U.S. patent application number 16/799886 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for absorbent articles comprising sensors.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Gary Dean Lavon, Vijay Rajagopalan.
Application Number | 20200188194 16/799886 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47262223 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200188194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lavon; Gary Dean ; et
al. |
June 18, 2020 |
ABSORBENT ARTICLES COMPRISING SENSORS
Abstract
A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an
absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and a sensor.
The absorbent article may comprise a garment-facing layer and an
absorbent assembly. The sensor may be disposed in and/or on the
absorbent article. The sensor may be separable from the absorbent
article. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in
condition within the absorbent article.
Inventors: |
Lavon; Gary Dean; (Liberty
Township, OH) ; Rajagopalan; Vijay; (Mason,
OH) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47262223 |
Appl. No.: |
16/799886 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15497735 |
Apr 26, 2017 |
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16799886 |
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13483456 |
May 30, 2012 |
10271998 |
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15497735 |
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61493092 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
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61493095 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
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61493100 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/58 20130101;
A61F 13/84 20130101; H02J 7/0045 20130101; A61F 13/514 20130101;
A61F 2013/8497 20130101; G01N 33/4875 20130101; G01N 27/048
20130101; A61F 13/42 20130101; A61F 13/80 20130101; A61F 13/625
20130101; A61F 13/51474 20130101; A61F 2013/51441 20130101; G01N
21/84 20130101; A61F 13/505 20130101; A61F 2013/422 20130101; A61F
2013/424 20130101; H02J 7/0027 20130101; A61F 13/51401 20130101;
A61F 13/496 20130101; G01N 27/02 20130101; A61F 2013/1513
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/505 20060101
A61F013/505; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00; G01N 33/487 20060101
G01N033/487; A61F 13/514 20060101 A61F013/514; G01N 27/04 20060101
G01N027/04; A61F 13/80 20060101 A61F013/80; A61F 13/84 20060101
A61F013/84; A61F 13/62 20060101 A61F013/62; A61F 13/58 20060101
A61F013/58; A61F 13/496 20060101 A61F013/496; A61F 13/42 20060101
A61F013/42 |
Claims
1. A system for detecting a property associated with an absorbent
article, the system comprising: a. an absorbent article; b. a
discrete strip of material disposed on an outer layer of the
absorbent article for defining a pocket; and c. a multi-use sensor
for detecting a property associated with the absorbent article and
being configured for placement in and removal from the pocket; d.
wherein the multi-use sensor comprises a water-tight housing to
enable the multi-use sensor to be cleaned.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the multi-use sensor comprises at
least one of an inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic, optical,
moisture, humidity, chemical, temperature, or electromagnetic
sensor.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the multi-use sensor senses
variations in temperature or variations in humidity.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the multi-use sensor senses
ammonia or urea.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article comprises a
color change material that reacts with urine or feces to change
color and be detectable by the sensor.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor has a substantially
elongated and substantially rectangular shape.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the sensor has a substantially
uniform width along an entire overall sensor length.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the sensor has a varying width
over all or part of its length.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor has a shape of a
recognizable image.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the recognizable image comprises
a letter, a number, or a word.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the recognizable image comprises
a character, a face of an animal, a face of a person, a plant, or a
car.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the pocket is deeper than the
sensor is long.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein non-open edges of the strip are
permanently joined to the absorbent article.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein an open edge of the discrete
strip is adjacent to an edge of a waist opening of the absorbent
article.
15. The system of claim 1, comprising a graphic for indicating a
proper location for the sensor on the absorbent article.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the graphic comprises a color
that is different than an area surrounding the graphic.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the pocket comprises hooks for
closing.
18. A system for detecting a property associated with an absorbent
article, the system comprising: a. an absorbent article; b. a
nonwoven strip of material disposed on an outer layer of the
absorbent article for defining a pocket; and c. a multi-use sensor
for detecting a property associated with the absorbent article and
being configured for placement in and removal from the pocket; d.
wherein the multi-use sensor comprises a sensor housing that is
water-tight and capable of withstanding water temperatures greater
than 185.degree. F. to enable the multi-use sensor to be
washed.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein: the multi-use sensor senses
variations in temperature or variations in humidity; and the pocket
is deeper than the sensor is long and comprises hooks for
closing.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the sensor has a shape of a
recognizable image comprising a letter, a number, a word, a face of
an animal, a face of a person, a plant, or a car.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/497,735, filed on Apr. 26, 2017, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/483,456, filed
on May 30, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,271,998, on Apr. 30,
2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.
