Absorbent Article Having A Composite Web With Visual Signal Thereon

Abstract

An absorbent article, having a topsheet, an absorbent core, an an intermediate layer is described. The intermediate layer is attached to an inner surface of the topsheet layer, and has a first surface facing the inner surface of the topsheet, an opposing second surface, and a thickness. An ink zone extends from the second surface of the intermediate layer through the intermediate layer and at least to the inner surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet, wherein the ink zone comprises a plurality of discrete ink deposits having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first colorant and the second portion has a second colorant. The first colorant and the second colorant contrast in color with the topsheet, and wherein at least some of the plurality of discrete ink deposits is disposed on the inner surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An absorbent article, comprising:
 a liquid-permeable topsheet layer comprising an outer surface and an opposing inner surface;   an absorbent core; and   an intermediate layer attached to the inner surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet layer, comprising a first surface facing the inner surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet layer, an opposing second surface, and a thickness; wherein an ink zone extends from the second surface of the intermediate layer through the intermediate layer and at least to the inner surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet, wherein the ink zone comprises a plurality of discrete ink deposits, the plurality of discrete ink deposits comprising a first portion of discrete ink deposits and a second portion of discrete ink deposits, wherein the first portion of discrete ink deposits comprises a first colorant and the second portion of discrete ink deposits comprises a second colorant, and wherein the first colorant and the second colorant contrast in color with the topsheet, wherein at least some of the plurality of discrete ink deposits is disposed on the inner surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet layer.   
     
     
         2 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of discrete ink deposits comprises a solvent-based ink. 
     
     
         3 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein plurality of discrete ink deposits comprises a black color. 
     
     
         4 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the first colorant and the second colorant are different. 
     
     
         5 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the ink zone does not extend to the outer surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet layer. 
     
     
         6 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer is a secondary topsheet and has a basis weight of from about 8 gsm to about 55 gsm. 
     
     
         7 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the first surface of the intermediate layer and the inner surface of the liquid-permeable topsheet layer. 
     
     
         8 . The absorbent article of  claim 7 , wherein the ink zone extends through the adhesive layer. 
     
     
         9 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer comprises a nonwoven web. 
     
     
         10 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the topsheet layer has an air permeability of at least about 300 cubic ft. per minute (cfm) per sq. ft. 
     
     
         11 . The absorbent article of  claim 6 , wherein the intermediate layer and the liquid-permeable topsheet layer have a total thickness in the range of about 120 μm to about 1.3 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid-permeable topsheet comprises a film and wherein the intermediate layer comprises a nonwoven web. 
     
     
         13 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid permeable topsheet comprises a nonwoven web and wherein the intermediate layer comprises a nonwoven web. J 
     
     
         14 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of discrete ink deposits and the second portion of discrete ink deposits produce a visual signal having an L* value of between 30 and 90. 
     
     
         15 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of discrete ink deposits and the second portion of discrete ink deposits produce a visual signal having an L* value of between 40 and 70. 
     
     
         16 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of discrete ink deposits and the second portion of discrete ink deposits are provided via digital printing.