WO2006068542A1

WO2006068542A1 - Absorbent article comprising one or several visible patterns

Info

Publication number: WO2006068542A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/001919
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Strannemalm
Original assignee: Sca Hygiene Products Ab
Priority date: 2004-12-20
Filing date: 2004-12-20
Publication date: 2006-06-29

Abstract

Absorbent article for disposable use having at least one pattern (118), in conjunction with which the pattern (118) is covered by one or more layers of material (119) that is or are essentially transparent in a first state so that the pattern (118) is visible through the layer or layers of material (119). The layer or layers of material (119) is or are caused by elongation to be transformed into a second state, in conjunction with which the opacity of the layer or layers of material (119) incrases, in conjunction with which the pattern (118) is conceale at least partially by the layr or layers of material (119) and becomes at least invisible through the layer or layers of material (119).

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE COMPRISING ONE OR SEVERAL VISIBLE PATTERNS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an absorbent article for disposable use having at least one pattern.

BACKGROUND ART

In the case of absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary towels, incontinence protection, etc., the application of patterns in the form of texts, images, symbols or the like to certain layers included in the article is previously disclosed. Combinations comprising at least two of the pattern forms are also encountered. The texts and the symbols are preferably of an informative nature, for example in the form of a user instruction, a warning text or product information such as a size indication. The images are preferably in the form of decorative patterns, product information or user instructions. Patterns in the form of a trademark and/or company logotypes are also commonly encountered.

The pattern is usually arranged on one of the layers that forms the outside of the article when it is used, for example on the front or the rear end part of the article, on the fastening tabs or on one or other of the side panels. It is especially common to find that the pattern is arranged on the outside of the article close to the waist area of the article.

The pattern is often only intended to be read and observed before use. It is desirable in many cases for neither text, images nor symbols to be visible when wearing the article, on the other hand, because they can be seen through items of clothing, which may be perceived by the wearer as indiscreet and disagreeable. For example, it is not particularly pleasant for an incontinent adult person to announce his/her incontinence via, for example, a well-known trademark or some other well-known symbol on the incontinence protection, which can be seen through the clothing when the article is being worn. On the other hand, it is important for a manufacturer of absorbent incontinence products to provide information about how the article must be used, the level of absorption for which the article is intended, and so on. It is also important to display one's trademark on the absorbent article.

In order to avoid the aforementioned problems, the arrangement of patterns on a separate layer that is detachably attached to the article is previously disclosed. A user looks at the pattern and reads the information before use, after which he/she removes the separate layer.

A product of this kind is described in US 2003/0088224 A1. Although the pattern is certainly removed by this process, the problem remains, namely that the removed layer has formed a separate residual product which must be dealt with. The wearer must then either find a suitable place to dispose of the layer or, in the absence of such a place, must keep the layer until such a place is found.

The requirement accordingly exists for an improved absorbent article, where the wearer can read a text or look at an image on the article before use, and where the text or the image is essentially rendered invisible when it is being worn.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

An absorbent article has been achieved through the present invention, however, comprising at least one pattern of the kind mentioned in the introduction, in conjunction with which the pattern essentially overcomes the problems referred to by way of introduction that have been associated with previous articles of this kind. An article executed in accordance with the invention is characterized first and foremost in that the pattern is covered by at least one layer of material attached to the article, in conjunction with which the layer of material is essentially transparent in a first state and the pattern is visible through the layer of material when the layer of material is in the first state, and in that the layer of material is transformed into a second state on being elongated, in conjunction with which the opacity of the layer of material increases and the pattern is concealed at least partially by the layer of material.

Compared with previously disclosed absorbent articles, it is thus possible to render a pattern invisible when the article is to be used without being obliged to deal with loose sheets on which the pattern is printed. There is an interest in being able to remove patterns in the form of text, images or symbols, in particular in the case of adult incontinence, where it is not wished to announce one's incontinence by displaying familiar distinctive marks when the article is being used.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the layer or layers of material which covers or cover the pattern exhibit a combined opacity of not more than 70.5% in accordance with the method described in ISO 2471 :1988 when the layer or layers of material is or are in the first state.

It is naturally essential for the pattern to be visible through the layer or layers of material before the article is used. Depending on what type of information is provided by the pattern, and at whom the information is targeted, however, the pattern may be more or less clearly visible through the layers of material.

For example, it is more important for a user instruction intended to be read by an elderly incontinent person, who is him/herself responsible for the use of the article, to be more clearly visible through the layer or layers of material, than an instruction intended for a professional carer on a hospital ward. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the layer or layers of material which covers or cover the pattern exhibits or exhibit a combined opacity of at least 76.2% measured in accordance with the method described in ISO 2471 :1988 when the layer or layers of material has or have been transformed into the second state.

Depending on how invisible it is wished for the pattern to be when it is being worn, it is possible to select characteristics in the layer or layers of material, such as the thickness of each layer of material, and the number of layers of material. There is no need to create total opacity for certain applications. It is not necessary to render a pattern totally invisible, for example, when the intention is for the pattern not to be seen through a pair of semi-transparent panties. In such applications, it is sufficient to conceal the pattern to a certain degree, in conjunction with which the pattern will be concealed entirely when the panties are placed over the absorbent article.

In accordance with another embodiment, however, the pattern is essentially concealed when the layer or layers of material is or have been transformed into the second state.

Changing the layer or layers of material from the first state to the second state is achieved, in accordance with one embodiment, by elongating the layer or layers of material by 10-200%.

The pattern is arranged, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, on that side of the backing layer of the absorbent article that faces outwards when it is being worn, in conjunction with which the pattern is covered by the layer or layers of material.

This embodiment means that the pattern is printed directly onto the backing layer of the absorbent article so that it faces in a visible fashion when it is being worn, after which one or more layers in accordance with the invention are applied over the pattern. This embodiment has the important advantage that it is cost-effective because no extra layer of material containing the pattern is required.

In accordance with one embodiment, the pattern is arranged on a separate pattern-bearing layer, in conjunction with which the pattern-bearing layer is arranged on that side of the absorbent article that faces outwards when it is being worn, and in conjunction with which the pattern is covered by the layer or layers of material in accordance with the invention.

There are occasions on which it may be advantageous to arrange the pattern on a separate pattern-bearing layer, which is then applied to the absorbent article. For example, the separate pattern-bearing layer may exhibit particularly good characteristics in respect of printability in relation to the surfaces of the absorbent article.

