Patent Application
20120029454
The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles including substrates such as films and fabrics, and more particularly, to graphics including printed patterns on such films and fabrics to provide a three-dimensional appearance.
Substrates, such as nonwoven webs or fabrics, plastic films, and the like are known in the art and have various properties, such as strength and fluid handling characteristics, that make them useful in many products, such as consumer goods (e.g. absorbent articles), commercial goods (e.g. medical products), and packages for such goods. In one example, absorbent articles such as diapers and incontinent briefs worn by infants and other incontinent individuals are configured to receive and contain discharged urine and other body exudates. These articles may be constructed with numerous layers of substrates such as nonwoven and woven fabrics and/or plastic films. More particularly, such absorbent articles may include a chassis having an inner, body-facing topsheet and an outer, garment-facing backsheet with an absorbent core disposed in between. The topsheets and/or backsheets of such articles are sometimes constructed from nonwoven webs, plastic films, and/or laminates thereof. The topsheets and backsheets of such absorbent articles may function to absorb and/or contain the discharged materials and also to isolate bodily exudates from the wearer's skin and from the wearer's garments and bed clothing. It is typical for these substrates to be substantially smooth, flat and aesthetically unappealing. Efforts have been made to modify these substrates in order to provide them with a particular appearance. For example, such substrates may be modified to exhibit a softer, quilted, and/or cloth-like appearance. For instance, it may be desirable to provide a diaper having a backsheet which may include a film/nonwoven laminate with a cloth-like appearance. Knitted or woven clothes have a three-dimensional appearance that is readily noticeable by a person. As such, nonwoven fabrics and/or plastic films are sometimes modified to provide a physical or actual three-dimensional pattern which gives a more cloth-like appearance to the visible surface of the laminate. Non-limiting examples of known methods which provide an actual three-dimensional appearance to a substrate include embossing and hydro-molding. The physical modification of the substrate to provide an actual three-dimensional pattern also provides the substrate with a noticeable three-dimensional texture. Without intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that a person such as a caregiver may notice the presence of an actual three-dimensional pattern or texture (that may be for example include peaks and valleys that are present on the surface of an embossed substrate) when he or she sees the bright and dark zones on the substrate's surface. Since peaks receive more light than the valleys, the peaks may appear to a person brighter than the valleys. In addition, the peaks may cast a shadow which tends to darken the valleys even further.
Although embossing or hydro-molding may provide the desired three-dimensional appearance to a substrate, there are disadvantages associated with such processes. Although a substrate may have at least partial plastic properties, embossing such a substrate may cause it to “shrink” in the sense that the formation of a three-dimensional pattern has to be somehow compensated by a reduction in size of the substrate. As a result, a greater amount of material may be needed for a particular use than would otherwise have been required with a flat material. In addition, embossing or hydro-molding may also act to weaken the substrate in particular when the substrate which is embossed as a relatively low basis weight. As such, substrates with relative high basis weights may be required when embossing. Further, these processes oftentimes require the manufacturer to realize a significant investment in capital in order to acquire equipment such as embossing rollers or hydro-molding drums or belts. Such a significant investment in capital can make it cost prohibitive for a manufacturer to replace its equipment as often as it would want to and may also prevent a manufacturer to provide a large number of three-dimensional patterns on its substrate.
The literature is also replete with articles that include a substrate that is printed to display various graphics such as designs, characters, icons, and the like in order to make the article more aesthetically appealing. Such designs, characters, and icons may be printed to provide a three-dimensional appearance to the designs, characters, and icons themselves. However, such graphics do not provide sewn and/or cloth-like appearance, such as an embroidered graphic design sewn onto a cloth substrate. As discussed below, aspects of the present disclosure involve printing graphics on substrates wherein the graphics appear to have a sewn, embroidered, and/or cloth-like appearance. Aspects of the present disclosure also involve printing a substrate to provide the substrate with a perceived three-dimensional appearance without necessarily physically modifying the substrate itself and without the need to sew a graphic onto the substrate.
Aspects of the present disclosure involve printing a repeating pattern on a substrate such as a nonwoven web or fabric, plastic film, and laminate thereof in order to provide this substrate with a perceived three-dimensional pattern, which may cause a visible surface of the substrate to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to altering or deforming the substrate such as by embossing or hydro-molding. Additional aspects of the present disclosure involve printing graphics including a repeating pattern on a substrate in order to provide the graphic with a perceived three-dimensional pattern. The three-dimensional pattern may resemble protrusions and indentations indicative of threads in embroidered designs and/or associated stitching used to affix sewn graphic patches to substrates. As such, the graphic exhibits an embroidered appearance.
In one form, a disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso region of a wearer includes: a chassis including a first end region, a second end region, a crotch region disposed intermediate the first end region and the second end region, and an absorbent core disposed in the crotch region, the chassis including a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises a sheet having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, the sheet including a graphic with a repeating pattern of macro-units resembling protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in an embroidered design, the macro units printed on the first surface; wherein the macro-units include a first color zone defining a L* value of L1, a second color zone defining a L* value of L2, and a third color zone defining a L* value of L3; and wherein L1>L2>L3, 3≦(L1-L3), and 2≦(L1-L2)≦10.
In another form, a disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso region of a wearer comprising: a chassis including a first end region, a second end region, a crotch region disposed intermediate the first end region and the second end region, and an absorbent core disposed in the crotch region, the chassis including a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises a sheet having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, a first repeating pattern of macro-units printed on the first surface, resembling protrusions and indentations of threads in a woven cloth; a second repeating pattern of macro-units printed on the first surface arranged in the form of a graphic and resembling protrusions and indentations of threads in an embroidered design; wherein the macro-units of the first repeating pattern and the second repeating patter each include a first color zone defining a L* value of L1, a second color zone defining a L* value of L2, and a third color zone defining a L* value of L3; and wherein L1>L2>L3, 3≦(L1-L3), and 2≦(L1-L2)≦10.
The following term explanations may be useful in understanding the present disclosure:
“Absorbent article” is used herein to refer to consumer products whose primary function is to absorb and retain soils and wastes.
“Absorbent article for inanimate surface” is used herein to refer to consumer products whose primary function is to absorb and retain soils and wastes that may be solid or liquid and which are removed from inanimate surfaces such as floors, objects, furniture and the like. Non-limiting examples of absorbent articles for inanimate surfaces include dusting sheets such as the SWIFFER cleaning sheets, pre-moistened wipes or pads such as the SWIFFER WET pre-moistened cloths, paper towels such as the BOUNTY paper towels, dryer sheets such as the BOUNCE dryer sheets and dry-cleaning clothes such as the DRYEL cleaning clothes all sold by The Procter & Gamble Company.
“Absorbent article for animate surface” is used herein to refer to consumer products whose primary function is to absorb and contain body exudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the user to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Non-limiting examples of incontinent absorbent articles include diapers such as PAMPERS diapers, training and pull-on pants such as PAMPERS FEEL 'N LEARN and EASY UPS, adult incontinence briefs and undergarments such as ATTENDS adult incontinence garments, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, and the like such as ALWAYS and TAMPAX, toilet paper such as CHARMIN toilet paper, tissue paper such as PUFFS tissue paper, facial wipes or clothes such as OLAY DAILY FACIAL wipes or clothes, toilet training wipes such as KANDOO pre-moistened wipes, all sold by The Procter & Gamble Company.
“Consumer product” is used herein to refer to products that are manufactured and sold on a large industrial scale (i.e. hundreds of thousand of units), which is generally sold in packaged form and may be purchased by consumers from various retail stores.
The terms “actual size” or “actual dimension” are used herein to refer to the physical size of an object in at least one dimension, which is measured via any suitable means or tool known in the art and is expressed in meter, centimeter or millimeter.
