Absorbent articles with intricate graphics

US9018434B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Marcille Faye Ruman · Oshkosh, US
• Shannon Kathleen Melius · Appleton, US
• Eric D. Johnson · Larsen, US
• Tami L. Kurtz · Oshkosh, US
• Marty J. Granius · Menasha, US
• Dean M. Wydeven · Appleton, US
• Anita Marie-Nanette Gilgenbach · Neenah, US
• Aaron Dee Schilpp · Appleton, US
• Michael Donald Sperl · Schorndorf, DE
• Paula K. DeBruin · Harrison, US
• Thomas Michael Ales · Neenah, US
• Joy Patricia Bauman · Neenah, US
• Steven Carl Strubbe · Neenah, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 6, 2010
• Grant date: Apr 28, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 6, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F13/42
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Absorbent articles are disclosed that have been printed with active graphics alone or in combination with permanent graphics to create a wetness indicator. Different active graphic compositions and/or permanent graphic compositions are combined so as to make the wetness indicator very prominent on the article. In addition, when the absorbent article is wetted, the active graphics undergo a change that is easily noticed by the wearer or the caregiver for the wearer. In one embodiment, for instance, active graphics are positioned within a distinctive frame. The frame focuses a person's attention onto the active graphics. The active graphics fill most of the surface area of the frame such that when the absorbent article is wetted, a clearly noticeable change occurs.