ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING VISIBLE INDICIA AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a multiple layer laminate having a visible indicia for use in absorbent articles, such as adult incontinence garments, feminine hygiene pads and the like, such as disposable underwear, adult and youth briefs, and training pants for children. More specifically, this invention relates to a multiple layer laminate having a visible indicia for use in an absorbent article that can be manufactured efficiently and economically, which exhibits good fit and comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, training pants, adult incontinence garments and the like are known, their major function being to absorb and contain body exudates. Such articles are thus intended to prevent the soiling, wetting, or other contamination of clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come into contact with the wearer. In the case of disposable absorbent articles, a variety of designs and manufacturing techniques have been developed to maximize performance and comfort to the wearer, as well as to obtain an absorbent article having a visible indicia that is aesthetically pleasing to the wearer. However, many of the current designs and manufacturing methods have been unable to achieve an optimum balance between these desirable, yet often diverging goals. While many

developments have been made in the art of disposable absorbent undergarments, there remains a need for further improvements in both design and manufacturing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a multiple layer laminate having visible indicia for use in an absorbent article. The multiple layer laminate comprises a first outer layer, a second outer layer and an elastomeric film interposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. A non-elastomeric applique having the indicia is interposed between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer or between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer. The non-elastomeric applique is coupled to the elastomeric film in a stretched condition such that the applique limits the retraction of the elastomeric film from the stretched condition in a location where the applique is coupled to the elastomeric film, wherein the indicia is positioned to be visible through the first outer layer, the second outer layer or the first and the second outer layers.

In another aspect, the invention provides an absorbent article having visible indicia. The absorbent article comprises a multiple layer chassis, at least a portion of which includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, an elastomeric film interposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer and a non- elastomeric applique having the indicia. The non-elastomeric applique is interposed between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer or between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer. The non-elastomeric applique is coupled to the elastomeric film from a stretched condition such that the applique limits the retraction of the elastomeric film from the stretched condition in a location where the applique is

coupled to the elastomeric film, wherein the indicia is positioned to be visible through the first outer layer, the second outer layer or the first and the second outer layers.

In a yet another aspect, the invention provides an absorbent article having visible indicia. The absorbent article comprises a front panel, a rear panel and a crotch panel extending between the front panel and the rear panel. The crotch panel is associated with an absorbent core wherein edges of the front panel are connected to edges of the rear panel to define a waist opening. The front panel or the rear panel comprises a multiple layer having a first outer layer, a second outer layer, an elastomeric film interposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer and a non-elastomeric applique having the indicia. The non-elastomeric applique is interposed between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer or between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer. The non-elastomeric film is coupled to the elastomeric film. The indicia is positioned to be visible through the first outer layer or the second outer layer.

In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a multiple layer laminate having visible indicia for use in an absorbent article. The method of manufacturing comprises the step of interposing an elastomeric film in a stretched condition between a first outer layer and a second outer layer. A further step of the method includes interposing a non-elastomeric applique having the visible indicia between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer or between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer to form the multiple layer laminate such that the indicia is visible through the first outer layer, the second outer layer or the first and the second outer layers. Another step includes coupling together the non-elastomeric applique to the elastomeric film thereby limiting the

retraction of the elastomeric film from the stretched condition in a location where the non-elastomeric applique and the elastomeric film are coupled together.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a multiple layer laminate having visible indicia for use in an absorbent article. The method comprises the step of elongating an elastomeric film. The method further includes positioning a non-elastomeric applique having the indicia adjacent a first nonwoven web, positioning a first surface of the elastomeric film adjacent the applique to sandwich the applique between the elastomeric film and the first nonwoven web, and positioning a second nonwoven web adjacent a second surface of the elastomeric film. The method also includes the step of bonding the elastomeric film, the applique and the first and second nonwoven webs to one another to form the multiple layer laminate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not rendered to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures, in which like reference numerals refer to similar features in the respective Figures:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article in a partially unassembled, flat state in which the body-side surface of the absorbent article faces the viewer.

Figure 2 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the front, rear and crotch panels of the absorbent article as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the absorbent article of Figure 1 in its assembled state.

Figure 4 is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention, including a portion of a multiple layer chassis of an absorbent article in which the body-side surface of the absorbent article faces the viewer.