The terms “perceived size” or “perceived dimension” are used herein to refer to the relative size of an object as it is perceived by a person having a 20-20 vision (normal or corrected) depending on the distance between the person and the object. For example, if two objects have the same actual size but are positioned at different distances from a person or viewer, the perceived size of the object which is closest to the viewer will be greater than the perceived dimension of the object which is farther away.
The term “diaper” is used herein to refer to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso.
The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbent articles which generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (e.g., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and may also be configured to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).
The term “disposed” is used herein to mean that an element(s) is formed (joined and positioned) in a particular place or position as a macro-unitary structure with other elements or as a separate element joined to another element.
As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.
The term “macro-unit” or “macro-cell” is used herein to describe an element on the surface of a substrate and whose overall shape is readily visible and/or noticeable by a person holding the substrate at a distance of about 30 cm from the person's eyes in natural daylight conditions. A macro-unit or cell may be formed of a plurality of micro-units whose overall shapes are not readily visible and/or noticeable by a person holding the substrate at a distance of about 30 cm from the person's eyes in natural daylight conditions.
The term “substrate” is used herein to describe a material which is primarily two-dimensional (i.e. in an XY plane) and whose thickness (in a Z direction) is relatively small (i.e. 1/10 or less) in comparison to its length (in an X direction) and width (in a Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include webs or layers or fibrous materials, films and foils such as plastic films or metallic foils that may be used alone or laminated to one or more web, layer, film and/or foil.
The term “CIELAB color scale or space” refers herein to a color space that encompasses RGB and CMYK, and describes generally the visible spectrum that the human eye can see. In the CIELAB space, a color may be defined by three parameters L*, a* and b* where L* represents relative luminance, a* represents relative redness-greenness and b* represents relative yellowness-blueness.
The term “color” as referred to herein include any primary color, i.e., white, black, red, blue, violet, orange, yellow, green, and indigo as well as any declination thereof or mixture thereof within the CIELAB color space or scale.
The term “background color” refers herein to the color of the substrate.
The term “white” refers herein to those colors having an L* value of at least 90, an a* value equal to 0±3, and a b* value equal to 0±3 (in terms of the Commission Internationale d'Eclairage, 1976 L*, a*, b* color scale, i.e. CIELAB).
The term “repeating pattern” is used herein to refer to a pattern that may include at least about 10 macro-units having substantially the same overall shape.
The term “substrate with an actual three-dimensional pattern or texture” is used herein to refer to a substrate having a pattern exhibiting noticeable variations in its topography as opposed to a substrate which is substantially flat. A person may be able to see this actual three-dimensional pattern. A person may also be able to notice and/or feel the three-dimensional pattern topography by passing a finger across the pattern on the substrate.
The term “substrate with perceived three-dimensional pattern or texture” is used herein to refer to a substrate having a pattern which does not exhibit a noticeable variation in topography but is nevertheless perceived by a viewer as being three-dimensional. Although a person may be able to see this perceived three-dimensional pattern, a person may not be able to notice and/or feel the three-dimensional pattern topography by passing a finger across the pattern on the substrate.
As used herein the term “stretchable” refers to materials which can stretch to at least an elongated length of 105% on the upcurve of the hysteresis test at a load of about 400 gm/cm. The term “non-stretchable” refers to materials which cannot stretch to at least 5% on the upcurve of the hysteresis test at a load of about 400 gm/cm.
The terms “elastic” and “elastomeric” as used herein refer to any material that upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about 110%, preferably to 125% of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percent, preferably 25% more than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the applied force, recovers at least about 40% of its elongation, preferably recovers at least 60% of its elongation, most preferably recovers at least about 80% of its elongation. For example, a material that has an initial length of 100 mm can extend at least to 110 mm, and upon removal of the force would retract to a length of 106 mm (40% recovery). The term “inelastic” refers herein to any material that does not fall within the definition of “elastic” above.
The term “extensible” as used herein refers to any material that upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about 110%, preferably 125% of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percent, preferably 25% more than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 40%, preferably less than about 20% and more preferably less than about 10% of its elongation.
The term “flexible” means herein that the material may tend to conform or deform in the presence of externally applied forces. As measured under the Stiffness of Fabric test, described herein, a flexible sheet material may have a peak load of less than about 1000 gf.
The term “rigid” means herein that the material may tend to resist deformation in the presence of externally applied forces. As measured under the Stiffness of Fabric test, described herein, a rigid material may have a peak load of greater than 1000 gf.
“Graphic” is used herein to mean any design, pattern, or the like that is or becomes visible on an absorbent article, and specifically includes text messages that consist of one or more alphanumeric symbols, pictorial images that consist of one or more pictures, and combinations thereof.
“Active graphic” as used herein refers to an appearing graphic, a fading graphic, or a combination of appearing and fading graphics.
“Appearing graphic” is used herein to refer to a graphic that becomes visible or becomes significantly more visible when exposed to urine, or that becomes visible or becomes significantly more visible with the passage of time when exposed to the environment but not exposed to urine.
“Fading graphic” is used herein to refer to a graphic that becomes invisible or significantly less visible when exposed to urine, or that becomes invisible or significantly less visible with the passage of time when exposed to the environment but not exposed to urine.
“Permanent graphic” is used herein to refer to a graphic that does not substantially change its degree of visibility when the absorbent article is insulted with urine and when the absorbent article is exposed to the environment, in simulated use conditions. The change in visibility of a graphic or a portion of a graphic can be determined based on a person's observation of the graphic before and after the article containing the graphic is exposed to liquid.
“Character graphic” is used herein to refer to a graphic containing an anthropomorphous image, and in particular an image having or suggesting human form or appearance which ascribes human motivations, characteristics or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, natural phenomena, cartoon characters, or the like.
“Object graphic” is used herein to refer to a graphic representing an object or thing, which can include an inanimate object or an alpha-numeric character (e.g., the letter “J”, the number “3”).
“Interactively interrelated” is used to mean that the character graphic is illustrated to be involved in or performing an action or activity, and the object graphic is the object of or is associated with the action or activity.
“Text message” means a graphic consisting of one or more alphanumeric symbols.
While not intending to limit the utility of the invention herein, it is believed that a brief description of its use will help elucidate the invention. The literature is replete with substrates that are modified to include an actual three-dimensional pattern. These actual three-dimensional patterns are believed among other things to increase consumers' appeal to the substrate. However, modifying a substrate in order to provide an actual three-dimensional pattern thereto also comes with many disadvantages such as cost (in material and equipment), deterioration of the substrate properties (e.g. strength) and a limited capacity to modify the pattern shape or design in response to product trends. The literature is also replete with substrates that include graphics such as designs, characters, icons, and the like which may also make the substrate more aesthetically appealing to consumers. However, although the graphic itself may appear to be three-dimensional, a person such as a consumer looking at the graphic printed on a substrate may not perceive and/or believe that the graphic is a three-dimensional embroidered and/or sewn patch. It is found that the consumers' appeal for an article that includes graphics on a substrate may be improved by providing a substrate with a perceived three-dimensional repeating pattern that may be printed on the substrate as opposed to an actual three-dimensional repeating pattern that is physically formed and/or affixed on the substrate. Among other benefits, it is believed that by printing a perceived three-dimensional pattern on a substrate, the manufacturing cost of the substrate may be reduced, the mechanical properties of the substrate may not be altered and a manufacturer may have more options and flexibility when the manufacturer wishes to change the pattern design, shape and/or color.
