embossed and / or apertured surface of the test site facing the glass. Acquire a scan encompassing the entire test site and import it into image analysis software in 24-bit color at a resolution of 2400 dpi (approximately 94.5 pixels / mm) in reflectance mode. Assign an ICC color profile to the image, generating a color-corrected sRGB image. Prior to analysis, save this calibrated image in an uncompressed format, such as a TIFF file, to preserve the calibrated R, G, and B color values.

[0089] Open the sRGB color calibration image in color analysis software and use the CIE L * a * b * Convert to color space. This is accomplished by the following steps: First, scale the sRGB data to the range [0, 1] by dividing each of the values ​​by 255. Then, when the following operation has been performed on all three channels (R, G, and B), the compressed sRGB channels (denoted by uppercase (R, G, B), or inclusively V) have been linearized (denoted by lowercase (r, g, b), or inclusively v):

[0090]

number

[0091] The linear r, g, and b values ​​are then multiplied by a matrix to obtain the XYZ tristimulus values ​​according to the following formulas:

[0092]

number

[0093] The XYZ tristimulus values ​​are then rescaled by multiplying them by 100, and then scaled to the CIE 1976 L standard white as defined in CIE 15:2004 section 8.2.1.1 using the D65 reference white. * a * b *Convert to value.

[0094] CIE L * a * b * Analyze the images by identifying and manually drawing a region of interest (ROI) around the densified area or aperture opening of the first region. Average L within the ROI * , a * , and b * Measure the color value and * 1, a * 1, and b * A second non-densified and / or non-apertured region is identified and a region of interest (ROI) is manually drawn around its perimeter. The mean L * , a * , and b * Measure the color value and * 2, a * 2, and b * Record this as 2. The Delta E value is then calculated according to the following formula:

[0095]

number

[0096] Individual L for the two regions * , a * , and b * Color values ​​as well as Delta E values ​​are reported to the nearest 0.1.

[0097] Opening Area Test Method The percent open area can be obtained from aperture specimen images captured using a flatbed scanner. The scanner is capable of scanning in reflective mode with a resolution of 6400 dpi and 8-bit grayscale (a suitable scanner is the Epson Perfection V750 Pro from Epson America Inc., Long Beach, CA, or its equivalent). The scanner is interfaced with a computer running an image analysis program (a suitable program is ImageJ v.1.47 from the National Institute of Health, USA, or its equivalent). The specimen image is distance calibrated against an image of a NIST-certified ruler. The aperture specimen is backed with a black glass tile (P / N 11-0050-30, available from HunterLab, Reston, VA, or its equivalent) before image acquisition. The resulting grayscale image is then converted to a binary image via a threshold value to allow separation of the open hole regions from the specimen material regions, and these regions are analyzed using an image analysis program. All testing is conducted in a conditioned room maintained at approximately 23±2°C and approximately 50±2% relative humidity.

[0098] Sample preparation: To obtain the test specimen, the absorbent article or other product is taped to a hard, flat surface in a planar configuration. Any leg elastic may be cut to facilitate flat placement of the article. The outer boundary of the area overlying the absorbent core of the article is identified and marked on the apertured layer. The apertured layer specimen is removed from the underlying layer of the article by cutting around the outer periphery of the article with a razor blade. The apertured layer specimen is carefully removed, maintaining longitudinal and lateral extension to avoid distortion of the holes. If necessary, a cryogenic spray (such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company, Houston TX) or equivalent) may be used to remove the specimen from the underlying layer. Five replicate specimens from five substantially similar articles are prepared for analysis. The apertured substrate raw material is prepared for testing by stretching or activating it to the same extent and under the same processing conditions as used on the absorbent article. The samples are conditioned at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours before testing.

[0099] Image acquisition: A ruler is placed on the scanner bed so that it is oriented parallel to the side of the scanner glass. An image of the ruler (calibration image) is acquired in reflectance mode at a resolution of 6400 dpi (approximately 252 pixels / mm) and 8-bit grayscale. The calibration image is saved as an uncompressed TIFF-format file. After acquiring the calibration image, the ruler is removed from the scanner glass, and all specimens are scanned under the same scanning conditions. The apertured specimen is placed flat in the center of the scanner bed with the outward-facing surface of the specimen facing the scanner glass surface. The corners and edges of the specimen are fixed so that their original longitudinal and transverse extensions are restored, as for the article before removal. The specimen is oriented so that the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) of the apertured specimen layer are aligned parallel and perpendicular to the side of the scanner glass surface, respectively, and the resulting specimen image has an MD running vertically from top to bottom. A black glass tile is placed on top of the specimen, the scanner lid is closed, and a scan of the entire specimen is acquired. The image is saved as an uncompressed TIFF file. The remaining four replicate specimens are scanned and saved in a similar manner. Prior to analysis, all specimen images are cropped to the largest rectangular field of view contained within the apertured area that was located over the absorbent core of the article.