Figure 5 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a partial side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the absorbent article of Figure 4.

Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are plan views of additional exemplary embodiments of a portion of a multiple layer of an absorbent article Illustrating optional exemplary configurations for an applique In which the body-side surface of the absorbent article faces the viewer.

Figure 8 is a plan view of an still another exemplary embodiment of invention, including another portion of a multiple layer chassis of an absorbent article in which the body-side surface of the absorbent article faces the viewer.

Figure 9 is a partial side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the absorbent article shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a simplified schematic plan view of yet another exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article illustrating an exemplary assembly of the crotch panel to the front and rear panels in which the body-side of the absorbent undergarment faces the viewer.

Figure 11 is a schematic of an exemplary absorbent article having a visible indicia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

It is desirable in the art of absorbent articles, such as disposable underwear, briefs and training pants, to produce an absorbent article having visible indicia on at least a portion of the absorbent article to make the article more aesthetically pleasing to the wearer, without sacrificing overall performance of the absorbent article. For example, in some conventional absorbent articles, typical outer covers comprise a non-woven material or the like. Generally, such material is less desirable or less suitable than other surfaces, such as a thermoplastic material surfaces, for providing a surface for printing or including indicia thereon, because it is difficult to print on such fibrous surfaces. Likewise, it is possible to provide an indicia- bearing substrate positioned on a portion of the outside of the nonwoven outer cover. However, including such indicia-bearing substrates results in the absorbent article being less comfortable for the wearer. This is because materials most suitable for printing indicia thereon are generally materials that are not as soft as nonwoven material and are more likely to irritate the skin of the wearer.

The present invention provides an improved absorbent article by providing a multiple layer laminate for use in an absorbent article that is aesthetically pleasing, and also one that maximizes performance and comfort to the wearer of the

absorbent article. In one aspect, the invention provides a multiple layer laminate having visible indicia for use in an absorbent article. The multiple layer laminate comprises a first outer layer and a second outer layer. Further, the multiple layer laminate provides an elastomeric film that is interposed between the first outer layer and second outer layer. The multiple layer laminate also includes a non-elastomeric applique having the indicia, the non-elastomeric applique being interposed between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer. Alternatively, the absorbent article provides a non-elastomeric applique between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer. The non-elastomeπc applique is coupled to the elastomeric film in a stretched condition such that the applique limits the retraction of the elastomeric film from the stretched condition. Further, the indicia is positioned to be visible through the first outer layer, the second outer layer or the first and the second outer layers.

By coupling the non-elastomeric applique in this way, preferably with ultrasonic bonds, to the elongated elastomeric film, the applique limits the ability of the elastomeric film to substantially retract to its un-elongated condition. In an exemplary embodiment, the applique is of a gauge or thickness, or has a column strength, such that the retractive force of the elastomeric film does not cause "neck- down" of the applique. As used herein, the term "neck-down," refers to the gathering of the material that results in bending, bunching, folding or the like, of the material as a result of the retractive force of the elastomeric film from its stretched condition that is applied to the applique.

In another exemplary embodiment, in which the applique is of a lesser gauge or thickness, or has a lesser column strength, the retractive force causes a predetermined amount of neck-down of the applique. Preferably, the percentage of neck-down of the applique is in the range of about 0% to about 40%, when the

elastomeric film is retracted from the stretched condition. More preferably, the percentage of neck-down of the applique is in the range of about 10% to about 30%. The percentage of neck-down is based on the length of the applique when it is laid flat as compared to the length of the applique when the retractive force of the elastomeric film acts on the applique. In other words, the percentage of neck-down is the reduction in the footprint of the applique both before and after the retractive force of the elastomeric film acts on the applique.

In embodiments of the invention where neck-down occurs, in order to compensate for the neck-down of the applique, the indicia on the applique will be printed with some distortion, for example, by being printed in a widened manner. For example, ovals may be printed on the applique that will be viewed as circles once the elastomeric film retracts causing the applique to neck-down. By printing in a distorted manner, when the retractive force of the elastomeric Film causes the applique to neck- down, the indicia will also retract and appear without, or with minimal, distortion. The amount of distortion applied to the indicia is determined based on the amount of neck- down of the applique. For example, a 10% distortion in the direction of the neck- down would be applied for an applique designed to provide a neck-down of 10%. The ratio would be approximately a 1 : 1 ratio. Accordingly, the amount of distortion applied to the indicia may be about 0% to about 40%; preferably about 10% to about 30%, though other ranges are contemplated as well.