When the pattern is printed on a special pattern-bearing layer, it is appropriate in accordance with one embodiment for the layer or layers of material in accordance with the invention and the pattern-bearing layer to be welded together, in conjunction with which they constitute a prefabricated label which can be applied easily to the absorbent article by means of proven technology.

In accordance with another embodiment, the pattern is arranged on the layer of material arranged closest to the wearer and intended to conceal the pattern. In this embodiment, the pattern is arranged on that side of the aforementioned layer of material that faces towards the wearer when it is being worn, that is to say on the rear surface of the layer of material.

In this embodiment, the layer of material in accordance with the invention that is arranged closest to the absorbent article is used for two purposes, namely on the one hand as the layer on which the pattern is printed, and on the other hand as one of the layers of material that is intended to conceal the pattern. The pattern in this case is printed as a mirror image on the rear surface of the layer, in conjunction with which it is legible and faces the right way round through the layer of material. When the layer of material is elongated and the opacity of the material increases, this layer also plays a part in concealing the pattern. If the absorbent article contains only a single layer of material in accordance with the invention, the elongated layer of material will contribute the whole of the concealing effect.

In accordance with one embodiment, the layer or layers of material is or are attached to an elasticated surface of the article, in conjunction with which the layer or layers of material is or are elongated automatically when the surface to which the layer or layers of material is or are attached is elongated.

By arranging the pattern with associated material layers on an elasticated surface that is elongated automatically in conjunction with the use or application of the absorbent article by or on a wearer, it is not necessary to remember to re-activate the layer of material in order to conceal the pattern that it is not wished to display when it is being worn.

One example of an embodiment which functions automatically when the article is used involves the layer or layers of material being arranged in the elasticated waist part of the absorbent article.

Especially in the case of absorbent articles of the pantie type, the waist part is elongated when the article is passed over the wearer's hip area, in conjunction with which the layer or layers of material in accordance with the invention is or are transformed from the first state into the second, more opaque state. One embodiment of the invention that is adapted for absorbent articles comprising a belt exhibits one or more layers of material arranged over a pattern on the elasticated belt of the article.

As the belt is applied around the wearer's waist, the belt is normally stretched out, in conjunction with which the layer or layers of material in accordance with the invention become essentially opaque and conceal the pattern.

In accordance with one embodiment, it is advantageous to arrange the pattern and the layer or layers of material on the elasticated attachment flaps of the article, in conjunction with which these are elongated automatically in conjunction with the application of the article.

In accordance with one embodiment, the layer or layers of material contracts or contract when the surface of the absorbent article to which the layer or layers of material are attached contracts.

This embodiment means that it is possible to avoid the situation in which the layer or layers of material forms or form a component that projects separately from the article.

In accordance with one embodiment, the layer or layers of material are intended to be elongated manually in order to change the layer or layers of material from the first essentially transparent state into the second essentially opaque state.

The embodiment is advantageous on certain occasions on which it is wished to conceal a pattern, and on other occasions on which it is wished to retain the pattern distinctly. Another advantage of the embodiment is that, by manually extending and changing the layers of material in accordance with one's wishes, it is possible to indicate that a special measure or check has been performed on the article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the Figures shown in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows an open diaper in accordance with the invention from the side that is intended to face towards the wearer when it is being worn;

Figure 1 b shows the open diaper in Figure 1 from the side that is intended to face away from the wearer when it is being worn;

Figure 2 shows a pant diaper in accordance with the invention in a configuration resembling that in which it is used;

Figure 2b shows a label functioning in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2c shows the construction of the label in accordance with Figure 2b;

Figure 3 shows a belt diaper in accordance with the invention from the side that is intended to face towards the wearer when it is being worn;

Figure 3b shows the belt diaper in Figure 3 from the side that is intended to face away from the wearer when it is being worn.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an absorbent article for disposable use which exhibits a pattern, for example in the form of a text, image or symbol, which is visible to an observer on the outside of the article and an initially transparent layer arranged over the pattern.

The pattern provided with a layer in accordance with the invention is intended primarily for larger absorbent articles such as all-in-one diapers, pant diapers, belt diapers or sanitary protection of the pantie type. It is naturally possible to apply the invention to smaller absorbent products such as pads, pantie liners or light incontinence protection intended to be positioned in the crotch of a wearer. These articles are usually small, however, and are discreetly positioned, and as a general rule it is not necessary to use the arrangement in accordance with the invention in order to afford additional discretion.

Absorbent articles comprising a pattern provided with a layer may consist of so-called all-in-one diapers, pant diapers or belt diapers. The articles in this case can consist of baby diapers intended for incontinent infants or incontinence protection intended for adult incontinent wearers. The invention can also be suitable for sanitary protection of the pantie type.

So-called pant diapers are characterized above all in that they have already been folded at the time of manufacture about an essentially transverse fold line in the crotch area of the pant diaper and have subsequently been joined together at the waist. Diapers of this type are intended to be applied to a wearer precisely like a pair of underpants, that is to say they are passed over the wearer's legs. The joint in the waist area of the pant diaper is usually capable of separation, in conjunction with which the pant diaper can be removed after use without having to be passed all the way down over the wearer's feet when it is to be removed. This possibility is particularly appreciated when the pant diaper is smeared with faeces after use.

Belt diapers are characterized in that they comprise a transverse belt in relation to the absorbent part of the diaper attached to either the front or the rear transverse edge of the diaper. In conjunction with the application of a belt diaper of this kind, the belt is fixed in a first stage around the wearer's waist. The absorbent part of the diaper thus hangs loosely from the belt. The absorbent part of the diaper is then passed between the wearer's legs and is attached to the belt, in conjunction with which the belt includes fixing surfaces intended to adhere to fixing devices arranged on the absorbent part of the diaper adjacent to its free transverse edge.

So-called all-in-one diapers are characterized in that they include attachment flaps, by means of which the front and rear waist part of the diaper are attached when the diaper is applied around the waist of a wearer.

Figure 1 shows essential components of a diaper 101 in accordance with the invention.

The diaper 101 is an open diaper of the so-called all-in-one type intended for infants who have not yet become continent. The diaper 101 in this case is not joined together in the waist area when it is sold, but is intended instead to be applied around a wearer's abdomen, in order thereafter to be joined together around the wearer's waist. This type of diaper 101 is commonly encountered for both infant and adult incontinent wearers.

