Feminine hygiene article with printed pattern and embossed pattern

Abstract

A feminine hygiene article such as pantiliner having a topsheet and a backsheet. The article further includes a printed pattern and an embossed pattern. The embossed pattern has at least one embossed decorative element and the printed pattern has a printed decorative element which is substantially similar to the embossed decorative element.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An absorbent article, comprising:
 a. a topsheet layer;   b. a backsheet layer; and   c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer;   d. wherein the absorbent core comprises a combination of absorbent foam, hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agents, and fibers; and   e. wherein the article has a thickness of less than 5 millimeters.   
     
     
         2 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core fibers comprise synthetic fibers. 
     
     
         3 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core fibers comprise cellulose fibers. 
     
     
         4 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the article has a thickness of from about 0.4 millimeters to about 3 millimeters. 
     
     
         5 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the article has a thickness of from about 0.6 millimeters to about 2 millimeters. 
     
     
         6 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , comprising a ratio of an exterior surface area of the absorbent core to an exterior surface area of the topsheet between about 15% and about 90%. 
     
     
         7 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , comprising a ratio of an exterior surface area of the absorbent core to an exterior surface area of the topsheet between about 30% and about 70%. 
     
     
         8 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , comprising a ratio of an exterior surface area of the absorbent core to an exterior surface area of the topsheet between about 40% and about 60%. 
     
     
         9 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , further comprising wings for folding around an undergarment. 
     
     
         10 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , further comprising adhesive disposed on the backsheet layer and a releasable cover to protect the adhesive before the absorbent article is placed in one's undergarment. 
     
     
         11 . The absorbent article of  claim 10 , further comprising a pattern printed on the releasable cover. 
     
     
         12 . An absorbent article, comprising:
 a. a topsheet layer;   b. a backsheet layer;   c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer;   d. an embossed pattern comprising embossed lines comprising a minimum thickness of less than 0.75 millimeters; and   e. a printed pattern comprising printed lines comprising a minimum thickness of less than 0.75 millimeters.   
     
     
         13 . The absorbent article of  claim 12 , wherein the embossed lines comprise a minimum thickness of between about 0.35 millimeters and about 0.60 millimeters. 
     
     
         14 . The absorbent article of  claim 13 , wherein the printed lines comprise a minimum thickness of between about 0.35 millimeters and about 0.60 millimeters. 
     
     
         15 . The absorbent article of  claim 12 , wherein the printed lines comprise a minimum thickness of between about 0.35 millimeters and about 0.60 millimeters. 
     
     
         16 . The absorbent article of  claim 12 , wherein the article has a thickness of less than 5 millimeters. 
     
     
         17 . An absorbent article, comprising:
 a. a topsheet layer;   b. a backsheet layer;   c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; and   d. decorative elements printed on the backsheet layer;   e. wherein the decorative elements are evocative of decorative elements found on fabric of women's underwear; and   f. wherein the article has a thickness of less than 5 millimeters.   
     
     
         18 . The absorbent article of  claim 17 , wherein the article has a thickness of from about 0.4 millimeters to about 3 millimeters. 
     
     
         19 . An absorbent article, comprising:
 a. a topsheet layer;   b. a backsheet layer;   c. an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; and   d. decorative elements printed on the backsheet layer;   e. wherein the decorative elements are selected from a group traditionally found on women's underwear comprising lace elements, floral elements, and vegetal inspired elements; and   f. wherein the article has a thickness of less than 5 millimeters.   
     
     
         20 . The absorbent article of  claim 19 , wherein the article has a thickness of from about 0.4 millimeter to about 3 millimeters.