It is recognized that in embodiments in which the applique is of a gauge or thickness, or has a column strength such that the applique has a neck-down of about 0%, the applique may be too stiff to maximize comfort for the wearer. In this instance, however, the embodiment provides the advantage that the indicia on the

applique does not need to be distorted, as the applique will have minimal, if any, neck-down.

Referring generally to the drawing, Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a type of an absorbent article that may be configured to include the multiple layer laminate of the invention. An absorbent article 10 is shown in a partially unassembled, flat state, the body-side surface of the absorbent article 10 facing the viewer. The arrows A-A generally indicate a longitudinal dimension, or length, of the absorbent article 10 in the partially unassembled state. This longitudinal orientation corresponds to the longitudinal orientation of the crotch panel 40 of the absorbent article 10. Also, the arrows B-B generally indicate the width dimension of the absorbent article 10 in the partially unassembled state. The direction B-B also corresponds to the machine direction optionally used to make at least some of the components of the absorbent article 10. More specifically, front panel 20 and rear panel 30 of the absorbent article 10 (described below) are optionally formed from a continuous web or continuous webs that are directed along a machine direction parallel to B-B.

With reference to Figure 1, the absorbent article 10 comprises a front panel 20, a rear panel 30, and a crotch panel 40, the crotch panel 40 extending between the front panel 20 and the rear panel 30. The crotch panel is associated with absorbent core 40c, as shown in Figure 2. Fully assembled, as shown in Figure 3, the absorbent article 10 forms an assembled pants-shaped undergarment. As shown in its assembled configuration, edges 23 of the front panel 20 and edges 33 of the rear panel 30 are connected to define a waist opening at 17. In such an embodiment, the waist elastics 24, 34 extend to cover the circumference of the product. In other words, when fully assembled, the absorbent article includes waist elastics 24, 34

attached from end to end to form waist opening 17. Further, the absorbent article 10 includes leg openings 18 located on opposing sides of the crotch panel 40.

As shown in Figure 1, in an exemplary configuration of the absorbent article, the front panel 20 includes a waist end 21 along its length, a crotch end 22 spaced apart in the width direction from the waist end 21, and two substantially straight sides 23 that extend between the waist end 21 and the crotch end 22. The front panel 20, as shown in Figure 1, includes a waist area 11, a belly area 12, and a leg/thigh area 13. Also as shown in Figure 1, front panel 20 includes an applique 29 included therein,

Similar to the front panel 20, the rear panel 30 of the absorbent article

10, according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, includes a waist end 31 along a length direction, a crotch end 32 spaced apart in the width direction from the waist end 31, and two substantially straight sides 33 extending between the waist end 31 and the crotch end 32. The rear panel 30 is separated from the front panel 20 in the width direction by a gap between the two panels which is bridged by crotch panel 40. The rear panel 30, as shown in Figure 1, includes waist area 16, mid-section 15, and leg/thigh area 14. For simplicity, mid-section 15 will hereinafter be referred to as belly area 15.

Also illustrated in Figure 1, crotch panel 40 has a front end portion 41, a rear end portion 42 longitudinally spaced from the front end 41, and two sides 43 extending between the front end portion 41 and the rear end portion 42. The front end portion 41 is fixed to front panel 20 and the rear end portion 42 is fixed to rear panel 30 thereby bridging the gap between the crotch end 22 of the front panel 20 and the crotch end 32 of the rear panel 30. Further, the crotch panel 40, as shown in

Figure 1, has a generally rectangular shape. Optionally, the crotch panel 40 may also have other shapes, for example an oval shape or any other straight-sided or curved shape.

