Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080243099 | Absorbent articles with external access to internal conductors - An absorbent article includes a liner and an outercover in facing relation and at least one conductive element located between the liner and the outercover. At least a portion of the conductive element is exposed through the liner and/or the outercover to define at least one external contact point. The external contact point defines a perimeter and the liner and/or the outercover is sealed about the perimeter. The contact points provide external access to the internal conductive elements. | 10-02-2008 |
20080265170 | UV detection devices and methods - A portable UV detection apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device integrated with a skin type measuring device. A controller can be included in the apparatus that is in communication with the skin type measuring device and the UV detection device. The controller can provide information to the user regarding the amount of ultraviolet radiation present in the environment. In an alternative embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device in conjunction with a light sensor. The light sensor can be configured to activate the UV detection device should light at a particular intensity be present in the environment. The UV detection device as described above can be configured to measure UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and/or UVC radiation. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266122 | Wetness sensor with audible signal for an absorbent article - A signaling device for absorbent articles is disclosed. A signaling device is configured to be electrically connected to a wetness sensor contained in the absorbent article. When a conductive substance is detected in the absorbent article, the wetness sensor is activated causing the signaling device to emit an audible signal. In accordance with the present disclosure, the signaling device is adjusted and configured such that the audible signal emits and adjusted so that the audible signal has a frequency or range of frequencies that maximizes perceived loudness in a particular environment. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266123 | Embedded antenna for sensing article - Disclosed is an insult-sensing absorbent article including an absorbent assembly, an insult-sensing means coupled to the absorbent assembly, and a tuned antenna system coupled to the insult-sensing means. Also disclosed is a method for indicating an insult to an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer, the method including providing an absorbent article including a conductive element; providing an antenna system associated with the absorbent article, the antenna system including a signal generator and an antenna, wherein the antenna includes the conductive element, and wherein the antenna system is adapted to transmit a signal; and maximizing the receivability of the signal by optimizing an aspect of the antenna system. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269703 | Absorbent article featuring leakage warning - Disclosed is an absorbent article for preventing leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to provide a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly. Also disclosed is an absorbent article for providing a wearer with a warning of potential leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent the absorbent assembly, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to impart a physical sensation to the wearer. | 10-30-2008 |
20080284608 | Connection Mechanisms in Absorbent Articles for Body Fluid Signaling Devices - Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least two conductive elements that form an open circuit within the article. Each conductive element is connected to a conductive pad member that has sufficient surface area in order to facilitate connection to a signaling device. In accordance with the present disclosure, various attachment mechanisms are disclosed for attaching the pad members to a signaling device. In particular, although the absorbent articles are disposable, the signaling device is intended to be used with multiple absorbent articles. Therefore, a simple and efficient method of connecting the signaling device to the pad members provides various advantages. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the pad members comprise a conductive loop-type material that is attached to a corresponding conductive hook-type material on the signaling device. | 11-20-2008 |
20090058072 | Record sheets with integrated themes - A recording tool is provided for tracking absorbent article use, the tool including an ordinal number for each absorbent article for a given day; associated with each absorbent article, a non-alphanumeric health condition graphical representation of whether the absorbent article indicates the health condition, wherein the health condition graphical representation is thematically related to the health condition; and associated with the given day, a health condition assessment summarizing the absorbent articles indicating the health condition, wherein the health condition can be wetness. The recording tool can also include, associated with each absorbent article, a fecal content graphical representation of whether the absorbent article includes fecal content, wherein the fecal content graphical representation is thematically related to the fecal content. | 03-05-2009 |
20090062756 | Signaling Device For Disposable Products - A signaling device for garments is disclosed. The signaling devices, for instance, may be attached to an absorbent article containing a wetness sensing system. In particular, the signaling device may be configured to emit an audible and/or visible signal when a conductive fluid is sensed in the absorbent article. In accordance with the present disclosure, the signaling device is designed based upon anthropomorphic data so that the signaling device can fit within the small of the back of a wearer while minimizing discomfort. The signaling device can also be made from various materials that provide some protection to the internal components of the signaling device while also minimizing discomfort. | 03-05-2009 |