Aspects of the present disclosure involve printing a repeating pattern on a substrate such as a nonwoven web or fabric, plastic film, and laminate thereof in order to provide this substrate with a perceived three-dimensional pattern, which may cause a visible surface of the substrate to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. As discussed below, the patterns may also be arranged in the form of a graphic on the substrate. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to altering or deforming the substrate such as by embossing or hydro-molding and/or affixing an embroidered graphic patch onto the substrate. As discussed in more detail below, embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units disposed on the substrate surface. Each macro-unit has three or more color zones. In some embodiments, all the color zones are defined by printed colors. In other embodiments, one color zone may be defined by the substrate color or background color with the remainder of the color zones being printed on the substrate. The color zones have different levels of contrast, wherein the color zones transition from a darkest to lightest. The color zones may also have different shapes and sizes, defining different shapes and sizes of the macro-units. The macro-units, when arranged to form a repeating pattern, define brighter and darker areas on the substrate surface. The brighter and darker areas give the appearance that light is brightly shining on the peaks of raised areas protruding from the substrate surface. In addition, the raised areas appear to be casting shadows on other areas such as valleys of the substrate. As such, the patterns give the graphics and/or substrate the appearance of having three-dimensional surface characteristics that provide the graphics and/or substrate with a perceived three-dimensional cloth-like appearance.
Various characteristics and parameters of the patterns can be varied to provide a perceived three-dimensional appearance to the substrate surface as well as the individual macro-units. As discussed in more detail below, the size of the individual macro-units, the number of zones in the individual macro-units, and the contrast levels between the color zones may be varied based on the size of the substrate and the distance from which the substrate is to be viewed to provide a desired three-dimensional appearance. In one example, an individual macro-unit may require additional color zones in order for the macro-unit to appear three-dimensional as the size of the individual macro-unit is increased for a given viewing distance. In another example, fewer color zones may be required in order for the macro-unit to appear three-dimensional as the viewing distance is increased for a given macro-unit size.
As previously mentioned, patterns according to the present disclosure may have color zones that are printed on substrates. As such, the contrast levels between the color zones of the macro-units that form the perceived repeating pattern can be achieved in various ways. In one example, the macro-units are printed with more than one ink having different levels of darkness. More particularly, a first ink may be used to print a first color zone, and a second ink that is brighter (i.e. having a higher L* value) than the first ink may be used to print a second color zone. In another example, the macro-units are printed with a single ink wherein a thicker coat or more coats of the ink are used to print a first zone than a second zone. As such, the first zone appears darker than the second zone. In yet another example, a first zone may be darker than a second zone by printing both zones with the same ink but printing the first zone with a higher dot or micro-unit density than the second zone. In addition to the contrast levels, the size and shape of the macro-units and color zones may vary to achieve a desired appearance. For example, in some embodiments, the color zones are printed such that the resulting macro-units have an asymmetrical shape. It is believed that macro-units having an asymmetrical shape may cause the substrate to appear and be perceived as three-dimensional by having a plurality of raised areas arranged in a pattern. In some embodiments, the macro-units and color zones are sized and shaped in order to simulate the light effect on an actual three-dimensional pattern when light impacts the raised areas formed on the substrate surface at a relatively small acute angle relative the substrate surface. In addition, the raised areas may appear to be casting relatively long shadows on other areas of the substrate surface. Although the many pattern embodiments are discussed herein with the perspective that the substrate background color has a relatively high L* value in comparison to the printed colors which are relatively dark, it is to be appreciated that in some embodiments the substrate background color may be relatively dark (i.e. it may have a low L* value) and the printed colors may be relatively light (i.e. the printed colors may have a greater L* value than the background color).
Printing may be characterized as an industrial process in which an image is reproduced on a substrate, such as paper, polyolefin film, or nonwoven fabric. There are various classes of printing processes, which may include stencil and screen printing, relief printing, planographic printing, intaglio printing, and electronic printing. Stencil and screen printing may be used for printing T-shirts, signage, banners, billboards, and the like. Examples of relief printing may include letterpress and flexography. Examples of planographic printing may include offset lithography, screenless lithography, collotype, and waterless printing. In addition, examples of intaglio printing may include gravure, steel-die, and copper-plate engraving. Examples of electronic printing may include electrostatic, magnetographic, ion or electron deposition, and ink-jet printing. It is it to be appreciated that various types of printing processes may be used to create the patterns disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to use flexography. In particular, flexography may utilize printing plates made of rubber or plastic with a slightly raised image thereon. The inked plates are rotated on a cylinder which transfers the image to the substrate. Flexography may be a relatively high-speed print process that uses fast-drying inks. In addition, flexography can be used to print continuous patterns on many types of absorbent and non-absorbent materials. Other embodiments may utilize gravure printing. More particularly, gravure printing utilizes an image etched on the surface of a metal plate. The etched area is filled with ink and the plate is rotated on a cylinder that transfers the image to the substrate. Still other embodiments may utilize ink-jet printing. Ink-jet is a non-impact dot-matrix printing technology in which droplets of ink are jetted from a small aperture directly to a specified position on a media to create an image. Two examples of ink-jet technologies include thermal bubble or bubble jet and piezoelectric. Thermal bubble uses heat to apply to the ink, while piezoelectric uses a crystal and an electric charge to apply the ink.
In addition to the aforementioned various types of printing processes, it is to be appreciated that various types of inks or ink systems may be applied to various types of substrates to create the disclosed patterns, such as solvent-based, water-based, and UV-cured inks. The primary difference among the ink systems is the method used for drying or curing the ink. For example, solvent-based and water-based inks are dried by evaporation, while UV-cured inks are cured by chemical reactions. Inks may also include components, such as solvents, colorants, resins, additives, and (for ultraviolet inks only) UV-curing compounds, that are responsible for various functions.
As discussed in more detail below, the patterns disclosed herein, such as the pattern 100 shown in
It is to be appreciated that embodiments of patterns according to the present disclosure have various properties that may be varied to provide a perceived three-dimensional or cloth-like appearance to a substrate surface upon which the patterns are printed. Such properties may include at least one of: the number of color zones in each macro-unit; the contrast levels between adjacent color zones; the macro-unit sizes; the maximum distances between adjacent macro-units; and any combinations thereof. As previously mentioned,
As previously mentioned, the contrast levels between the color zones may vary. The following provides a discussion of how the levels of contrast between the color zones can be quantified. In particular, the levels of contrast between the zones of the macro-units are defined in terms of L* values based on the CIELAB color scale. CIELAB is a conventional color model used to describe colors visible to the human eye.
ΔE=(ΔL*2+Δa*2+Δb*2)1/2
wherein,
It is to be appreciated that the contrast levels between the color zones of the macro-units discussed herein may be defined by ΔL* without regard to the values of Δa* and Δb*. As such, pattern embodiments according the present disclosure may have different Δa* and Δb* values. In some embodiments, the colors of the printed zones and the substrate may have a* and b* values that are approximately the same, wherein the Δa* and Δb* are relatively low values (e.g. Δa*=±5, and Δb*=±5). In such an embodiment, the difference between the colors of the individual zones as well as the substrate can also be approximated by the difference between the L* values (i.e. ΔL*) of the colors. In other embodiments, a*=b*=0, with the L* axis representing the achromatic scale of grays from black to white. The L* values for the color zones may be determined in various ways. For example, the L* values of the color zones may be determined by using ink with relatively known L* values. Alternatively, the L* values on a macro-unit can be determined from the electronic file that is generated when a pattern is created. In such a case, the L* values may be obtained with a computer equipped with a software that can provide the L* value of a selected area. A non-limiting example of such a software may be Adobe Photoshop®. In another embodiment, the L* values of various color zones on a macro-unit can be measured directly from the printed substrate. A procedure for measuring the L* values of a color zone is provided below.
It is to be appreciated that there may be limits on the ΔL* values between the color zones in order to give a macro-unit a desired perceived three-dimensional appearance. For example, if the ΔL* values between the darkest color zone and the brightest color zone of a macro-unit are too small, it may be relatively difficult for a human eye to discern the different contrast levels between the lightest and darkest color zones as well as any color zones in between. As such, the macro-unit may appear to be of one color without any contrast transition, and thus may not be perceived as being three-dimensional by a person. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that when a substrate defines a background color with a relatively high L* value (i.e. relatively light) and if the ΔL* value between the background color and the darkest color zone of the macro-unit is too small, the macro-unit may not be discernable by a viewer. It will also be appreciated that when the substrate defines a background color with a relatively low L* value (i.e. relatively dark) and if the ΔL* value between the background color and the brightest color zone of the macro-unit is too small, the resulting macro-unit may not be discernable by a viewer. In another example, when transitioning from a zone having the highest L* value (i.e. the lightest zone) to an adjacent color zone that is relatively darker, the ΔL* values between the two color zones may be so large that the contrast levels between the two color zones may not have a smooth contrast transition. As a result, the macro-unit may not be perceived as being three-dimensional.