The diaper 101 is essentially in the form of an hourglass and as such exhibits longitudinal edges 112, 113, a front transverse edge 114 and a rear transverse edge 115. The diaper 101 also exhibits a front edge part 121 , a rear edge part 122 and a narrower crotch part 123 situated between the end parts 121 , 122. The crotch part 123 is intended to be situated in the narrowest area between the wearer's thighs when it is being worn.

When wearing the diaper 101 , the front part of the crotch part 123 and the front end part 121 function principally as a receiving area for urine, while the rear part of the crotch part 123 and the rear end part 122 function principally as a receiving area for faeces.

The diaper 101 comprises a liquid-permeable covering layer 102 arranged over the surface of the diaper 101 that is intended to face towards the wearer when it is being worn, a backing layer 104 arranged over the surface of the diaper that is intended to face away from the wearer when it is being worn, an absorption body 106 enclosed between the liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104, and side flaps 103 arranged outside the absorption body 106.

The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 of the diaper 101 extends outside the absorption body 106 around the periphery of the entire absorption body 106. The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 can consist of any material that is suitable for the purpose. Examples of commonly encountered liquid- permeable covering materials are non-woven textile materials, known as nonwoven materials, perforated plastic films, meshes made of plastic or textile, and liquid-permeable foam layers. Liquid-permeable covering materials that are made of continuous thin fibres which extend predominantly in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the article are also encountered. Laminates consisting of two or more of the above-mentioned possible covering materials are also commonly encountered, as are coverings consisting of different materials in different parts of the surface.

A situation commonly encountered today is that the liquid-permeable covering layer 102 consists of a fully or partially elastic material in order to provide the diaper 101 with a better fit when it is being worn.

Diapers 101 containing absorption bodies 106 which exhibit especially high strength and resistance to wear may even function without the need to provide any extra liquid-permeable covering layer on that side of the diaper 101 that faces towards the wearer when it is being worn. The backing layer 104 extends beyond the absorption body 106 around the periphery of the entire absorption body 106. Backing layers 104 that are normally present on diapers 101 are usually liquid-impermeable, although other types of backing layer are encountered. The backing layer 104 can consist of a range of different materials. The backing layer 104 most commonly consists of a thin liquid-impermeable plastic film, although it is also possible to use other types of liquid-impermeable material, such as nonwoven materials that have been made liquid-impermeable for example by means of plastic coating, liquid-impermeable foam layers, liquid-impermeable adhesive or similar. The backing layer 104 can also consist of a liquid- impermeable, vapour-permeable material. Also encountered are laminates containing at least one liquid-impermeable layer arranged against the absorption body 106. These laminates usually consist of a liquid- impermeable material functioning as a moisture barrier and a more textile-like material arranged on the side of the diaper 101 that faces away from the wearer when it is being worn, as a consequence of which the outside of the diaper 101 more closely resembles an item of clothing when it is being worn. The textile-like layer of the laminate usually consists of a nonwoven layer, in conjunction with which the nonwoven layer can be executed so that it functions as a receiving material for a hook-and-loop material of the male type. A nonwoven material of this kind is characterized in that it comprises closed eyes, so-called loops, or the like.

The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104 are attached to one another outside the absorption body 106 along the entire periphery of the absorption body 106.

The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104 may be attached to one another by a number of different means. Examples of means of attachment include gluing, thermal fusion, ultrasonic welding or the like. Elastic devices 105 are arranged outside the absorption body 106 in those parts of the side flaps 103 of the diaper 101 which run essentially in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101. The elastic devices 105 function as leg elastic and have the task of preventing liquid and faeces from leaking out past the longitudinal edges 112, 113 of the diaper 101 , and in this way they form outer moisture barriers 108 together with surrounding layers. The elastic devices 105 consist of one or more elastic threads that have been applied in their stretched state between the liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104, at least in the crotch part 123 of the diaper 101. The elastic devices 105 are attached to the backing layer 104 and the covering layer 102 by gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like.

In alternative embodiments, the elastic devices can be arranged on the side of the side flaps 103 that is intended to face towards the wearer when it is being worn, or on the opposite side of the side flaps, and as such they are naturally only attached to the covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104 respectively.

The elastic devices can, in alternative embodiments, consist of elastic tape material, for example made of a foam material.

The hourglass-shaped absorption body 106 can be constructed from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose fluff pulp can be mixed for this purpose with fibres or particles of a high-absorbency polymer material of the kind which, in conjunction with absorption, chemically bonds large quantities of liquid to form a liquid-containing gel. The absorption body 106 can also contain high-absorbency polymer material arranged in a layer inside the absorption body or in conjunction with the surface or surfaces of the absorption body. Additional components to improve the characteristics of the absorption body 106 can also be present in the absorption body 106. Examples of such components include binding fibres, different types of liquid- distributing layers or fibres, form-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibres or the like. The absorption body 106 can naturally also consist of other types of absorption material, such as absorbent nonwoven material, absorbent foam, textile materials, peat or mixtures of different kinds of absorption material.

Special layers with the ability rapidly to receive quite large quantities of liquid and to retain this liquid temporarily, in order subsequently to release the temporarily stored liquid to different parts of the absorption body 106, can also be included in diapers of the prescribed kind. Such receiving layers are normally arranged for this purpose between the liquid-permeable covering layer 102 of the diaper 101 and the absorption body 106. No receiving layer is shown in Figure 1.

In order further to prevent liquid or faeces from leaking out via the side edges 112, 113 of the diaper 101 , the diaper 101 is provided with inner side leakage barriers 109 on the side that is intended to face towards the wearer when it is being worn. The inner side leakage barriers 109 are arranged adjacent to the longitudinal edges 110 of the absorption body 106 and extend essentially in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101. The respective inner side leakage barrier 109 is executed from a separate material strip 111 , which exhibits two essentially parallel longitudinal edges 116, 117. The material strip 111 is double-folded, in conjunction with which the longitudinal edges 116, 117 of the material strip 111 are arranged adjacent to one another. The edges 116, 117 of the material strip 111 are attached to the covering layer 102 and constitute the attached edge of the inner side leakage barrier. The folded edge of the material strip 111 constitutes the free edge of the inner side leakage barrier 109.