Referring to Figure 2, which is a side cross-sectional view of absorbent article 10 of Figure 1, the absorbent article is shown having a front panel 20, in which the front panel 20 comprises a multiple layer subassembly. The multiple layer subassembly of the front panel 20 comprises an outer layer 28 and an inner layer 71. Interposed between the outer layer 28 and the inner layer 27, the subassembly includes waist elastics 24, belly elastic 25 and leg/thigh elastics 26. The multiple layer subassembly also includes an applique 29 interposed between the belly elastics 25 and the outer layer 28. As shown in Figure 1, the indicia, indicated by the diagonal lines, is visible through the outer layer 28. Referring again to Figure 2, outer layer 28 is folded over waist elastics 24 and the inner layer 27 in the waist area 11. It should be noted that although layer 27 is called the "inner" layer in this embodiment for simplicity, the body-side of layer 27 is an external layer of the subassembly, and may also be referred to as an "outer" layer of the front panel 20 (in addition to outer layer 28).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2, the rear panel 30 also comprises a multiple layer subassembly. The subassembly of rear panel 30 comprises an outer layer 38 and an inner layer 37. Interposed between the outer layer 38 and the inner layer 37, the subassembly includes waist elastics 34, belly elastics 35 and leg/thigh elastics 36. As shown in Figure 3, outer layer 38 is folded over waist elastics 34 and the inner layer 37 in the waist area 16. It should be noted here as well that, similar to the inner layer 27 of front panel 20, the "inner" layer 37 of rear panel 30 may also be referred to as an outer layer (in addition to the outer layer 38).

Exemplary material forming the front 20 and rear 30 panels of an absorbent article of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, including the rear panel inner layer 37 and outer layer 38 and front panel inner layer 27 and outer layer 28, as shown in Figure 2, can be any suitable material used in disposable absorbent articles. Such materials suitable for use in the present invention are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10/617,218, filed on July 10, 2003, 11/236,994 filed on September 28, 2005 and 11/904,467, 11/904,468, and 11/904,493, all of which were filed on September 27, 2007, each of which applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

Interposed between the front and rear panel outer layers 28, 38 and

Inner layers 27, 37, respectively, the absorbent article 10 includes waist areas 11, 16, belly areas 12, 15, and leg/thigh areas 13, 14. The waist areas 11, 16 include waist elastics 34, such as elastic strands, threads or filaments. The belly areas 12, 15 include belly elastics 25, 35, shown as elastomeric film. Optionally, the belly areas 12, 15 may be uni-directionally stretchable in a direction across a wearer's belly. And the leg/thigh areas 13, 14 include leg/thigh elastics 26, 36, which include elastic strands, threads or filaments. Optionally, the waist elastics 34 and/or the leg/thigh elastics can be elastomeric film in place of the elastic threads or filaments.

Suitable elastomeric films that may be used in the present invention preferably include bi-directional film manufactured by Pliant Corp. Optionally, the elastomeric film has an elongation of about 80% to about 400%, Preferably, the elongation of the elastomeric film is about 300%. Suitable^elastic threads or filaments that may be used in the present invention include, for example, LYCRA ^® elastic strands manufactured by INVISTA, or CREORA ^® spandex (or elastane) manufactured by Hyosung, Inc.

As shown in Figure 2, in the front panel 20 and interposed between the elastomeric film 25 and the outer layer 28, the absorbent article 10 includes non- elastomeric applique 29. The non-elastomeric applique 29 has an indicia thereon, or optionally included therein, which is visible through the outer layer 28. The indicia can include a non-elastomeric film having a sewn, embroidered or pasted material on the non-elastomeric film. Alternatively, the indicia can include an art graphic or other design printed or otherwise incorporated on a non-elastomeric film. For example, the graphic design can include a wide variety of shapes and characters aesthetically pleasing to wearers, such as cartoon characters for children. Suitable non-elastomeric films for use as an applique in the present invention can include thermoplastic film material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Although the applique is made of a non-elastomeric film material, optionally, the indicia, as noted above may be provided on the non-elastomeric film in a distorted manner to compensate for neck-down of the non-elastomeric film.

In an embodiment of the invention such as shown in Figure 2, the non- elastomeric applique 29, being interposed between the elastomeric film 25 and the outer layer 28, is coupled to the elastomeric film 25, which is in an elongated, or stretched, condition. The applique 29 and the elastomeric film 25, along with the inner and outer layers 27 and 28, are coupled together such that the retraction of the elastomeric film is limited when the elastomeric film is relaxed, or allowed to return to its un-elongated, or pre-stretched, condition. Preferably, the elastomeric film 25, non- elastomeric applique 29 and the inner and outer layers 27 and 28, respectively, are coupled together with ultrasonic bonds. The ultrasonic bonding of the belly areas 12, 15 result in a multilayer subassembly having a more cotton-like, or underwear-like, look and feel. As an alternative to ultrasonic bonds, the bonds may be applied using

other attachment means or mechanical methods, such as heat, pressure, embossing, or other mechanical methods.