The following guidelines provide ΔL* limits between zones in pattern embodiments wherein each macro-unit has three color zones. Such pattern embodiments may have a first color zone with a L* value of L1, a second color zone with a L* of L2, and a third color zone with a L* value of L3, and wherein L1>L2>L3. In such pattern embodiments, the difference between L1 and L3 must be greater than or equal to 3, while the difference between L1 and L2 must be greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10. In other words, for pattern embodiment having macro-units with no more than three color zones defining L* values of L1, L2, and L3 (wherein L1>L2>L3), the following limits on L* may be applied:
The following guidelines provide ΔL* limits between zones in pattern embodiments wherein each macro-unit has more than three adjacent color zones progressively ranging from the highest L* value (the brightest) to the lowest L* (the darkest). In such embodiments, the ΔL* value between the brightest zone and the next darkest zone may be between 2 and 10 (inclusive). The ΔL* between subsequent adjacent zones may be at least 2 (inclusive). In other words, for pattern embodiments having macro-units with N color zones (N being an integer), wherein N>3 and the zones define L* values of L1, L2, L3, . . . , and LN (wherein L1>L2>L3> . . . >LN), the following limits on L* may be applied:
In one example, a macro-unit has four color zones (e.g. a first color zone with a L* value of L1, a second color zone with a L* of L2, a third color zone with a L* of L3, and a fourth color zone with a L* value of L4, and wherein L1>L2>L3>L4). In such a pattern embodiment, the difference between L1 and L2 may be greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10, while the difference between L2 and L3 may be greater than or equal to 2. In addition, the difference between L3 and L4 may be greater than or equal to 2.
It is to be appreciated that various substrate characteristics may also have an affect on the L* values of printed color zones. For example, when a pattern is printing on the surface of a substrate, the substrate thickness and/or substrate color may “dilute” the L* values of inks used to create the printed color zones. In such an example, inks with relatively higher L* values may be used to create patterns having color zones that fall within the previously disclosed limits on L* values between color zones.
As previously mentioned, the macro-units making up the patterns have at least three color zones. It is to be appreciated that macro-units may have more than three color zones as discussed below. In some embodiments, all of the color zones are printed on a substrate. In other embodiments, one of the color zones is defined by the substrate background color with the remainder of the zones being defined by colors that are printed on the substrate. The L* values of the color zones range from a relatively high value (brightest) to a relatively low value (darkest). As previously mentioned, the color zones may have different shapes and sizes, defining different shapes and sizes of the macro-units.
It is to be appreciated that a multitude of macro-unit shapes can be used in a multitude of pattern embodiments, and as such, a multitude of macro-unit sizes or areas may be used. The present disclosure characterizes the macro-unit size by a macro-unit's primary dimension (referred to as Upd), which is defined by the following description.
As previously mentioned, there is a relationship between the actual sizes of the macro-units, the distance from which the macro-units are viewed by a person, and the number of color zones in each macro-unit in order for the macro-units to provide a relatively smooth transition between light and dark color zones so as to exhibit a perceived three-dimensional appearance. Without intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that when a person looks at a repeating pattern from a relatively close viewing distance (i.e. less than 30 cm), this person's eyes can more easily detect specific details of the macro-units (e.g. the individual color zones). It is also believed that from the same relatively close viewing distance, the person's eyes may not be as easily able to notice the specific details of a repeating pattern that includes relatively small macro-units as compared to relatively large macro-units. As such, it is believed that a relatively small macro-unit forming a repeating pattern may not require as many color zones as a relatively large macro-unit may require when viewed from a relatively close distance in order to provide a smooth transition between light and dark zones. In addition, it is believed that when a person looks at a repeating pattern from a relatively far viewing distance (i.e. more than 30 cm), the person's eyes may not as easily notice specific details of the macro-units (e.g. the individual color zones). In addition, from a relatively far viewing distance, a person's eyes may not as easily notice specific details of relatively large macro-units as he or she would have otherwise noticed from relatively close viewing distances. As such, it is believed that a relatively large macro-unit may not require as many color zones when viewed from a relatively far distance in order to provide a smooth transition between bright and dark zones.
The foregoing discussion may be illustrated by viewing the plurality of macro-units shown
The following guidelines can be used to determine the number of color zones for each macro-unit based on the macro-unit actual size and distance of interaction. As previously mentioned, the macro-unit size can be characterized by the macro-unit's actual primary dimension Upd. In particular, Table 1 below provides a guideline as to the number of zones (i.e. Nzone) required per macro-unit based on the actual primary dimension (i.e. Upd), assuming a distance of interaction (i.e. Idist) of 30 cm:
Using Table 1 above, a macro-unit having an actual primary dimension of 1.5 mm when viewed from a distance of 30 cm, may require at least 3 color zones. In another example, a macro-unit having an actual primary dimension of 5 mm when viewed from a distance of 30 cm, may require at least 5 color zones. Although the maximum Upd value provided in Table 1 is 28 mm, it is to be appreciated that larger Upd values may be achieved, and as such, may require additional zones.
As previously mentioned, fewer numbers of zones are required for a particular macro-unit primary dimension as the distance of interaction increases. The Nzone values provided above in Table 1 are based on an distance of interaction (Idist) of 30 cm. Other Nzone values may be calculated for various distances of interaction assuming that there is an inverted relationship between the number of required zones and the distance of interaction. In other words, the Nzone values presented in Table 1 can be multiplied by a ratio of 30 cm over a desired distance of interaction to adjust the number of color zones for the desired distance of interaction so long as the Nzone value is greater than or equal to 3, as represented by the following equation:
N
zone=(Nzone of Table 1)*(30 cm)/(Idist), and Nzone≧3
In one example wherein the distance of interaction for a particular pattern is 60 cm, the number of required zones (Nzone) for a macro-unit having an actual primary dimension (Upd) of 11 mm can be calculated as follows:
N
zone=(6 zones)*(30 cm)/(60 cm)=3 zones.
As such, a macro-unit with an actual primary dimension of 11 mm when viewed from a distance of 60 cm may only require 3 zones to achieve a perceived three-dimensional effect. In an another example wherein the distance of interaction for a particular pattern is 60 cm, the number of required zones (Nzone) for a macro-unit having a primary dimension of 2.5 mm can be calculated as follows:
N
zone=(4 zones)*(30 cm)/(60 cm)=2 zones.
However, as discussed above, it may be preferably for Nzone to be greater than or equal to 3. As such, a pattern having a macro-unit actual primary dimension of 2.5 mm when viewed from a distance of 60 cm may also require at least 3 color zones.
As previously mentioned, the distances between adjacent macro-units of a pattern may have an effect on whether a substrate surface exhibits a perceived three-dimensional and/or cloth-like appearance. For example, if the distances between adjacent macro-units are too large, the human eye may be more apt to focus on individual macro-units as opposed to the pattern as a whole, and as such, the macro-units and/or the substrate surface may not exhibit a perceived three-dimensional appearance. The distances (Udist) between adjacent macro-units of a pattern may be estimated by measuring the shortest space between print point rectangles or squares drawn around adjacent macro-units. As shown in
The following procedure and examples illustrated in
Although the aforementioned discussion relates to determining a maximum distance between immediately adjacent and consecutive macro-units of a pattern, it is to be appreciated that in some pattern embodiments, adjacent macro-units may be in contact with each other. In addition to the actual distance between adjacent and consecutive macro-units in a pattern, the number of macro-units that appear on a substrate surface may also have an effect on whether the substrate surface may be perceived as three-dimensional. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to have at least 10, 20, or 50 macro-units visible on a substrate.