The inner side leakage barriers 109 are folded down and attached to the covering layer 102 on the front end part 121 and the rear end part 122 of the diaper 101. The inner side leakage barriers 109 comprise elastic elements 124 attached to the inner side leakage barriers 109 in their pre-tensioned state. The elastic elements 124 are conveniently arranged adjacent to the free edges of the inner side leakage barriers 109. When the pre-tensioned elastic elements 124 are released, they contract together with the free edges of the inner side leakage barriers 109, thereby causing the inner side leakage barriers 109 to be brought into a raised configuration remote from the liquid- permeable covering layer 102, at least, in the crotch part 123 of the diaper 101 , where the side leakage barriers 109 are not folded down and attached to the covering layer 102.

The rear and/or front parts of the diaper 101 can also be provided with so- called waist elastic 125, which consists of elastic devices arranged along the front transverse edge 114 and/or the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper

101 in order to provide the diaper 101 with a soft and pliable closure around the wearer's waist. In the illustrative embodiment described here, only the rear end part 122 of the diaper 101 is provided with waist elastic 125. In the example shown here, the waist elastic 125 consists of a thin strip of elastic foam material, which is attached by means of adhesive between the backing layer 104 and the liquid-permeable surface layer 102. The waist elastic 125 is applied in its stretched state between the layers 102, 104 in order to bring about a holding force which stretches the diaper 101 around the wearer's waist.

Two soft and inelastic attachment flaps 126 are arranged on the rear end part 122 for the purpose of securing the diaper 101 around a wearer. One attachment flap 126 is arranged for this purpose on each side part of the rear end part 122. The attachment flaps 126 connect the rear end part 122 to the front end part 121 when it is being worn by the attachment flaps 126 exhibiting fixing devices 127, which can be attached to a receiving part arranged on the front end part 121 of the diaper 101. The attachment flaps 126 are appropriately executed from a very soft and inelastic material, for example from a single nonwoven layer or a laminate.

The attachment flaps may be elastic in alternative embodiments. The fixing devices 127 preferably consist of male parts of a hook-and-loop material and are attached to the attachment flaps 126, for example with adhesive, on the side of the attachment flaps 126 which faces towards the receiving part of the diaper 101 when it is being worn.

The receiving part, which is not shown in Figure 1 , for the attachment flap

126 consists of a strip of a receiving material adapted for the fixing device

127 of the attachment flap 126. The receiving part extends essentially parallel to the front transverse edge 114 of the side of the diaper that faces away from the wearer when it is being worn, that is to say on the side of the backing layer 104 that faces away from the absorption body 106. In the illustrative embodiment described here, the material in the receiving part consists of a female part of a hook-and-loop material and is appropriately executed so that its extent in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101 corresponds to the width 129 of the attachment flaps 126. The receiving part extends largely over the width of the entire diaper 101 in the transverse direction of the diaper 101.

In alternative illustrative embodiments of a diaper, it is possible to consider the arrangement of separate receiving parts for the respective fixing devices 127, in which case the receiving parts are arranged in conjunction with the longitudinal edges 112, 113 of the diaper on the front transverse edge 114 of the diaper 101.

When putting the diaper 101 on an infant, the diaper 101 is placed between the infant's legs in the infant's crotch. The diaper 101 is then closed around the infant's waist by causing the attachment flaps 126 to overlap the front end part 121 so that the fixing devices 127 of the attachment flaps 126 can be applied to the receiving part in order to hold the diaper in place. The attachment flaps 126 are attached to the rear end part 122 in the attachment areas 130 that are positioned in the areas of the rear end part 122 which lie next to the lateral edges 112, 113 running in the longitudinal direction. The attachment areas 130 consist of parts of the attachment flaps 126 and those parts of the rear end part 122 that are attached to one another.

The fixing devices 127 of the attachment flaps 126 in alternative embodiments can consist of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, in which case the receiving part (not shown in Figure 1 ) consists of a material to which the selected pressure-sensitive adhesive of the fixing devices 127 can be attached so as to achieve the appropriate joint strength. Combinations of materials are usually selected so that the attachment between the fixing devices 127 and the receiving part can be opened and reclosed to allow the diaper 101 to be checked while it is being worn.

In alternative embodiments, the backing layer 104 can be adapted in such a way as to interact with the fixing devices 127 of the attachment flaps 126, in which case no special receiving part is required.

The diaper 101 is shown in Figure 1 b from the side that is intended to face away from the wearer when it is being worn.

A pattern 118 in the form of the word "REAR" is written in conjunction with the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper 101. The pattern 118 is arranged in this case directly on the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101.

In alternative embodiments, the pattern 118 can be arranged on a separate piece of material that has been attached to the backing layer of the diaper 101 by gluing, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding or the like. The pattern 118 can, in alternative embodiments, consist of images or symbols or a combination of images, text and symbols. The pattern 118 consists of a coloured pattern.

The pattern 118 in Figure 1b constitutes a user instruction and informs the wearer which end of the diaper 101 shall be positioned towards the rear when it is being worn. When wearing the diaper 101 , it is not wished for the user information to be visible.

The pattern 118 in alternative embodiments can consist of, for example, a warning text, user information, logotypes, a product name or product information, such as size, absorption capacity or the like. The pattern may, for example, consist of a certain colour which indicates the absorption ability of the article or a text message in the form of one or more letters or words which indicate the size or an instruction for use. A pattern 118 which informs of forthcoming new products or future product changes can also be envisaged.

The pattern can also be a decorative pattern, although since the task of a decorative pattern is to decorate the product, and the object of the invention is to conceal the pattern, the invention is not primarily envisaged for such patterns. The use of this invention for this type of pattern is also possible, however.

The diaper 101 in accordance with the invention is characterized first and foremost in that one or more material layers 119 are arranged over the pattern 118. The layer or layers of material 119 is or are essentially transparent when they are in the first state, in which case the pattern 118 is visible through the layer or layers of material 119.

When the layer or layers of material 119 is or are subjected to elongation, the layer or layers of material 119 is or are transformed from a first transparent state to a second, significantly less transparent state, in conjunction with which the pattern is concealed under the layer or layers of material 119.