20090062757 | Wetness indicator with hydrophanous element for an absorbent article - An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted. | 03-05-2009 |
20090062758 | Method and device for determining the need to replace an absorbent article - A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including a counter to count the number of discrete insults, a timer to monitor the elapsed time that the article has been worn, and an alarm to indicate that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit or that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, whichever occurs first. The signaling device can be adapted to indicate one of first, second, and third conditions, the first condition being that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit, the second condition being that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, and the third condition being the first to occur of either of the first and second conditions, and wherein the condition to be indicated is selected by the wearer or by a caregiver. | 03-05-2009 |
20090155753 | Behavior Tracking with Tracking Pods - In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for tracking behavior is described. The system includes at least one computing device adapted to receive data from at least one tracking pod, generate at least one report utilizing at least a portion of the data, and provide a user access to the data and the at least one report. The data indicates a behavior. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157022 | ABSORBENT ARTICLES HAVING A WETNESS INDICATOR - Absorbent articles including a wetness indicator are generally described. The wetness indicator of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the wetness indicator is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the wetness indicator does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the wetness indicator does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the wetness indicator can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157032 | ABSORBANT ARTICLES HAVING A COMPRESSED TABLET - Absorbent articles including a compressed tablet are generally described. The compressed tablet of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the compressed tablet is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the compressed tablet does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the compressed tablet does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the compressed tablet can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article. | 06-18-2009 |
20090221980 | Absorbent Article Having An Olfactory Wetness Signal - Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. The wetness sensor includes an olfactory signaling device that produces a scent or odor when a body fluid is detected. For instance, in one embodiment, an odorous composition can be contained in a water degradable pouch that releases the odorous composition when contacted with moisture. Once released, the odorous composition can produce a desired scent. In other embodiments, the odorous composition can be encapsulated within a water degradable material or can be coated on a substrate. The scent or odor that is released by the odorous composition can vary depending upon the particular application. The scent, for instance, may be pleasant or unpleasant. In one embodiment, the olfactory signaling device may be used to assist in toilet training a child. | 09-03-2009 |
20090240220 | Compressed Substrates Configured to Deliver Active Agents - A compressed substrate having an altered upper surface is generally disclosed. The compressed substrate is configured to expand in the z-direction upon contact with a liquid to form an expanded substrate without substantially expanding in either the x-direction or the y-direction. The altered upper surface of the expanded substrate has an expanded surface area that is at least about 110% of the initial surface area of the compressed substrate. The compressed substrate is constructed from a compression molded web and includes an active agent. The compressed substrate can be included within the construction of an absorbent article to transfer the active agent to a wearer. The upper surface of a compressed substrate can be altered after formation of the compressed substrate. Alternatively, the upper surface of the compressed substrate can be altered during the compression process. | 09-24-2009 |
20090295657 | Radiating Element For A Signal Emitting Apparatus - A radiating element made from a conductive-nonwoven web is incorporated into a signal emitting apparatus. The signal emitting apparatus, for instance, may comprise an RFID tag. The conductive-nonwoven web contains, in one embodiment, conductive fibers combined with pulp fibers. The conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. The nonwoven web may be made using a conventional paper-making process. The resulting conductive web is not only well suited for use as an antenna, but is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily incorporated into numerous products. | 12-03-2009 |