It is to be appreciated that various embodiments of patterns may be disposed on various types of substrate surfaces that cause the macro-units and/or the substrate surfaces to exhibit a perceived three-dimensional appearance. As previously mentioned, the perceived three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface can resemble protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths, giving the substrate surface a cloth-like appearance. The patterns are created by printing color zones on a surface of a substrate. As mentioned above, embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units, each macro-unit having three or more color zones. In some embodiments, all color zones are defined by printed colors. In other embodiments, one color zone may be defined by the substrate color. Based on the foregoing discussion, various guidelines may be applied to select pattern parameters to enhance the perceived appearance of a three-dimensional substrate surface upon which the pattern is disposed. In particular, the estimated distance of interaction, the number of color zones per macro-unit, the levels of contrast (i.e. ΔL*) between the color zones, the macro-unit size (i.e. characterized herein by the actual primary dimension), and the distances between adjacent macro-units may be selected based on the foregoing guidelines to enhance the perceived three-dimensional appearance of the substrate.
As previously mentioned, a substrate may include a perceived three-dimensional pattern arranged to form one or more graphics thereon. The perceived three-dimensional patterns of the graphics may be configured to represent threads and stitching of an embroidered design and/or stitched graphic patch, and the like. It is to be appreciated that the perceived three-dimensional patterns may be printed on substrates to form various types of graphics. For example, substrates may be printed with one or more character graphics, object graphics, and/or text messages.
It is to be appreciated that additional pattern characteristics may further enhance the perceived three-dimensional appearance of the graphics and the substrate surface. For example, some patterns may have anomalies or degree of randomness created by macro-units that differ slightly from each other in actual size, shape, maximum distance, L*, a* and/or b* values. Without intending to be bound by philosophical theory, it is believed that “perfection” in repeating shapes is seldom found in nature. Said differently, it is believed that the human brain will categorize a perfect repeating pattern as “artificial” as opposed to “natural.” Consequently, it is believed that a substrate with a repeating pattern including a plurality of macro-units such that at least some of the macro-units slightly differ from each other, will not only be perceived by a person as three-dimensional but also as more natural. In one embodiment, this slight degree of randomness or anomalies present on the macro-units may resemble imperfections of woven cloth, such as the result of having larger or smaller threads in certain areas. In some instances, pattern anomalies may be deliberately printed on the substrate. In another example, a substrate may include more than one pattern having macro-units of different actual sizes and/or shapes. By “random pattern” or “random repeating pattern,” it is meant a pattern having a plurality of macro-units such that at least some of the macro-units forming the pattern (for example at least 2, at least 5, at least 10 or even all the macro-units) differ from each other in a parameter chosen from at least one of actual primary dimension of the macro-units, shapes, maximum distance between macro-units, L*, a* and/or b* values of the color zone of the macro-units.
In some configurations, the graphics with perceived three-dimensional patterns can be configured as permanent, appearing, and/or disappearing graphics. As discussed above, substrates with the aforementioned graphics printed thereon may be used, for example, to construct various components of absorbent articles. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0020249 provides a discussion as to how permanent and active graphics may be arranged on various components of absorbent articles, such as for example, a backsheet, a topsheet, and/or an absorbent core.
In some embodiments, permanent and/or active graphics formed with perceived three-dimensional patterns may be printed on substrates having different perceived three-dimensional patterns printed thereon. For example, an absorbent article backsheet may include a substrate having perceived three-dimensional patterns printed thereon resembling a cloth-like appearance. The backsheet may also include one or more active graphics including different perceived three-dimensional patterns printed on the substrate such that the graphics resemble an embroidered patch sewn onto the substrate. In some embodiments when a graphic is configured as a fading graphic and upon coming into contact with urine, the graphic may disappear from view, while the perceived three-dimensional patterns printed the substrate remain, thus maintaining the cloth-like appearance of the substrate even though the graphic is no longer visible. In other embodiments, when a graphic is configured as an appearing graphic and upon coming into contact with urine, the graphic may appear and cover the perceived three-dimensional patterns printed the substrate where the graphic appears.
In some embodiments, a printed substrate may be covered with an additional substrate to improve the overall appearance. For example, a printed substrate may be covered by an additional substrate having an opacity of less than 80% wherein the additional substrate softens the transitions between adjacent color zones. The additional substrate may cause the laminate to exhibit a softer appearance as well as provide a softer feel, thus combining visual and tactile stimuli.
Another characteristic that may further enhance the perceived three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface may include two or more patterns that appear to be combinable to form another pattern. In addition, physical characteristics of the substrates, such as folding creases, in combination with the printed patterns may also enhance the perceived three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface. In another scenario, a substrate may include a plurality of patterns that represent different three-dimensional features, such as different textures. In one example, a substrate may be printed with different patterns that represent different garment-like features, such as ribbed cuffs, collars, and/or woven edges or seams.
A number of different products that may utilize substrates with patterns printed thereon providing a desired perceived three-dimensional appearance are referred to above. For the purposes of a specific illustration,
As shown in
As shown in
In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a diaper, such as shown in
The following provides a description of some of the various structural variations that may be included with various diaper and chassis embodiments.
As previously mentioned, the chassis 140 of the diaper 138 may include the backsheet 176, shown for example, in
The backsheet 176, or any portion thereof, may be stretchable in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet may comprise a structural elastic-like film (“SELF”) web. Embodiments of SELF webs are more completely described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,801, entitled “Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior,” which issued to Chappell et al. on May 21, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,087, entitled “Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior,” which issued to Chappell et al. on Mar. 3, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,035, entitled “Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior,” which issued to Chappell et al. on Nov. 25, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,544, entitled “Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior,” which issued to Chappell et al. on Apr. 6, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,663, entitled “Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior,” which issued to Chappell et al. on Jun. 29, 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,483, entitled “Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior,” which issued to Chappell et al. on Feb. 22, 2000, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the backsheet may comprise elastomeric films, foams, strands, nonwovens, or combinations of these or other suitable materials with nonwovens or synthetic films. Additional embodiments include backsheets that comprise a stretch nonwoven material; an elastomeric film in combination with an extensible nonwoven; an elastomeric nonwoven in combination with an extensible film; and/or combinations thereof. Details on such backsheet embodiments are more completely described in U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “Biaxially Stretchable Outer Cover for an Absorbent Article,” filed on Nov. 15, 2006 with Express Mail No. EV916939625US and further identified by attorney docket number 10643 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/599,829; U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “Disposable Wearable Articles with Anchoring Systems,” filed on Nov. 15, 2006 with Express Mail No. EV916939648US and further identified by attorney docket number 10628Q and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/599,851; and U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “Absorbent Article having an Anchored Core Assembly,” filed on Nov. 15, 2006 with Express Mail No. EV916939634US and further identified by attorney docket number 10432MQ and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/599,862, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The backsheet 176 may be joined with the topsheet 174, the absorbent core 178, and/or other elements of the diaper 138 in various ways. For example, the backsheet may be connected with a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. One embodiment utilizes an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986, entitled “Disposable Waste-Containment Garment,” which issued to Minetola et al. on Mar. 4, 1986, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other embodiments utilize several lines of adhesive filaments which are swirled into a spiral pattern, as is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173, issued to Sprague, Jr. on Oct. 7, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996, issued to Ziecker, et al. on Nov. 22, 1988; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on Jun. 27, 1989, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. Adhesives may include those manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn. and marketed as HL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP. In some embodiments, the backsheet is connected with heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or a combination thereof.