The rest of this presentation describes the invention comprising a layer of material 119, although it is naturally obvious that the invention can contain several layers of material 119, in which case the layers of material 119 are stacked one on top of the other above the pattern 118. The pattern 118 is visible through the stack of layers of material 119 when these are in the first state. When the layers of material 119 are subjected to elongation and are transformed into the second state, the opacity of each layer of material 119 is increased, in conjunction with which the stack of layers of material 119 increases its opacity so that the pattern 118 is concealed at least partially under the stack of layers of material 119.

The layer of material 119 exhibits a rectangular form, in conjunction with which the layer of material 119 runs with its long sides parallel to the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper 101. Both end areas 120 of the layer of material 119 are attached to the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101 by means of ultrasonic welding, although in alternative embodiments they can be attached by means of gluing, thermal welding or the like.

The means by which the layer of material 119 is attached to the diaper 101 is not critical for the invention, although it is important to avoid a method of attachment which physically influences the layer of material 119 in such a way that its handling during attachment to the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101 causes it to be transformed fully or partially from its first state to its second state.

It is also important for the layer of material 119 to be attached to the diaper 101 in such a way that it is possible to elongate it sufficiently for the layer of material 119 to be capable of being transformed from its first, essentially transparent state into its second, at least partially opaque state. The layer of material 119 must, therefore, at the time when it is applied to the diaper 101 , be in its first, essentially transparent state and must remain so, at least until the diaper 101 is to be put on a wearer.

When the diaper 101 is put on a wearer, the diaper 101 is stretched around the wearer's waist when the attachment flaps 126 of the diaper 101 are attached to the front end part 121 of the diaper 101. The waist elastic 125 of the diaper 101 is stretched out in this case from its initially contracted state, in conjunction with which the layer of material 119 is caused to be elongated automatically together with the waist elastic 125.

When the first layer of material 119 is elongated in conjunction with the application of the diaper 101 on a wearer, the layer of material 119 is transformed into a second state, in conjunction with which this second state exhibits significantly less transparency compared with the first, non-elongated state. The result is thus that the pattern 118, which is arranged between the layer of material 119 and the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101 , is at least partially concealed.

A suitable combination of the thickness of the layer of material 119 and the distinctiveness of the pattern 118, that is to say a comparatively thick layer of material 119 combined with a comparatively diffuse pattern 118, will mean that the pattern 118 is concealed fully when the layer of material 119 is elongated and assumes its second state.

An alternative means of fully concealing the pattern 118 is to arrange two or more layers of material 119 in accordance with the invention over the pattern 118 that it is wished to conceal in conjunction with wearing the diaper 101.

For certain embodiments of the invention, it may be sufficient to make the pattern 118 less conspicuous when the diaper 101 is being worn, in which case it is acceptable for the layer of material 119 to conceal the pattern 118 only partially in its second state. An example of such an application is a diaper 101 that is intended to be worn under a pair of thin panties, for example, which panties are incapable of concealing a fully visible pattern, but are capable of concealing an already partially concealed or toned-down pattern 118.

The layer of material 119 with its associated pattern 118 is arranged in the described embodiment on the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper 101 adjacent to the waist elastic 125.

In alternative embodiments, the pattern 118 that it is wished to conceal when wearing the diaper 101 and the associated layer of material 119 can be positioned in some other elasticated zone on the diaper 101 which is stretched automatically in connection with wearing the diaper.

Examples of alternative positions include on the front side panels 131 or the rear side panels 132 of the diaper 101 , especially if these side panels 131 , 132 exhibit elastic characteristics. Another advantageous position is on the attachment tabs 126 of the diaper 101 , in those cases in which these are elastic. It is naturally also possible to position the pattern 118 and the layer of material 119 on the front end part 121 of the diaper adjacent to the front transverse edge 114 of the diaper 101 if the diaper 101 exhibits elastic characteristics on the front transverse edge 114.

In order to prevent the layer of material 119 arranged on the waist elastic 125 of the diaper 101 from becoming loose and baggy if the waist elastic 125 contracts after the initial elongation in conjunction with putting on the diaper 101 , it is appropriate to provide the layer of material 119 with elastic characteristics. It is possible, for example, to laminate the layer of material 119 together with a transparent elastic film, in which case the layer of material 119 will be caused to contract when the elastic film contracts. It is a well-known fact that certain plastic materials change colour and become white when they are subjected to visco-elastic elongation.

The transition from the first essentially transparent state of the layer of material 119 to the second, at least partially opaque state is irreversible and is caused by plastic deformation of the layer of material 119. The change in opacity is brought about by the formation of micro pores or cavities in the layer of material 119 when it undergoes plastic deformation as a consequence of the presence in the layer of material 119 of fillers in the form of solid particles which are not elongated with the rest of the material. These micro pores or cavities mean that the light is refracted and that a large proportion of the incident light is reflected instead of passing through the layer. It is also conceivable to provide the first layer with micro ampoules containing a pigment. By elongating the material, the micro ampoules will be caused to rupture, and the pigment will stain the layer.

Described in Patent US 5,190,812 is a film material that may conceivably be used for the material layer 119. The film material exhibits the characteristic that it is transformed from an essentially transparent state into an essentially opaque state by stretching. The film material also exhibits elastic characteristics, in which case it does not need to be laminated together with any transparent elastic film material before being used in the diaper 101 in accordance with the invention. The film is formed from fibres and consists of one or more elastic layers and one or more layers of non-elastic material.

Heat and pressure under controlled forms are used to produce a transparent film that becomes opaque when it is subjected to stretching. The elastic components in the film material exhibit residual elongation not exceeding 20% following elongation of circa 300% - 500%.

The opacity is brought about when the non-elastic components of the film material are subjected to plastic deformation during elongation, in conjunction with which the difference in opacity can already be noted after approximately 5% elongation. These characteristics can be influenced by varying the constituent components in the film material and its thickness. The patent describes suitable components and manufacturing methods for a film material that is suitable for the invention.

Patent US 5,200,247 presents an alternative film material that is transformed from being essentially transparent in its basic state to being essentially opaque when it is stretched. The described film material consists of a mixture of polycaprolacton (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Films that are produced exclusively with one or other component in the mixture are not opaque when stretched, but in the case of a mixture of the materials, the resulting film material becomes essentially opaque when it is stretched.