The crotch panel 40 an exemplary embodiment of the absorbent article 10 can be configured as shown in Figure 2. This embodiment includes a multilayer absorbent subassembly having a body-side (left side as shown in Figure 2) and a garment-side (right side as shown in Figure 2). As shown in the cross-sectional view, beginning from the body-side and continuing to the garment-side, the subassembly includes a cover 40a adjacent an acquisition/distribution layer (ADL) 40b, which is disposed adjacent an absorbent core 40c _f which is adjacent a barrier layer 4Od. Adjacent the body-side of the backsheet are disposed an insert outer cover, or backsheet, 40e. Crotch panel elastics 45 are disposed between cover 40a and barrier layer 40d.

In another embodiment, the ADL may comprise two separate layers including an acquisition layer and a distribution layer. While one exemplary embodiment of a crotch panel is shown for purposes of illustration, a wide variety of portions and composites are optionally used within the scope of this invention. Exemplary absorbent cores may include those for which the details of each of the layers and materials are as described in U, S. Patent Application Nos. 10/617,218, filed on July 10, 2003, 11/236,994 filed on September 28, 2005 and 11/904,467, 11/904,468, and 11/904,493, all of which were filed on September 27, 2007, each of which applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an absorbent article having visible indicia in which the absorbent article comprises a multiple layer chassis, as least a portion of which includes a first outer layer, a second

outer layer, an elastomeric film interposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer and a non-elastomeric applique interposed between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer, or between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer. The portion of the multiple layer chassis shown in Figure 4 as front panel 120 can be included in an absorbent article, such as that shown as absorbent article 10 in Figure 1. For example, the absorbent article 10 includes absorbent core 40c with the front panel 20, rear panel 30 and crotch panel 40, collectively shown as the multiple layer chassis, a portion of which is front panel 20, for example. The multiple layer chassis, however, may also be a portion of an absorbent article, such as a disposable underwear, an adult or children's brief, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in an exemplary embodiment of this aspect, a portion of the multiple layer chassis includes a panel, shown as front panel 120, including a first outer layer 128, a second outer layer 127 and an elastomeric film 125 interposed between the first outer layer 128 and the second outer layer 127. The absorbent article further includes a non-elastomeric applique 129 which incorporates the indicia, represented by small dots, the applique 129 being interposed between the elastomeric film 125 and the first outer layer 128.

The non-elastomeric applique 129 is coupled to the elastomeric film 125 or to the first and/or second outer layer 127, 128, in which the elastomeric film 125 is in a stretched condition. The non-elastomeric applique 129 and the elastomeric film 125 are also preferably bonded to the first outer layer 128 and the second outer layer 127. When bonded, the elastomeric film 125 is allowed to relax. However, the retraction of the elastomeric film 125 is limited by the bonding of the non-elastomeric applique 129 to the elastomeric film 125 in the location where the non-elastomeric

applique 129 is coupled to the elastomeric film 125. The tension provided by the bonds also causes the non-elastomeric applique 129 to neck-down when the retractive forces from the stretched condition of the elastomeric film 125 are strong enough to cause the non-elastomeric 129 applique to become bunched. For example, the non- elastomeric applique 125 may be designed so as to provide a neck-down of about 0% to about 40%. Neck-down may be decreased based on the thickness of the applique or the particular rigidness of the thermoplastic materials from which it is made. The indicia is visible through the first outer layer 128. The indicia may also, optionally, be visible through the elastomeric film 125 and the second outer layer 127. Also, although shown in Figure 4 as including waist elastics 124 interposed between the first outer layer 128 and the second outer layer 127, the front panel 220 may also be designed so as to not include waist elastics 124.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the non- elastomeric applique 229 may be interposed between the elastomeric film 225 and the second outer layer 227. In this embodiment, the indicia of applique 229 is visible through the second outer layer 227. Optionally, the Indicia of applique 229 is also visible through the elastomeric film 225 and first outer layer 228. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the second outer layer may be disposed on the body-side of the wearer, such that the applique 229 is visible on the body-side of the front panel 220 through the second outer layer 227, instead of first outer layer 228. In this embodiment, the applique 129 may include an image thereon intended to be viewed only by the wearer. For example, the appliquό may include an image, such as one designating a size of the absorbent article, for example, "S", "M", "L" or "XL," representing the sizes small, medium, large and extra large. As another example, the indicia may also contain other information, such as the manufacturer or origin of the

absorbent article, or may include a listing of the materials of construction of the absorbent article. Optionally, the front panel 220 may also include waist elastics 224, as shown in Figure 6.