20090325221 | Temporary Tattoo Decals for Detecting the Presence of an Analyte - Temporary tattoos to be applied to the skin of a wearer for the detection of an analyte are generally disclosed. The temporary tattoo can be applied to the skin via a temporary tattoo decal. The temporary tattoo can indicate the presence of an analyte by displaying a certain spectral response (e.g., color change) in the presence of a targeted analyte. This change in color can indicate to the wearer and/or caregiver the presence of the targeted analyte in real-time. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326491 | Methods For Assisting Caregivers in Facilitating Toilet Training - A method for assisting a caregiver in determining when to select a next generation product for facilitating toilet training. The method includes the steps of providing information to a caregiver about a second absorbent product, such as a next generation product, while the caregiver is using a first absorbent product in conjunction with a child. The child, for instance, may not have started toilet training or may be in the process of toilet training. Based upon a behavioral or wetness characteristic of the child, recommendations are made to the caregiver when it is time to switch to the next generation product to facilitate toilet training. For instance, in one embodiment, the method may include comparing a wetness characteristic of the child with a readiness target. Once the readiness target is met, a recommendation may be made to the caregiver to switch to a product that includes a toilet training feature not present in the product currently being worn by the child. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326495 | Collection Pouches in Absorbent Articles - Absorbent articles having a pouch for the collection of bodily waste are generally disclosed. The pouch can generally be located on or within the wearer contacting surface of an absorbent article. The pouch can have an opening ready to receive the bodily waste or can include a pouch opening mechanism. Additionally, a pouch closing mechanism can be included within the absorbent article to close the opening of the pouch upon collection of the bodily waste. | 12-31-2009 |
20100152688 | Wetness sensor insert - An insert for sensing a bodily fluid or condition and for use in conjunction with an undergarment or a disposable absorbent article is provided, the insert including a first substrate having a first substrate article-facing surface and a first substrate body-facing surface, a second substrate having a second substrate body-facing surface, and an absorbent element disposed between the first and second substrates. The insert also includes two conductive elements disposed between the second substrate body-facing surface and the first substrate article-facing surface, wherein the conductive elements are adapted to be removably connectable to a signaling device. Also provided is an insert including a first substrate having a first substrate article-facing surface; and two conductive elements disposed on the first substrate, wherein each conductive element comprises conductive paper or tissue, and wherein the conductive elements are adapted to be removably connectable to a signaling device. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152689 | Physical sensation absorbent article - An absorbent article is provided including a liquid impermeable outercover, an absorbent body disposed on the outercover, and a body-facing inner surface including body adhesive disposed thereon. The absorbent article also includes a physical sensation member disposed between the absorbent body and the wearer, the physical sensation member adapted to provide a physical sensation to the wearer when the physical sensation member is contacted by a bodily exudate. The absorbent article is also provided including a liquid impermeable outercover, an absorbent body disposed on the outercover, and a physical sensation member disposed on the absorbent body, the physical sensation member adapted to provide a physical sensation to the wearer. The absorbent article also provides a liquid permeable, wherein the liner includes a body-facing inner surface including body adhesive disposed thereon. | 06-17-2010 |
20100164733 | Remote Detection Systems For Absorbent Articles - Signaling systems are disclosed that indicate a change in an absorbent article, such as the presence of a body fluid. The various different signaling systems disclosed do not include any conductive elements contained on the interior of the article as were required in the past. Instead, the changes are monitored from the outer cover of the article. In one embodiment, for instance, conductive zones are formed directly into the outer cover for forming the signaling system. Alternatively, a sensor may be mounted to the outer cover of the article for monitoring changes within the article. The sensor may comprise, for instance, a temperature sensor, a conductivity sensor, an optical sensor, a vibration sensor, a humidity sensor, a material expansion sensor, a chemical sensor, or the like. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168702 | Conductor-Less Detection System For An Absorbent Article - Signaling systems are disclosed that indicate a change in an absorbent article, such as the presence of a body fluid. The various different signaling systems disclosed do not include any conductive elements contained on the interior of the article as were required in the past. Instead, the changes are monitored from the outer cover of the article. In one aspect, for instance, a signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a capacitive sensor disposed within the housing, the capacitive sensor adapted to sense a change in capacitance due to an insult to the absorbent article. The signaling device can include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article. | 07-01-2010 |
20110144602 | Absorbent Article With Shorter Rise And Tactile Training Cue - A pant-like absorbent article is provided including an absorbent chassis defining a waist opening and first and second leg openings, the absorbent chassis including an absorbent assembly. The absorbent chassis has a longitudinal length and the waist opening having an unstretched circumference, such that the longitudinal length is proportional to the unstretched circumference of the waist opening by a ratio less than 0.82. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator for alerting a wearer to a release of liquid body exudates, the wetness indicator including a physical sensation agent responsive to liquid body exudates received by the absorbent article to facilitate a physical sensation against the wearer's skin for alerting the wearer to the wearer's release of liquid body exudates. | 06-16-2011 |