Examples 1 and 4 in Patent US 5,200,247 describe functional mixtures. Figure 5 in the same Patent shows how the materials produced in accordance with example 4 reduce the light transmission capacity for an increase in length of 200% (from 6 inches to 18 inches), which increase in length has been achieved by a varying rate of elongation. At a rate of elongation of circa 5 mm/sec, the light transmission capacity of the material is already reduced from circa 85% to circa 20% for one material in the current elongation. The change in the light transmission capacity in the film material takes place as a consequence of the formation of micro pores and micro cavities when the material is stretched, in conjunction with which the pores/cavities trap the light that would otherwise have passed through. Although the process described in US 5,200,247 relates mainly to the stretching of the layer of material in order to make it opaque before it is applied, for example to an absorbent article, it is obvious that it can be applied in a non-stretched transparent state in view of the statement that the material can be stretched at room temperature in order to cause it to become opaque. Reference is made to US 5,200,247 in its entirety for a more detailed description of the manufacturing process in its entirety and the components contained in the film.

Another suitable, commercially available film material is marketed by the ACE RKW Film Division in Liege, Belgium, under the product name CODE 728.

Although a description of a few conceivable materials that are suitable for inclusion in a diaper 101 in accordance with the invention is given above, a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these materials can be replaced by other materials exhibiting the same effect. The essential nature of the invention is that the characteristics of the material must satisfy the requirement that it is essentially transparent in its first state, and that the material in a second state, after it has been elongated, is at least partially opaque so that the pattern underneath the material is concealed at least partially. The choice of material itself is not of critical significance for as long as it cannot be regarded as being injurious to the health or, when other similar factors are taken into consideration, its use in a diaper 101 or some other absorbent article is undesirable.

It is, of course, also conceivable for the change in the state of the film material, from a transparent state to an essentially opaque state, to be initiated by alternative means, such as heating, moistening or the like. These methods are not considered to be as suitable, however, for achieving the aim of the invention.

The opacity value of a layer of material is a measure of the ability of the layer of material visually to conceal, for example, an underlying text through the layer of material. The opacity is measured as a percentage value, where an opacity of 100% indicates that nothing can be seen through the layer of material, and 0% indicates that the layer of material is fully transparent. The principle of an opacity measurement involves measuring the light reflectance factor (R₀) through a layer of material against a standardized black background, and the intrinsic reflectance factor (R∞) against a bundle of layers of material, in which case the bundle of layers of material is entirely opaque. The opacity is determined according to the formula 100 x R_o/R°°.

The measurements were performed in accordance with the ISO 2471 :1998 method, which is originally a method intended for measuring the opacity of white or almost white sheets of paper. However, the method also functions for those types of material that are suitable in the present invention.

The measurements were carried out using a Color Touch 2, model ISO, from Technidyne in the USA, in conjunction with which calibrations were performed in accordance with the manual supplied with the apparatus.

The measured opacity values consist of the mean values for five measurements.

The opacity of the CODE 728 film material from ACE Film Division (Liege, Belgium) was measured in its first non-stretched state, in conjunction with which the layer of material exhibited an opacity of 48.1 %, when a subjacent pattern is very clearly visible through the layer of material.

The same film material, when elongated by circa 200%, that is to say in its second state, exhibited an opacity of 76.2%, which is an acceptable opacity for the purpose of concealing a pattern at least partially. The film material in its first non-stretched state exhibited a thickness of 70 μm, and the material exhibited a thickness of 25 μm after elongation by circa 200%.

In a second measurement, two layers of CODE 728 film material from ACE Film Division were placed one on the other, after which the opacity of the double layers was measured. The layers exhibited an opacity of 70.5% in their first state, and an opacity of 89.1 % in their second, stretched state. For the purposes of this second measurement, too, the layers were stretched by circa 200% when they were in their second state. In this second measurement, each of the two layers exhibited the same thickness, in the stretched and in the non-stretched states respectively, as the single layer in the first measurement described above. A pattern was clearly visible through both layers when the layers were in their first state, but was essentially concealed after the layers had been transformed into their second state.

The diaper 101 also comprises a second pattern 135, arranged on the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101 on the front end part 121. The pattern 135 consists of three droplet-shaped symbols which indicate the absorption capacity of the diaper 101. The pattern 135 is arranged in an area of the backing layer that does not exhibit any elastic characteristics.

A second layer of material 136 in accordance with the invention is arranged over the pattern 135, in conjunction with which the layer of material 136 is essentially transparent when it is in a first state.

The layer of material 136 exhibits essentially square form, in conjunction with which two of the edges of the layer of material 136 are arranged essentially parallel to the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper 101.

The layer of material 136 is attached to the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101 along one of the edges of the layer of material 136 that is arranged perpendicular to the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper 101 by means of a permanent ultrasonically welded joint 137.

A separable glued joint 138 connects the opposite edge of the layer of material 136 to a surface 139 that has been treated with a release agent arranged on the backing layer 104. The glue in the glued joint 138 consists of pressure-sensitive hot-melt adhesive.

The surface 139 that has been treated with a release agent consists of a siliconized surface arranged on the backing layer 104.

In alternative embodiments, the surface 139 that has been treated with a release agent may consist of a separate piece of material that has been attached to the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101. The piece of material in this case may consist of a sheet of paper siliconized on one side, a waxed paper, an embossed plastic film or the like.

When wearing the diaper 101, it is possible to conceal the second pattern 135 manually by separating the separable glued joint 138 in one simple operation and by then elongating the layer of material 136 in the transverse direction of the diaper 101 to such an extent that it is transformed into its second, essentially less transparent state.

After elongation, the layer of material 136 is again attached to the backing layer 104 by means of the pressure-sensitive adhesive. Because the newly created glued joint will not be opened on any subsequent occasion, it is appropriate for the reclosure of the glued joint to be arranged against a surface on the backing layer 104 that has not been treated with a release agent. The layer of material 136 in its extended and resealed state is shown with a broken line in Figure 1b.

Figure 2 shows a pant diaper 201 intended for incontinent adult users.

The designations used in Figure 2, which have a corresponding designation in Figure 1 , have the same designation digit in the numerical series 200 - 299 as the corresponding designation in the numerical series 100 - 199 in Figure 1. For example, the backing layer of the open diaper 101 in Figure 1 has the designation 104, and the corresponding backing layer in Figure 2 has the designation 204.