Referring to Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, the applique, shown as 329, 429, and 529a and 529b, of portions of multiple layer chassis 320, 420 and 520, respectively, can vary in size in both the length and width dimensions. In the exemplary embodiment of the applique shown in Figure 7C, the invention may also include multiple appliques, for example two spaced apart appliques, such as 529A and 529B.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the illustrated portion of the multiple layer chassis comprises a rear panel, shown as 630. The portion of the multiple layer chassis includes a first outer layer 638, a second outer layer 637 and an elastomeric film 635 interposed between the first outer layer 638 and the second outer layer 637. The absorbent article further includes a non- elastomeric applique 639 which has the indicia, the applique 639 being interposed between the elastomeric film 635 and the first outer layer 638.

As with the front panel dfscussed previously, the non-elastomeric applique 639 of the rear panel 630 is coupled to the elastomeric film 635. The non- elastomeric applique 639 and the elastomeric film 635 are also preferably bonded to the first outer layer 638 and the second outer layer 637. The indicia is visible through the first outer layer 638. By coupling the elastomeric film 635 and the non- elastomeric applique 639 together, the ability of the elastomeric film 635 to return to its un-elongated or pre-stretched condition is limited. Further, the retractive force of the elastomeric film 635 that acts on the non-elastomeric applique 639 may cause the

non-elastomeric applique to neck-down. Alternatively, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, in another alternative embodiment (not shown), the non- elastomeric applique 639 may be interposed between the second outer layer 637, such that the indicia is visible through the second outer layer 639. The rear panel may also include waist elastics 634 interposed between the outer layer 638 and the inner layer 637.

Optionally, in an embodiment (not shown) each of the front and rear panels of the absorbent article may contain a multiple layer subassemblγ, such that each of the front and rear panels include an applique. In such an embodiment, each of the front and rear panels would have an indicia incorporated in the applique that would be visible through either the body-side outer layers or the garment-side outer layers, or both.

Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 10, absorbent article 710 includes a front panel 720, a rear panel 730 spaced apart from the front panel 720 in the length direction and a crotch panel 740 therebetween. The front panel 720 includes applique 729 having indicia included therein. Each of the front panel 720 and rear panel 730 has a body-side and a garment-side. For illustration purposes, the body-side of absorbent article 710 shown in Figure 10 faces the viewer. In at least one embodiment, the body-side of the crotch panel 740 has a front end fixed to the garment-side of the front panel 720 and a rear end that is fixed to the body-side of the rear panel 730.

This is exemplified by the schematic of Figure 10, in which the area 751 defined by the dotted lines indicates the location where the crotch panel 740 is fixed to the garment-side of front panel 720 at crotch end 722. Likewise, the area 752

c,

defined by solid lines indicates the location where the crotch panel 740 is fixed to the where crotch panel is fixed to the body-side of rear panel 730 at crotch end 732. The front 720 and rear 730 panels are shown as including optional waist elastics 724, 734.