The topsheet 174 may be joined to the backsheet 176, the absorbent core 178, and/or other elements of the diaper 138 in various ways. For example, the topsheet 174 may be connected in ways described above with respect to joining the backsheet 176 to other elements of the diaper 138. In one embodiment, the topsheet 174 and the backsheet 176 are joined directly to each other along the outer edge of the chassis. In another embodiment, the topsheet and the backsheet are joined directly to each other in some locations and are indirectly joined together in other locations. Other topsheet and backsheet connection configurations are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0287981, filed on Jun. 7, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The topsheet 140 may be constructed to be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, all or at least a portion of the topsheet 140 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquid to readily penetrate therethrough. As such, the topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured nonwovens or plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the absorbent assemblies include fibers, the fibers may be spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is known in the art. One example of a topsheet including a web of staple length polypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass. under the designation P-8.
Examples of formed film topsheets are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, entitled “Absorptive Structures Having Tapered Capillaries,” which issued to Thompson on Dec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain Resistant Topsheet,” which issued to Mullane, et al. on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314, entitled “Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties,” which issued to Radel, et al. on Aug. 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, entitled “Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression,” which issued to Ahr, et al. on Jul. 31, 1984; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394, entitled “Multilayer Polymeric Film,” which issued to Baird on Apr. 9, 1991, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other topsheets may be made in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643, which issued to Curro et al. on Sep. 2, 1986, and Dec. 16, 1986, respectively, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Such formed films are available from The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as “DRI-WEAVE” and from Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Ind. as “CLIFF-T.”
In some embodiments, the topsheet 174 is made of a hydrophobic material or is treated to be hydrophobic in order to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids contained in the absorbent core. If the topsheet is made of a hydrophobic material, at least the upper surface of the topsheet may be treated to be hydrophilic so that liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly. This diminishes the likelihood that body exudates will flow off the topsheet rather than being drawn through the topsheet and being absorbed by the absorbent core. The topsheet can be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant or by incorporating a surfactant into the topsheet. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet with a surfactant include spraying the topsheet material with the surfactant and immersing the material into the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of such a treatment and hydrophilicity is contained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,344, entitled “Absorbent Articles with Multiple Layer Absorbent Layers,” which issued to Reising, et al. on Jan. 29, 1991, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,345, entitled “Absorbent Articles with Rapid Acquiring Absorbent Cores,” which issued to Reising on Jan. 29, 1991, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. A more detailed discussion of some methods for incorporating surfactant in the topsheet can be found in U.S. Statutory Invention Registration No. H1670, which was published on Jul. 1, 1997, in the names of Aziz et al., all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
In some embodiments, the topsheet 174 may include an apertured web or film that is hydrophobic. This may be accomplished eliminating the hydrophilizing treatment step from the production process and/or applying a hydrophobic treatment to the topsheet, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene compound like SCOTCHGUARD or a hydrophobic lotion composition, as described below. In such embodiments, the apertures may be large enough to allow the penetration of aqueous fluids like urine without significant resistance. A more detailed discussion of various apertured topsheets can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,338, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article for Low-Viscosity Fecal Material,” which issued to Roe on Aug. 30, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,864, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article having Improved Fecal Storage,” which issued to Roe on Aug. 24, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,491, entitled “Viscous Fluid Bodily Waste Management Article,” which issued to Roe et al. on Jan. 4, 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,414,215, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article having Capacity to Store Low-Viscosity Fecal Material,” which issued to Roe on Jul. 2, 20002, all of which are hereby incorporated by referenced herein.
Any portion of the topsheet 174 may be coated with a lotion, such as topsheets described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,760, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Lotioned Topsheet Containing an Emollient and a Polyol Polyester Immobilizing Agent,” which issued to Roe on Mar. 4, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,587, entitled “Diaper Having A Lotion Topsheet Comprising A Liquid Polyol Polyester Emollient And An Immobilizing Agent,” which issued to Roe on Mar. 11, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,191, entitled “Diaper Having A Lotioned Topsheet Containing A Polysiloxane Emollient,” which issued to Roe et al. on Jun. 3, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,588, entitled “Diaper Having A Lotioned Topsheet,” which issued to Roe et al. on Jul. 1, 1997; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,284, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article with a Skin Care Composition on an Apertured Top Sheet,” which issued to Roe on Dec. 24, 2002, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. The lotion may function alone or in combination with another agent as the hydrophobizing treatment described above. The topsheet may also include or be treated with antibacterial agents, some examples of which are disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 95/24173 entitled “Absorbent Articles Containing Antibacterial Agents in the Topsheet For Odor Control,” which was published on Sep. 14, 1995, in the name of Theresa Johnson, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Further, the topsheet, the backsheet, or any portion of the topsheet or backsheet may be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more cloth like appearance.
Embodiments of the absorbent article may also include pockets for receiving and containing waste, spacers which provide voids for waste, barriers for limiting the movement of waste in the article, compartments or voids which accept and contain waste materials deposited in the diaper, and the like, or any combinations thereof. Examples of pockets and spacers for use in absorbent products are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,121 issued to Roe et al. on May 7, 1996, entitled “Diaper Having Expulsive Spacer”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,236 issued to Dreier et al on Dec. 15, 1992, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having Core Spacers”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,318 issued to Dreier on Mar. 14, 1995, entitled “Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,671 issued to Dreier on Jul. 30, 1996, entitled “Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff With An Apex”; and PCT Application WO 93/25172 published Dec. 3, 1993, entitled “Spacers For Use In Hygienic Absorbent Articles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Spacer”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,266, entitled “Flexible Spacers For Use In Disposable Absorbent Articles”, issued to Freeland on Apr. 26, 1994, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. Examples of compartments or voids are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,312, entitled “Disposable Fecal Compartmenting Diaper”, issued to Khan on Nov. 6, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147, entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste Material Isolation”, issued to Freeland on Feb. 5, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,840, entitled “Disposable Diapers”, issued to Holt et al on Nov. 5, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,191 entitled “Elasticated Topsheet with an Elongate Slit Opening,” issued to Roe et al. on Nov. 19, 2002; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,755 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For Disposable Absorbent Articles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection Topsheets”, issued to Freeland et al. on Dec. 14, 1993, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. Examples of suitable transverse barriers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,142 entitled “Absorbent Article Having Multiple Effective Height Transverse Partition” issued Sep. 10, 1996 in the name of Dreier et al.; PCT Patent WO 94/14395 entitled “Absorbent Article Having An Upstanding Transverse Partition” published Jul. 7, 1994 in the name of Freeland, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,703 Absorbent Article Having Angular Upstanding Transverse Partition, issued Aug. 5, 1997 to Roe, et al., which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. All of the above-cited references are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In addition to or in place of the voids, pockets and barriers, described above, embodiments of the absorbent article may also include a waste management element capable of effectively and efficiently accepting, storing and/or immobilizing viscous fluid bodily waste, such as runny feces, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,491 issued to Roe et al. on Jan. 4, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The absorbent core 178 may include absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other body exudates. The absorbent core 178 can also be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetric, etc.). The absorbent core may also include a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles. In one example, the absorbent core includes comminuted wood pulp, which is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers, including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations of materials.
It is to be appreciated that the configuration and construction of the absorbent core 178 may be varied (e.g., the absorbent core(s) or other absorbent structure(s) may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or structures).