20110152806 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A SIGNAL COMPOSITE - An absorbent article comprises a signal composite comprising a carrier substrate layer, a first stimulation layer, a second stimulation layer, a first thermoplastic adhesive layer and a second thermoplastic adhesive layer. The carrier substrate layer is disposed as a bottom layer of the signal composite. The first stimulation layer comprises a first stimulation material and is disposed above and adjacent to the carrier substrate layer. The second stimulation layer comprises a second stimulation material and is disposed above and adjacent to the first stimulation layer to provide the body-facing surface of the signal composite. The first thermoplastic adhesive layer is liquid permeable or water-soluble and is disposed between and adjacent to the carrier substrate layer and the first stimulation layer. The second thermoplastic adhesive layer is liquid permeable or water-soluble and is disposed between the first stimulation layer and the second stimulation layer. | 06-23-2011 |
20110152816 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING IMPROVED SIGNAL MEMBER - An absorbent article comprises a signal element having a body-facing surface, a garment-facing surface, a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a z-direction. The signal element includes a water-soluble polymeric buffering film and a stimulation material. The water-soluble polymeric buffering film comprises a water-soluble base polymer. In some aspects, the stimulation material comprises a temperature change agent, and the signal element exhibits a surface temperature change of at least +/−2° C. In some aspects, the signal element exhibits a stimulation effect over at least two aqueous insults. | 06-23-2011 |
20120116337 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCT AND SIGNALING DEVICE MATCHING - The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use. | 05-10-2012 |
20120157947 | Attachment Means For A Conductor-Less Detection System For An Absorbent Article - A wetness sensing system for use with an absorbent article having an inner surface and an outer surface includes a reusable signaling device adapted to sense wetness without the use of conductors within the absorbent article, and a holding fixture adapted to be attached to the inner surface or the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer, wherein the signaling device is configured to be coupled to the holding fixture such that the signaling device is positioned adjacent the inner surface or the outer surface of the absorbent article. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157949 | Absorbent Article With Highlighted Active Barriers - An absorbent article for preventing leakage of a liquid insult includes an outer cover, a liner, and an absorbent assembly disposed therebetween, the liner having a body-facing surface; an active barrier disposed between the liner and the outer cover, wherein the active barrier is in fluid communication with the absorbent assembly, and wherein the active barrier is adapted to change dimensions when wetted; and a barrier highlight disposed to overlie the active barrier, wherein the barrier highlight is in fluid communication with the absorbent assembly or the active barrier, and wherein the barrier highlight is configured to change appearance when wetted. | 06-21-2012 |
20120172825 | Absorbent Article Including Two Dimensional Code Made From An Active Graphic - Absorbent articles are disclosed that convey information to a user. In particular, the absorbent articles include an active graphic that comprises a machine readable code. The active graphic, for instance, may comprise a disappearing graphic, an appearing graphic, and/or a color-change graphic. The change in appearance of the graphic may occur once contacted with a suitable activation agent, such as urine. The machine readable code contained in the active graphic, once scanned by a suitable reader device, may convey information to a user related to the absorbent article. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173249 | Absorbent Article With Integrated Machine Readable Code - Absorbent articles are disclosed that include a machine readable code. The machine readable code, once scanned by a suitable reader device, provides access to information related to the absorbent article. The information may relate to use or disposal of the article. In other embodiments, the information may comprise promotional materials, such as coupons, rebates and news about related products, new products, or the like. The present disclosure is particularly directed to applying and positioning the machine readable codes on the absorbent articles so that the codes are noticeable and can be scanned. | 07-05-2012 |
20120227169 | Toilet Training Stool - A stool system for use in conjunction with a toilet having a bowl and a seat, includes a stool having a generally planar platform and a base, and an attachment means configured to be attachable directly to the toilet bowl, wherein the stool includes an accommodating means configured to allow the attachment means to be attached to the stool, thereby coupling the stool to the toilet bowl, and wherein the stool is movable between a use position and a storage position without decoupling the stool from the toilet bowl. | 09-13-2012 |
20130034719 | Cooling Signal Device For Use In An Absorbent Article - A signal device includes a signal composite made with a coextruded film having at least two layers, a polymer skin layer and a stimulation layer. The stimulation layer includes a cooling agent and a polymer binder. The stimulation layer may be about 50 to 98 percent by weight of the signal composite. The signal device may be used in an absorbent article to provide a cooling sensation after a body-fluid insult has taken place. | 02-07-2013 |
20130138066 | Wetness Indicator with Hydrophanous Element for an Absorbent Article - An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted. | 05-30-2013 |
20140155851 | Apparatus and Method for Product and Signaling Device Matching - The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use. | 06-05-2014 |