The pant diaper 201 , which is shown from the front in a configuration resembling that when it is being worn, is constructed largely in the same way as the open diaper in Figure 1.

The pant diaper 201 differs primarily from the open diaper 101 in Figure 1 in that the pant diaper 201 is intended to be put on a wearer in the same way as a pair of underpants, that is to say to be passed over the legs. The front end part 221 and the rear end part 222 of the pant diaper 201 have already been connected together in this case in the waist area of the pant diaper 201 during manufacture, in conjunction with which the pant diaper 201 has been given the form of panties.

The waist connection 207 consists of an ultrasonic weld, but in alternative embodiments it can consist of a glued joint, a thermally welded joint, a sewn joint or the like.

It is customary today for pant diapers 201 to be capable of being opened and reclosed, in conjunction with which the connection 207 between the end parts 221 , 222 of the pant diaper 201 can be opened to permit inspection of the pant diaper 201 when it is being worn and can then be reclosed so that it can continue to be worn. It is usual in this case for the pant diaper 201 to have been provided with attachment flaps (not shown in the Figure), which can be used for reclosing after the prefabricated connection 207 has been separated and rendered unserviceable.

Pant diapers 201 that are capable of being opened, or separated, are also advantageous when the pant diaper 201 must be removed from a wearer after use, in particular if the pant diaper 201 is smeared with faeces. The waist connection 207 of the pant diaper 201 can be separated in this case when it is to be removed from a wearer so that the contaminated pant diaper 201 does not need to be passed over the wearer's legs and feet during removal.

As far as the positioning of patterns on the pant diaper 201 is concerned, they are usually positioned in appropriate locations corresponding to those indicated for the open diaper 101 in Figure 1.

Patterns may conceivably be present on the backing layer 204 adjacent to the front transverse edge 214 of the pant diaper 201 and/or adjacent to the rear transverse edge 215 of the pant diaper 201 , which form the waist of the pant diaper 201 and where the waist elastic 225 is arranged.

It is also conceivable to position patterns in alternative locations on the front and/or rear end part 221 , 222 of the pant diaper 201.

The pant diaper 201 is characterized in that it comprises a pattern 218 and a layer of material 219 functioning in accordance with the invention. The pattern 218 with its associated layer of material 219 is arranged on the waist elastic 225 on the front end part 221 of the pant diaper 201.

The entire arrangement comprising both the pattern 218 and the layer of material 219 consists of a prefabricated label 242.

Figure 2b shows a label 242, and Figure 2c shows an exploded view of how the label 242 is constructed.

The label 242 comprises a layer of material 219 functioning in accordance with the invention and a pattern layer 243 onto which the pattern 218 is printed. The pattern layer 243 is arranged closest to the waist elastic 225 of the pant diaper 201 and consists preferably of an elastic material that is capable of interacting with the waist elastic 225 when the latter is elongated or contracted.

The layer of material 219 is laminated on the pattern layer 243 on the side of the pattern layer 243 that faces away from the waist elastic 225.

The layer of material 219 is characterized first and foremost in that it is capable of exhibiting two different states, a first essentially transparent state and a second at least partially opaque state. The layer of material 219 exhibits its first essentially transparent state when the label 242 is applied to the waist elastic 225 of the pant diaper 201. When the layer of material 224 is elongated, the layer of material 219 is transformed into its second, at least partially opaque state, which normally takes place when the pant diaper 201 is to be worn, in conjunction with which the waist elastic 225 is elongated in conjunction with the application of the pant diaper 201 to the wearer.

Because the pattern layer 243 and the layer of material 219 are laminated together after the pattern layer 243 has been provided with its pattern 218, the pattern 218 is enclosed inside the laminate.

On the side of the pattern layer 243 that faces towards the waist elastic 225, the pattern layer 243 is already coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive in conjunction with manufacture of the labels, in which case the labels 242 can be applied without requiring the application of any adhesive in conjunction with application of the label 242 to the pant diaper 201.

In alternative embodiments, the labels 242 can be supplied to the production machine for pant diapers 201 without being coated with adhesive, in which case the labels 242 must be coated with adhesive in conjunction with their application to the pant diapers 201. The labels 242 are usually supplied in roll form, in which case individual labels 242 are separated from the roll in conjunction with their application to the pant diaper 201.

Figure 3 shows a belt diaper 301 in accordance with the invention from the side which, when it is being worn, is intended to face towards the wearer, and Figure 3b shows the same belt diaper 301 from the opposite side. The designations used in Figure 3, which have a corresponding designation in Figure 1 and/or Figure 2, have the same designation digit in the numerical series 300 - 399 as the corresponding designation in the numerical series 100 - 199 in Figure 1 and in the numerical series 200 - 299 in Figure 2.

The belt diaper 301 differs from an open diaper in that its attachment arrangement comprises an elastic belt 328 intended to enclose the wearer's waist, in conjunction with which the belt comprises a fixing device 327 for fixing the belt 328 around the wearer's waist.

The belt 328 is attached to a rear transverse edge 315 and extends in a transverse direction in relation to the absorption body 306 of the belt diaper 301.

In alternative embodiments, the belt diaper 301 can comprise two belt halves, in which case the respective half of the belt is joined to the liquid-permeable covering layer 302 and/or the backing layer 304 of the belt diaper 301 on the longitudinal edges 312, 313 of the belt diaper 301 next to the rear transverse edge 315.

The attachment arrangement also comprises two front fixing devices 340 arranged on the longitudinal edges 312, 313 of the belt diaper 301 next to the front transverse edge 314. The front fixing devices 340 are intended to be fixed to the belt 328 in conjunction with the application of the belt diaper 301 to a wearer.

The front fixing devices 340 comprise hook-and-loop elements 341 intended to interact with the side of the belt 328 that is intended to face away from the wearer when the diaper is being worn.

In alternative embodiments, the front fixing devices 340 can comprise adhesive elements intended to be fixed to the surface of the belt 328 facing away from the wearer. The belt 328 in this case must include surfaces intended to interact with the adhesive elements.

When the belt diaper 301 is to be applied to a wearer, the belt 328 is fixed around the wearer's waist as a first stage. The absorption part of the belt diaper 301 comprising, among other things, the front transverse edge 314 and the absorption body 306, is then passed between the wearer's legs, after which two front fixing devices 340 are finally attached to the side of the belt 328 facing away from the wearer.