Exemplary absorbent structures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678, entitled “High-Density Absorbent Structures,” which issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402, entitled “Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores,” which issued to Weisman et al. on Jun. 16, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735, entitled “High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones,” which issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231, entitled “Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer,” which issued to Angstadt on Dec. 19, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,537, entitled “Absorbent Structure Containing Individualized, Polycarboxylic Acid Crosslinked Wood Pulp Cellulose Fibers,” which issued to Herron et al. on Aug. 11, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,345, entitled “High Efficiency Absorbent Articles For Incontinence Management,” which issued to Young et al. on Sep. 15, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,338, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article For Low-Viscosity Fecal Material,” issued to Roe on Aug. 30, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345, entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Body Fluids and Absorbent Articles Containing Such Materials,” which issued to DesMarais et al. on Nov. 9, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207, entitled “Thin-Until-Wet Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Body Fluids And Process For Making Same,” which issued to Dyer et al. on Feb. 7, 1995; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,222, entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Fluids Made From high Internal Phase Emulsions Having Very High Water-To-Oil Ratios,” which issued to DesMarais et al. on Jul. 22, 1997, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The absorbent core 178 may also have a multiple layered construction. A more detailed discussion of various types of multi-layered absorbent cores can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,894, entitled “Absorbent Members for Body Fluids having Good Wet Integrity and Relatively High Concentrations of Hydrogel-forming Absorbent Polymer,” issued to Goldman et al. on Sep. 23, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 6,441,266, entitled “Absorbent Members for Body Fluids using Hydrogel-forming Absorbent Polymer,” issued to Dyer et al. on Aug. 26, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,646, entitled “Absorbent Members for Body Fluids having Good Wet Integrity and Relatively High Concentrations of Hydrogel-forming Absorbent Polymer having High Porosity,” issued to Goldman et al. on Oct. 10, 1996; European Pat. No. EP0565606B1, published on Mar. 8, 1995; U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2004/0162536A1 published Aug. 19, 2004; U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2004/0167486A1 published on Aug. 26, 2004; and PCT Publication No. WO 2006/015141 published on Feb. 9, 2006, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the absorbent article includes an absorbent core that is stretchable. In such a configuration, the absorbent core may be adapted to extend along with other materials of the chassis in longitudinal and/or lateral directions. The absorbent core can also be connected with the other components of the chassis various ways. For example, the diaper may include a “floating core” configuration or a “bucket” configuration wherein the diaper includes an anchoring system that can be configured to collect forces tending to move the article on the wearer. Such an anchoring system can also be configured to anchor itself to a body of a wearer by contacting various parts of the body. In this way, the anchoring system can balance the collected moving forces with holding forces obtained from the anchoring. By balancing the collected moving forces with the obtained holding forces, the anchoring system can at least assist in holding the disposable wearable absorbent article in place on a wearer. A more detailed discussion of various floating and/or bucket core configurations can be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0287981, filed on Jun. 7, 2007; U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “Disposable Wearable Articles with Anchoring Systems,” filed on Nov. 15, 2006 with Express Mail No. EV916939648US and further identified by attorney docket number 10628Q and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/599,851; and U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “Absorbent Article having an Anchored Core Assembly,” filed on Nov. 15, 2006 with Express Mail No. EV916939634US and further identified by attorney docket number 10432MQ and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/599,862, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The diaper 138 may also include at least one elastic waist feature 180, shown for example in
The elastic waist feature 180 may be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595, which issued to Kievit et al. on May 7, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,189, which issued to Lasch on Dec. 1, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092, which issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274, which issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other waist configurations may include waistcap features such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,364, which issued to Robertson on Jun. 25, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,025, which issued to Foreman on Mar. 28, 1989, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Although the first and second ears 142, 144 as well as the third and fourth ears 146, 148 shown in
As shown in
The diaper 138 may be provided in the form of a pant-type diaper or may alternatively be provided with a re-closable fastening system, which may include fastener elements in various locations to help secure the diaper in position on the wearer. For example, fastener elements may be located on the first and second ears and may be adapted to releasably connect with one or more corresponding fastening elements located in the second waist region.
It is to be appreciated that various types of fastening elements may be used with the diaper. In one example, the fastening elements include hook & loop fasteners, such as those available from 3M or Velcro Industries. In other examples, the fastening elements include adhesives and/or tap tabs, while others are configured as a macrofastener or hook (e.g., a MACRO or “button-like” fastener). Some exemplary fastening elements and systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,594, entitled “Tape Fastening System for Disposable Diaper,” which issued to Buell on Nov. 19, 1974; U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,875, entitled “Absorbent Article,” which issued to Hirotsu et al. on May 5, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815, entitled “Disposable Diaper Having An Improved Fastening Device,” which issued to Scripps on Jul. 11, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,060, entitled “Disposable Diaper With Improved Hook Fastener Portion,” which issued to Nestegard on Jan. 16, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,527, entitled “Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener And Method of Making Same,” which issued to Battrell on Aug. 7, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092, issued to Buell on Sep. 29, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274, which issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional examples of fasteners and/or fastening elements are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,251,097 and 6,432,098; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,943, entitled, “Anti-Pop Open Macrofasteners” filed on Sep. 30, 2005; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,838, entitled, “A Fastening System Having Multiple Engagement Orientations”, filed on Sep. 30, 2005, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other fastening systems are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,567 issued to King et al. on Jan. 21, 1997 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,427 issued to Bergman et al. on Apr. 29, 1997, both of which are entitled “Nonwoven Female Component For Refastenable Fastening Device.” Yet other fastening systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,735,840 and 5,928,212, both of which issued to Kline et al. and are entitled “Disposable Diaper With Integral Backsheet Landing Zone,” which are both hereby incorporated by reference herein. The fastening system may also provide a means for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140, which issued to Robertson et al. on Oct. 16, 1990, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
It is also to be appreciated that diapers 138 according the present disclosure may be constructed with various types of the previously described materials that allow the entire chassis 140 or portions of the chassis, such as the ears 142, 144, 146, 148, crotch region 158, and/or waist regions 154, 156 to stretch. It is to be appreciated that the entire chassis or portions of the chassis can be configured to stretch in longitudinal directions, lateral directions, or both (i.e. biaxial stretch). In some embodiments, the chassis may include regions of longitudinal stretch, regions of lateral stretch, and/or regions of biaxial stretch. For example, in some embodiments, the entire length of the crotch region 158 is adapted to stretch in longitudinal and/or lateral directions. In other embodiments, opposing end regions of the crotch region 158 is the only portion of the chassis 140 that is longitudinally and/or laterally stretchable. In yet other embodiments, central or proximal regions of the crotch region are the only portions of the chassis 140 that are longitudinally and/or laterally stretchable. In such example configurations, the crotch region or sub-regions thereof may comprise a different material than that of the remainder of the chassis 140, may have been subjected to a different treatment (e.g. SELFing, mechanical ringrolling), or a combination thereof. References disclosing structural elastic-like film (“SELF”) materials are discussed above. The chassis may also be constructed with a “zero strain” stretch laminate. Zero strain stretch laminates can be made by bonding an elastomer to a nonwoven while both are in an unstrained state. A more detailed discussion of zero strain laminates can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,793, entitled “Method for Incrementally Stretching Zero Strain Stretch Laminate Web in a Non-uniform Manner to Impart a Varying Degree of Elasticity Thereto,” issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 20, 1992, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In another example, the chassis may be constructed with “live stretch,” which may include stretching elastic and bonding the stretched elastic to a nonwoven. After bonding the stretched elastic is released causing it to contract, resulting in a “corrugated” nonwoven. A more detailed discussion of “live stretch” can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,415 to Vander Wielen, et al., issued Jan. 19, 1988 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,735 to Schneider et al. issued on Apr. 18, 2006, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
As previously mentioned, various repeating patterns can be printed on various types of substrates in order to provide the substrate with a perceived three-dimensional pattern, which may cause a visible surface of the substrate to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. The following tables provide L* data measured from different patterns, having macro-units with various numbers of zones, which were printed on different substrates.