[0100] Calculating the Open Area Percentage: The calibration image file is opened in an image analysis program and a linear distance calibration is performed using the imaged ruler. This distance calibration scale is applied to all subsequent specimen images before analysis. The specimen image is then in the image analysis program and the distance scale is set using the distance calibration. The 8-bit grayscale image is then converted to a binary image (with "zero" or "black" corresponding to the aperture area) by: a histogram of gray level (GL) values ​​(ranging from 0 to 255, with one bin representing the trend P for each gray level i) i If the maxima of the sigma-based gradient (including the maxima) have exactly two maxima, the threshold gradation value t is t-1 >P t and P t ≦P t+1If the histogram has more than two maxima, the histogram is iteratively smoothed using a windowed arithmetic mean of size 3 until there are exactly two maxima. The threshold tone value t is defined as the value where P t-1 >P t and P t ≦P t+1 This procedure identifies the minimum population gray level (GL) value located between the dark pixel peak of the aperture hole and the brighter image peak of the specimen material. If the histogram contains either zero or one local maximum, the method cannot proceed further and no output parameter is defined.

[0101] Each of the separate aperture regions is analyzed using an image analysis program. All individual aperture areas include partial apertures along the edges of the image and are measured to within 0.01 mm. 2 The aperture area, including full and partial apertures, is measured and recorded to the nearest 0.01%. The aperture area, including full and partial apertures, is summed in area. This sum is then divided by the total area contained in the image. This value is multiplied by 100% and reported as the open area to the nearest 0.01%.

[0102] The remaining four specimen images are analyzed in the same manner. The arithmetic mean of the open area values ​​for the five replicate specimens is calculated and reported to the nearest 0.01%.

[0103] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0104] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference(s). Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0105] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet; a liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet; an outer cover material or landing zone including a plurality of apertures; the garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes one or more graphics; a portion of the plurality of apertures overlaps a portion of the one or more graphics; The portion of the one or more graphics has an L of 5 to 95 when measured through one of the plurality of apertures in the outer cover material or the landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. ＊ Value, a in the range of -90 to 90 ＊ value, and b in the range of -90 to 90 ＊ A first L having a value ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ having a color value, The portion of the one or more graphics has an L of between 5 and 95 when measured through a non-apertured area of ​​the outer cover material or the landing zone according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. ＊ Value, a in the range of -90 to 90 ＊ value, and b in the range of -90 to 90 ＊ A second L having a value ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ color values, ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ A second L different from the color value ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ having a color value, at least a portion of the plurality of apertures form at least one and fewer than 40 distinct recognizable indicia; The first L was tested according to the Backsheet Laminate Color Test Method. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ color value and the second L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ An absorbent article having a Delta E between color values ​​in the range of 10 to 25.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the entire area of ​​at least one distinct recognizable indicia overlaps said portion of said one or more graphics.

3. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer cover material or landing zone has an open area of ​​between 7% and 30% according to the Open Area Test Method.

4. One recognizable individual marking is 52 mm ２ ~7,500mm ２ The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a minimum area in the range of

5. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said recognizable individual indicia comprises an animal, a logo, a brand name, a symbol, a word, a character, or an icon.

6. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said portion of said one or more graphics exhibits a chroma value of greater than 8 according to the Backsheet Graphic Color Test Method.

7. 7. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one graphic of the one or more graphics has an individual graphic area and one recognizable individual mark has an individual mark area, and the individual mark area is smaller than the individual graphic area.

8. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the garment-facing surface of the backsheet includes a stitch-like pattern that does not overlap the one or more graphics.

9. 9. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wearer-facing surface of the backsheet comprises a wetness indicator, and a zone of different color or graphic or a zone of no color or graphic at least partially surrounds the wetness indicator.

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