It is also contemplated that the invention may also include graphic design or designs incorporated on the front end of the crotch panel, which may be attached to garment-side of the front panel 720, in addition to having an applique having indicia visible through the outer and/or inner layers of the front and/or rear panels. For example, the graphic design can include a wide variety of shapes and characters aesthetically pleasing to wearers, such as cartoon characters for children, as described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/904,467, 11/904,468 and 11/904,493 all of which were filed on September 27, 2007, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in Figure 11, the location of the applique may optionally be positioned in a side region of the absorbent article, Figure 11 is a simplified schematic of an exemplary absorbent article, which can include any number of absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, napkins, incontinence pads and the like. This illustration is not intended to be limited to any one type of absorbent article and is included to illustrate that the applique may be included in any number of locations in an absorbent article that includes the type of multiple layer laminate herein described. For example, Figure 11 shows absorbent article 810, illustrated with leg openings 818, in which the applique is positioned in a side region or ear portion of the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the side region of Figure 11 may also represent an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article in which the applique is positioned in a fastening member portion of the absorbent article.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a multiple layer laminate having visible indicia for use an absorbent article. The method of manufacturing includes the steps of interposing an elastomeric film in a stretched condition between a first outer layer and a second outer layer and interposing a non-elastomeric applique having the visible indicia between the elastomeric film and the first outer layer. Alternatively, the method includes interposing a non-elastomeric applique in a stretched condition and having the visible indicia between the elastomeric film and the second outer layer. The method thus forms a multiple layer subassembly such that the indicia is visible through the first outer layer, the second outer layer or both of the first and the second outer layers. The method further includes the step of coupling together the non-elastomeric applique to the elastomeric film thereby limiting the retraction of the elastomeric film from the stretched condition in a location where the non-elastomeric applique and the elastomeric film are coupled together. Optionally, coupling the non-elastomeric applique to the elastomeric film may be performed by ultrasonically bonding the elastomeric film, the non-elastomeric applique, and the first and second outer layers together to form the multiple layer laminate.

Optionally, the method may further comprise distorting the indicia of the applique. As mentioned previously, the distortion may be included in order to compensate for the neck-down of the non-elastomeric applique resulting from the retractive forces of the elastomeric film. The method may thus further comprise the steps of relaxing the elastomeric film from the stretched condition. Additionally, the method may include limiting the neck down of the non-elastomeric applique to about 0% to about 40%. The method may also include the step of providing indicia on the applique in a distortion in a direction of the neck-down.

Optionally, the method of manufacturing may also include the step of associating the multiple layer laminate with an absorbent core. Absorbent cores for use in the present invention may include a number of absorbent cores suitable for use in diapers, training pants, napkins, incontinence pads and the like, The absorbent cores may include superabsorbent polymers and may comprise one or more layers of a number of liquid-absorbing materials of varying absorbent capacities depending on the use of the product.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a multiple layer laminate having visible indicia for use in an absorbent article. The manufacturing method includes elongating an elastomeric film, as well as positioning a non-elastomeric applique adjacent a first nonwoven web and positioning a first surface of the elastomeric film adjacent the non-elastomeric applique to sandwich the applique between the elastomeric film and the first nonwoven web. Further steps include positioning a second nonwoven web adjacent a second surface of the elastomeric film and bonding the elastomeric film, the appliquέ and the first and second nonwoven webs together to form the multiple layer laminate.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the first nonwoven may be the inner nonwoven of the absorbent article, that is, the nonwoven that Is positioned to contact the body of the wearer. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first nonwoven may be the outer nonwoven of the absorbent article, that is, the nonwoven that is positioned on the side of the article opposed to the wearer.

Embodiments of the absorbent article also Include those in which the indicia is visible through the first nonwoven web, the second nonwoven web, or both of the first and second nonwoven webs. In other words, regardless of the position of

the applique, the indicia may designed to be visible on the body-side of the article, on the garment-side of the article, or be designed to optionally be visible through each of the body- and garment- sides of the absorbent article.

Optionally, the method may further comprise the step of step of ultrasonically bonding the elastomeric film, the non-elastomeric applique and the first and the second non-woven webs together. Other bonding processes may also be suitable for use in the present invention, such as those previously described herein.

Though the manufacturing steps described and claimed herein are optionally performed in the order described or claimed, they can be performed in any order, depending upon the equipment and processes selected and the preferences of the manufacturer. For example, the order of positioning or coupling layers such as the elastomeric film, one or more outer layers, and non-elastomeric appliques can be performed in a variety of orders.

While the invention includes the various embodiments described above, other embodiments of the invention may also include features as shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10/617,218 to Glaug et al., filed on July 10, 2003, 11/236,994 to Babusik et al., filed on September 28, 2005 and 11/904,467, 11/904,468 and 11/904,493, all of which were filed on September 27, 2007, which applications are incorporated herein by reference. Each of the embodiments of the present invention Is expected to provide equal or better functional performance and customer acceptance at a lower cost as compared to conventional protective undergarments.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details

shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.