With reference to the Tables 1-12 below, L*1 corresponds with the L* measured in color zone 1, L*2 corresponds with the L* value measured in zone 2, L*3 corresponds with the L* value measured in zone 3, L*4 corresponds with the L* measured in color zone 4, L*5 corresponds with the L* measured in color zone 5, and L*6 corresponds with the L* measured in color zone 6. The L* values shown in Tables 1-12 were measured according to the L* measurement procedure described below. Further, the values of ΔL* in Tables 1-12 are defined as follows:
Test Sample 1 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 1.5 mm diameter printed on a nonwoven substrate and having three color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the nonwoven substrate and the other two color zones are printed on the nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate of Test Sample 1 is a 27 gsm carded polypropylene. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
Test Sample 2 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 1.5 mm diameter printed on a nonwoven-film laminate substrate and having three color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the nonwoven-film substrate and the other two color zones are printed on the nonwoven-film substrate. Specifically, the macro-unit is printed onto a nonwoven fabric, which is adhered to a film substrate. The nonwoven-film substrate of Test Sample 2 includes a 27 gsm carded polypropylene nonwoven adhered to a 18 gsm polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) film. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
Test Sample 3 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 1.5 mm diameter printed on a film substrate and having three color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the film substrate and the other two color zones are printed on the film substrate. The film substrate of Test Sample 3 is a 18 gsm polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) film. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
As illustrated by the data in Tables 1-3, the macro-units of Test Samples 1, 2, and 3 have zones with L* values that fall within the following criteria described above:
Test Sample 4 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 3.5 mm diameter printed on a nonwoven substrate and having five color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the nonwoven substrate and the other four color zones are printed on the nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate of Test Sample 4 is a 27 gsm carded polypropylene. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
Test Sample 5 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 3.5 mm diameter printed on a nonwoven-film laminate substrate and having five color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the nonwoven-film substrate and the other four color zones are printed on the nonwoven-film substrate. Specifically, the macro-unit is printed onto a nonwoven fabric, which is adhered to a film substrate. The nonwoven-film substrate of Test Sample 5 is a 27 gsm carded polypropylene nonwoven adhered to a 18 gsm polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) film. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
Test Sample 6 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 3.5 mm diameter printed on a film substrate and having five color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the film substrate and the other four color zones are printed on the film substrate. The film substrate of Test Sample 6 is a 18 gsm polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) film. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
As illustrated by the data in Tables 4-6, the macro-units of Test Samples 4, 5, and 6 have zones with L* values that fall within the following criteria described above:
Test Sample 7 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 7.5 mm diameter printed on a nonwoven substrate and having six color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the nonwoven substrate and the other five color zones are printed on the nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate of Test Sample 7 is a 27 gsm carded polypropylene. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
Test Sample 8 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 7.5 mm diameter printed on a nonwoven-film laminate substrate and having six color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the nonwoven-film substrate and the other five color zones are printed on the nonwoven-film substrate. Specifically, the macro-unit is printed onto a nonwoven fabric, which is adhered to a film substrate. The nonwoven-film substrate of Test Sample 8 is a 27 gsm carded polypropylene nonwoven adhered to a 18 gsm polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) film. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
Test Sample 9 includes a circular-shaped macro-unit with a 7.5 mm diameter printed on a film substrate and having six color zones, wherein the lightest color zone is defined by the color of the film substrate and the other five color zones are printed on the film substrate. The film substrate of Test Sample 9 is a 18 gsm polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) film. For reference, the circular shape is generally represented by a circular-shaped macro-unit shown in
As illustrated by the data in Tables 7-9, the macro-units of Test Samples 7, 8, and 9 have zones with L* values that fall within the following criteria described above:
Test Sample 10 includes a repeating pattern of macro-units generally represented by the pattern shown in
Test Sample 11 includes a repeating pattern of macro-units generally represented by the pattern shown in
Test Sample 12 includes a repeating pattern of macro-units generally represented by the pattern shown in
As illustrated by the data in Tables 10-12, the macro-units of Test Samples 10, 11, and 12 have zones with L* values that fall within the following criteria described above:
Test Sample 13 includes a repeating pattern of macro-units generally represented by the pattern of the graphic shown in
Test Sample 14 includes a repeating pattern of macro-units generally represented by the pattern of the graphic shown in
Test Sample 15 includes a repeating pattern of macro-units generally represented by the pattern of the graphic shown in
Test Sample 16 includes a repeating pattern of macro-units generally represented by the pattern of the graphic shown in the letter “a” of
As illustrated by the data in Tables 13-16, the macro-units of Test Samples 13, 14, 15, and 16 have zones with L* values that fall within the following criteria described above:
Color measurements are performed using a commercial flat bed scanner capable of 4800 dpi, at 16 bit color depth, such as an Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner (Epson America, Long Beach, Calif.). Each scan is calibrated against Pantone standards, and measurements made using Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended Edition (Adobe Systems, Inc, San Jose, Calif.). The sample is always measured on the printed side of the substrate. For example, if a laminate consist of a nonwoven and a film where the printing is on the film and sandwiched between the film and nonwoven, the nonwoven is removed before the printing on the film is measured.
Scans are calibrated using the Pantone Process Colors standard from the Pantone Formula Guide—Uncoated Papers (Pantone, Carlstadt, N.J.). CIE L*a*b* values are measured for the Pantone standard for each color, i.e., Process Yellow U, Process Magenta U, Process Cyan U, Process Black U, and the White uncoated paper. Tristimulus colors were measured according to ASTM Method E1164-07 (Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrophotometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation) using a Hunter Labscan XE (HunterLab, Reston, Va.) with HunterLab Universal Software vs. 4.10 with the following settings: Scale CIELAB, 0/45 StdMode, Area View 0.50 in., Port Size 0.70 in., UV filter Nominal. During measurement the standard is backed using the white calibration plate provided by HunterLab. Each color should be measured at least in triplicate and averaged.
The sample is placed on the scanner with the printed-side toward the sensor. The Pantone standard is also placed on the scanner such that the sample and standard are both captured in the same image.
The scan is collected at 1200 dpi at 8 bit color depth into Photoshop for objects with a primary dimension of greater than 3 mm, and at 2400 dpi, 8 bit color depth for objects with a primary dimension of less than 3 mm. Within Photoshop, the image is transformed into a Lab, 8 bit image (note in this version of Photoshop, L*a*b* is imprecisely denoted as Lab). Using the “Levels” command, the L channel of the image is adjusted to read within 2 units for each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, black and white colors on the Pantone standard. L*a*b* values are measured using the Color Sampler Tool using an 11 by 11 average sample size.
When measuring the sample, the printed object is first identified. Next the lightest zone (i.e., highest L value) is measured via the Color Sampler Tool. Then the darkest zone is measured via the Color Sampler Tool. Finally, measures are made at each intermediate zone between those two zones, along a linear path from the lightest to the darkest. At least one set of measurements on 10 distinct objects are made for each sample.
The Stiffness of Fabric Test is run for purpose of the present specification is a modification of the Stiffness of Fabric Test by Circular bend as described in the ASTM D 4032-94 which is hereby incorporated by reference. The Stiffness of Fabric Test for purposes of the present specification is conducted as follows:
A pusher-ball forces a swatch of material through an orifice in a platform. The maximum force required to push the fabric through the orifice is an indication of the material's stiffness (resistance to bending).
Using the specimen marking template specified above mark and cut five test specimens from staggered areas of each swatch of material to be tested. It will be appreciated that it may not be practical or possible to obtain all samples from a particular swatch (or particular product if the material is only available as incorporated into a product). In such a case, it is acceptable to take samples from multiple products or swatches. Samples with bonded, seals, seams or the like should be avoided. Lay each specimen flat to form a square 102 mm×102 mm. Handling of specimens should be kept to a minimum and to the edges to avoid affecting stiffness properties.
Store the samples for 8 hours or more at 23° C. and 50% relative humidity.
Average the individual specimen readings and round to the nearest gage increment.
Report the Average force in gage units.
End of Stiffness Fabric Test
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, 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”.
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, 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.
While particular embodiments of the present invention 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 invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/367,900, filed on Jul. 27, 2010, the substance of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61367900 | Jul 2010 | US |
