# US 10,307,299 B2 · Method of producing a multi-layered printed absorbent article > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,307,299 B2 - Document ID: US10307299B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/943,816 - Filed: 2018-04-03 - Published: 2018-08-09 - Granted: 2019-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2008-08-08 - Assignees: The Procter & Gamble Company - Applicants: The Procter & Gamble Company - Inventors: David Christopher Oetjen - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10307299B2 ## CPC - A61F 13/15699: {Forming webs by bringing together several webs, e.g. by laminating or folding several webs, with or without additional treatment of the webs} - A61F 13/15739: {Sealing, e.g. involving cutting} - A61F 13/15764: {Transferring, feeding or handling devices; Drives} - A61F 13/472: specially adapted for female use - A61F 13/51394: {creating a visual effect, e.g. having a printed or coloured topsheet, printed or coloured sub-layer but being visible from the topsheet, other than embossing for purposes of bonding, wicking, acquisition, leakage-prevention} - A61F 13/51496: {having visual effects} - A61F 13/84: Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads - B32B 5/00: Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure {, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts} - B32B 5/022: {Non-woven fabric} - B32B 5/024: {Woven fabric} - B32B 5/08: the fibres or filaments of a layer being of different substances {, e.g. conjugate fibres, mixture of different fibres} - B32B 5/22: characterised by the presence of two or more layers which {are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed (layer formed of natural mineral fibres or particles next to a foam layer B32B19/047, next to a layer made of particles B32B19/048, or next to a fibrous or filamentary layer B32B19/06; paper layer or cardboard layer next to a paper layer or cardboard layer B32B29/005, next to a foam layer B32B29/007, next to a fibrous or filamentary layer B32B29/02, or next to a particulate layer B32B29/04)} - B32B 5/26: another layer {next to it} also being fibrous or filamentary {(relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of different layers B32B5/12)} - B32B 27/12: next to a fibrous or filamentary layer - B32B 38/0004: {Cutting, tearing or severing, e.g. bursting; Cutter details (cutting in general B26D; laminating combined with punching or perforating B32B38/04; removing all or part of the layers B32B38/10; cutting in combination with laying up and registration B32B38/185 takes precedence)} - B32B 38/145: {Printing} - B41J 11/70: cutting perpendicular to the direction of paper feed - D04H 1/4374: using different kinds of webs, e.g. by layering webs - A61F 2013/8497: {having decorations or indicia means} - B32B 2262/02: Synthetic macromolecular fibres - B32B 2262/06: Vegetal fibres - B32B 2262/14: Mixture of at least two fibres made of different materials - B32B 2307/402: Coloured - B32B 2307/4023: on the layer surface, e.g. ink - B32B 2307/58: Cuttability - B32B 2307/726: Permeability to liquids, absorption - B32B 2307/75: Printability - B32B 2555/00: Personal care - B32B 2555/02: Diapers or napkins - B41M 3/008: {Sequential or multiple printing, e.g. on previously printed background; Mirror printing; Recto-verso printing; using a combination of different printing techniques; Printing of patterns visible in reflection and by transparency; by superposing printed artifacts} - Y10T 156/1052: with cutting, punching, tearing or severing - Y10T 156/1074: Separate cutting of separate sheets or webs - Y10T 156/1084: of continuous or running length bonded web - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) - B32B: LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM - B41J: TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS - D04H: MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL (weaving D03; knitting D04B; braiding D04C; net-making D04G; sewing D05B; tufting D05C; finishing non-woven fabrics D06); FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING {; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION}(non-woven fabrics having an intermediate or external layer of a different kind, e.g. of woven fabric, B32B) - B41M: PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING, (correction of typographical errors B41J; processes for applying transfer pictures or the like B44C1/16; fluid media for correction of typographical errors by coating C09D10/00; printing textiles D06P) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A method for producing a multi-layered absorbent articles is disclosed. At least two of the layers include a colored region. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of producing a multi-layered absorbent articles having two or more colored regions, the absorbent articles each comprising a lateral centerline and a longitudinal centerline, the method comprising the steps of: supplying materials for a first plurality of absorbent articles to an absorbent article converting line, the materials comprising: a printed first precursor web having a first colored region; a second precursor web; and an absorbent core web; printing a second colored region onto the second precursor web, wherein the first colored region is laterally more extensive than the second colored region, wherein the first colored region and the second colored region are longitudinally spaced apart; cutting the second precursor web and/or the absorbent core web creating individual sheets of the second precursor web and/or individual sheets of the absorbent core web; placing the individual sheets of the second precursor web and/or the absorbent core web onto the first precursor web forming an absorbent article web; cutting the absorbent article web into a first plurality of individual absorbent articles; packaging in a plurality of first packages the first plurality of individual absorbent articles; supplying materials for a second plurality of absorbent articles to an absorbent article converting line, the materials comprising: a printed third precursor web having a third colored region; a fourth precursor web; and an absorbent core web; printing a fourth colored region onto the fourth precursor web, wherein the third colored region is laterally more extensive than the fourth colored region, wherein the third colored region and the fourth colored region are longitudinally spaced apart, and wherein the second colored region is different than the fourth colored region; cutting the fourth precursor web and/or the absorbent core web creating individual sheets of the fourth precursor web and/or individual sheets of the absorbent core web; placing the individual sheets of the fourth precursor web and/or the absorbent core web onto the third precursor web forming a second absorbent article web; cutting the second absorbent article web into a second plurality of individual absorbent articles; and packaging in a plurality of second packages the second plurality of individual absorbent articles. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the second and fourth colored regions are provided via non-contact printing. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, wherein the non-contact printing is done using an ink jet process. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the first precursor web and the second precursor web are supplied to the converting line concurrently. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of absorbent articles comprises feminine sanitary napkins. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the third precursor web and the fourth precursor web are supplied to the converting line concurrently. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of absorbent articles comprise feminine sanitary napkins having a central region and a periphery. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the fourth colored region is disposed in the central region of one of the second plurality of feminine sanitary napkins and the third colored region is disposed between the fourth colored region and the periphery of the second plurality of feminine sanitary napkins. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of combining a backsheet web with the first precursor web such that the individual sheets of second precursor web and/or absorbent core web are disposed between the first precursor web and the backsheet web. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of combining a backsheet web with the third precursor web such that the individual sheets of fourth precursor web and/or absorbent core web are disposed between the third precursor web and backsheet web. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein the second precursor web and/or the fourth precursor web are films. ### Claim 12 A method of producing a multi-layered absorbent articles having two or more colored regions, the absorbent articles each comprising a lateral centerline and a longitudinal centerline, the method comprising the steps of: supplying materials for a first plurality of absorbent articles to an absorbent article converting line, the materials comprising: a first precursor web; a printed second precursor web having a second colored region; and an absorbent core web; printing a first colored region onto the first precursor web, wherein the first colored region is laterally more extensive than the second colored region, wherein the first colored region and the second colored region are longitudinally spaced apart; cutting the second precursor web and/or the absorbent core web creating individual sheets of the second precursor web and/or individual sheets of the absorbent core web; placing the individual sheets of the second precursor web and/or the absorbent core web onto the first precursor web forming an absorbent article web; cutting the absorbent article web into a first plurality of individual absorbent articles; packaging in a plurality of first packages the first plurality of individual absorbent articles; supplying materials for a second plurality of absorbent articles to an absorbent article converting line, the materials comprising: a third precursor web; a printed fourth precursor web having a fourth colored region; and an absorbent core web; printing a third colored region onto the third precursor web, wherein the third colored region is laterally more extensive than the fourth colored region, wherein the third colored region and the fourth colored region are longitudinally spaced apart, and wherein the second colored region is different than the fourth colored region; cutting the fourth precursor web and/or the absorbent core web creating individual sheets of the fourth precursor web and/or individual sheets of the absorbent core web; placing the individual sheets of the fourth precursor web and/or the absorbent core web onto the third precursor web forming a second absorbent article web; cutting the second absorbent article web into a second plurality of individual absorbent articles; and packaging in a plurality of second packages the second plurality of individual absorbent articles. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the first and third colored regions are provided via contact printing. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the first plurality of absorbent articles comprises feminine sanitary napkins having a central region and a periphery. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second pluralities of absorbent articles comprise feminine sanitary napkins having a central region and a periphery. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the fourth colored region is disposed in the central region of one of the second plurality of feminine sanitary napkins and the third colored region is disposed between the fourth colored region and the periphery of the second plurality of feminine sanitary napkins. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of combining a backsheet web with the first precursor web such that the individual sheets of second precursor web and/or absorbent core web are disposed between the first precursor web and the backsheet web. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of combining a backsheet web with the third precursor web such that the individual sheets of fourth precursor web and/or absorbent core web are disposed between the third precursor web and backsheet web. ### Claim 19 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12 wherein the second precursor web and/or the fourth precursor web are films. ### Claim 20 A method of producing multi-layered absorbent articles having two or more colored regions, the absorbent articles comprising a lateral centerline and a longitudinal centerline, the method comprising the steps of: a) supplying a first precursor web; b) supplying a second precursor web; c) supplying absorbent material; d) joining the first precursor web, the second precursor web, and the absorbent material; e) cutting the joined first precursor web, second precursor web, and absorbent material to define a plurality of individual absorbent articles; and f) packaging the plurality of individual absorbent articles into a single package; g) wherein the first precursor web comprises a first colored region comprising a first design that is not altered; and h) wherein the second precursor web comprises a second color region comprising a second design that changes so the at least some of the plurality of individual absorbent articles within the single package appear different from each other. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The method of claim 20, wherein the first colored region and/or the second colored region are provided via non-contact printing. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, wherein the non-contact printing is done using an ink jet process. ### Claim 23 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality of individual absorbent articles comprises feminine sanitary napkins. ### Claim 24 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, wherein the first color region is disposed in a central region, and wherein the second color regions is disposed outboard of the central region. ### Claim 25 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21 wherein the first precursor web and/or the second precursor web are films. ### Claim 26 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first precursor web or the second precursor web are nonwovens. ### Claim 27 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, wherein first precursor web or the second precursor web comprises both a nonwoven and film. ### Claim 28 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality of individual absorbent articles comprises infant diapers or children's training pants. ### Claim 29 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, wherein the step of supplying a first precursor web and/or the step of supplying a second precursor web comprises a printed web. ### Claim 30 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of forming a second plurality of absorbent articles comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent system disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and packaging the second plurality of absorbent articles in a second package, wherein at least one of the topsheet and/or the backsheet is printed via non-contact or contact printing. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the topsheet of the second plurality of absorbent articles comprises a nonwoven. ### Claim 32 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the topsheet of the second plurality of absorbent articles comprises a film. ### Claim 33 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the topsheet of the second plurality of absorbent articles comprises a film and a nonwoven. ### Claim 34 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of individual absorbent articles or the second plurality of absorbent articles comprises infant diapers or children's training pants. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) The method of claim 34, wherein the plurality of individual absorbent articles or the second plurality of absorbent articles comprises feminine sanitary pads. ### Claim 36 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the backsheet comprises a first color region and a second color region, wherein the second color region is disposed outboard of the first color region. ### Claim 37 (depends on 36) The method of claim 36, wherein the first color region is provided via contact printing and wherein the second color region is provided via non-contact printing.