A pattern 318 is arranged on the elastic belt 328 of the belt diaper 301 , in conjunction with which the pattern 318 is arranged directly on a material layer 319 functioning in accordance with the invention.

The pattern 318 is arranged (printed) as a mirror-image on the side of the layer of material 319 that faces towards the wearer when the belt diaper 301 is being worn. The pattern 318 is intended to be seen through the layer 319 of material, in conjunction with which it faces the right way when it is observed through the layer of material 319.

The layer of material 319 is attached to the side of the elastic belt 328 that faces away from the wearer when the diaper is being worn. The layer of material 319 is a layer of material 319 in accordance with the invention exhibiting a first essentially transparent state and a second essentially less transparent state. The second state of the layer of material 319 is achieved after elongation of the layer of material 319, in conjunction with which the elongation arises in conjunction with the elongation of the belt 328 when it is applied around the waist of the wearer.

This embodiment means that only one layer of material 319 is required in order to effect the invention, which reduces the costs relating to the invention. The layer of material 319 containing the pattern can naturally be prefabricated and provided with adhesive on the side that is intended to be connected to the belt 328.

Patterns 318 with associated layers of material in accordance with the invention can, in the case of alternative belt diapers 301 , be positioned on the backing layer 304 adjacent to the front transverse edge 314. In the case of belt diapers 301 that exhibit two belt halves, it is also customary for the pattern 318 to be positioned on the backing layer 304 adjacent to the rear transverse edge 315.

It is also a customary occurrence for patterns to be positioned on the front and/or rear end part of the belt diaper 301 or on the front fixing devices 340.

A second layer of material 336 in accordance with the invention is arranged above a second pattern 335 on the belt diaper 301.

The pattern 335 and the layer of material 336 are arranged on the front transverse edge 314 of the belt diaper 301.

The second pattern 335 and the associated second layer of material 336 function in the same way as the layer of material 136 and the pattern 135 described in conjunction with Figure 1 b above, that is to say manual stretching of the layer of material 336 is required in order to generate opacity to conceal the pattern 335. The arrangement is intended to indicate that a particular special measure has been executed with regard to the use of the belt diaper 301. For example, after a carer on a hospital ward has checked the status of the belt diaper 301 with regard to the amount of urine contained therein, the carer activates the layer of material 336 manually, in conjunction with which the pattern 335 is concealed at least partially, in order to indicate that the check in question has been carried out. The indication can naturally also relate to the indication of other activities that have been performed in relation to the wearer of the belt diaper 301.

The invention also extends to all conceivable combinations of the described illustrative embodiments.

Furthermore, the invention is not restricted to the abovementioned illustrative embodiments, but is naturally applicable to other embodiments within the scope of the following Patent Claims.

Claims

^ 118886ARΘ/AMD35CLAIMS

1. Absorbent article (101, 201, 301) for disposable use having at least one pattern (118, 135, 218, 318, 335), characterized i n that the pattern (118, 135, 218, 318, 335) is covered by at least one layer of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) attached to the article, which layer of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) is essentially transparent in a first state and the pattern (118, 135, 218, 318, 335) is visible through the layer of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) when the layer of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) is in the first state, and in that the layer of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) is caused by elongation to be transformed into a second state, in conjunction with which the opacity of the layer of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) increases and the pattern (118, 135, 218, 318, 335) is concealed at least partially by the layer of material (119, 136, 219,319,336).

2. Absorbent article (101 , 201 , 301 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) which covers or cover the pattern (118, 135, 218, 318, 335) exhibits or exhibit a combined opacity of not more than 70.5% according to the method described in ISO 2471:1988 when the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) is or are in the first state.

3. Absorbent article (101 , 201 , 301 ) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) which covers or cover the pattern (118, 135, 218, 318, 335) exhibits or exhibit a combined opacity of at least 76.2% measured according to the method described in ISO 2471:1988 when the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) has or have been transformed into the second state.

4. Absorbent article (101, 201, 301) according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the pattern (118, 135, 218, 318, 335) is essentially concealed when the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) has or have been transformed into the second state.

5. Absorbent article (101, 201, 301) according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that changing the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) from the first state to the second state is achieved by elongating the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136, 219, 319, 336) by 10-200%.

6. Absorbent article (101, 301) according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in the pattern (118, 135, 335) is arranged on that side of the backing layer (104, 204, 304) of the absorbent article (101, 201,

301) that faces outwards when it is being worn, in conjunction with which the pattern (118, 135, 335) is covered by the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 136,336).

7. Absorbent article (201 ) according to any one of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the pattern (218) is arranged on a separate pattern layer (243) arranged on that side of the absorbent article (201 ) which faces outwards when it is being worn, in conjunction with which the pattern (218) is covered by the layer or layers of material (219).

8. Absorbent article (201 ) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the layer or layers of material (219) and the pattern layer (243) are laminated together and constitute a prefabricated label (242).

9. Absorbent article (301 ) according to any one of Claims 1 -5, characterized in that the pattern (318) is arranged on the layer of material (319) arranged closest to the wearer and intended to conceal the pattern (318), in conjunction with which the pattern (318) is arranged on the side of the aforementioned layer of material (319) that faces towards the wearer when it is being worn.

10. Absorbent article (101, 201, 301) according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 219, 319) is or are attached to an elasticated surface of the article (101, 201, 301), in conjunction with which the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 219, 319) is or are elongated automatically when the surface to which the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 219, 319) is or are attached is elongated.

11. Absorbent article (101 , 201 , 301 ) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the layer of material or the layers of material (119, 219) is or are arranged in the elasticated waist part of the absorbent article (101, 201).

12. Absorbent article (301 ) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the layer of material or the layers of material (319) is or are arranged on the elasticated belt (328) of the absorbent article (301).

13. Absorbent article (101) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the layer of material or the layers of material is or are arranged on the elasticated attachment flaps (126) of the article (101).

14. Absorbent article (101 , 201 , 301 ) according to any one of Claims 10-13, characterized in that the layer of material or the layers of material contracts or contract when the surface to which the layer of material or the layers of material is or are attached contract.

15. Absorbent article (101, 301) according to any one of Claims 1 -

9, characterized in the layer of material or the layers of material (136, 336) is or are intended to be elongated manually in order to change the layer of material or the layers of material (136, 336) from the first essentially transparent state into the second essentially opaque state.