61/493,092, 61/493,095, and 61/493,100, each filed on Jun. 3, 2011,
and each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
sensors for use with absorbent articles. In particular, embodiments
of the present disclosure relate to sensors designed to lower the
potential for accidental choking.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] The art discloses many different types of sensors that are
integral with an absorbent article (e.g., placed internal of the
garment-facing layer or fixed to interior or exterior surfaces of
the garment-facing layer). One of the problems with designs having
an internal sensor is that most are throw away sensors, i.e. the
sensor is a single-use design disposed within the absorbent article
primarily because it is undesirable to reuse them once they become
contaminated with fecal waste and urine. Such an approach can be
expensive given the need to incorporate a sensor into every
absorbent article, e.g. a diaper. In addition, products that rely
on an electrical circuit as the means for indication on the inside
of the product can also expose the wearer to low voltage electrical
current.
[0004] Alternatively, the sensor may be placed external of the
garment-facing layer, but still integral with the absorbent
article. One of the problems with a sensor fixed to the external
surface of the garment-facing layer is creating a means for
locating the sensor appropriately and then holding or attaching the
sensor to the garment-facing layer.
[0005] Another problem with a sensor fixed to the external surface
of the garment-facing layer is the potential of the sensor to
present potential for accidental choking. This is also a challenge
of sensors designed to be reusable, whether disposed internally of
the absorbent article or externally due to their removable/reusable
nature.
[0006] It is a goal to overcome the challenges mentioned above.
Particularly, one goal of the present disclosure is to locate the
sensor in or on an absorbent article, either internally or
externally, or on an auxiliary article, such that the potential for
creating a choking hazard is greatly reduced. It is also a goal of
the invention to size and/or shape the sensor to decrease the
potential for creating a choking hazard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a
sensor in the front, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 1B illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a
sensor in the back, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 1C illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a
plurality of sensors, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates a front-fastenable absorbent article
with a sensor in the front, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates a front-fastenable absorbent article
with a sensor in the back, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2C illustrates a front-fastenable absorbent article
with a plurality of sensors, according to embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of an absorbent article with a
sensor having a first sensing area and a second sensing area,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a
plurality of sensors, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate an inductive-type sensor, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 6A-D illustrate a capacitive-type sensor, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 7A-C illustrate an ultrasonic-type sensor, according
to embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate various
absorbent articles comprising various sensors and/or auxiliary
articles comprising various sensors that may be used with various
absorbent articles to make a sensor system. And, as described
above, the sensors of the present disclosure are located on or in
an article and/or designed to prevent or reduce the risk of
choking.
[0019] Absorbent Article
[0020] The absorbent article may be one for personal wear,
including but not limited to diapers, training pants, feminine
hygiene products, incontinence products, medical garments, surgical
pads and bandages, other personal care or health care garments, and
the like. Various materials and methods for constructing absorbent
articles such as diapers and pants are disclosed in U.S. Pub. Nos.
2011-0041999, 2010-0228211, 2008-0208155, and 2009-0312734.
[0021] The sensor may be discrete from or integral with the
absorbent article. The absorbent article may comprise sensors that
can sense various aspects of the absorbent article associated with
insults of bodily exudates such as urine and/or BM (e.g., the
sensor may sense variations in temperature, humidity, presence of
ammonia or urea, various vapor components of the exudates (urine
and feces), changes in moisture vapor transmission through the
absorbent articles garment-facing layer, changes in translucence of
the garment-facing layer, color changes through the garment-facing
layer, etc.). Additionally, the sensors my sense components of
urine, such as ammonia or urea and/or byproducts resulting from
reactions of these components with the absorbent article. The
sensor may sense byproducts that are produced when urine mixes with
other components of the absorbent article (e.g., adhesives, agm,
etc.). The components or byproducts being sensed may be present as
vapors that may pass through the garment-facing layer. It may also
be desirable to place reactants in the diaper that change state
(e.g. color, temperature, etc.) or create a measurable byproduct
when mixed with urine. The sensor may also sense changes in pH,
pressure, odor, the presence of gas, blood, a chemical marker or a
biological marker or combinations thereof.
[0022] The sensor may be removably integrated with the absorbent
article with hook and loops fasteners, adhesives, thermal bonds,
mating fasteners like snaps or buttons, or may be disposed in
pockets, recesses or void spaces built into the absorbent article,
or combinations thereof. Many of these integration means enable
removal of and/or attachment of the sensor from or to the absorbent
article. The absorbent article may further comprise graphics for
the purpose of properly locating the sensor. The graphics may
appear as an outline of the sensor, may symbolize a target, may be
a different color than the surrounding area of the article, may
state, "Place sensor here," may correspond with instructions from a
manual, or may be combination of one or more of these
approaches.
[0023] Regarding pockets, it may be desirable to form a pocket with
or adjacent to the wearer-facing layer or garment-facing layer. In
some embodiments, a pocket may be formed by joining an additional
material (e.g., a nonwoven strip) to the interior or exterior
surface of the garment-facing layer. When joined to the interior
surface of the garment facing layer, it may be desirable to
position an open edge (to be the pocket opening) of the sheet to be
coterminous or adjacent to an edge of the waist opening such that
there is no need to make a cut in the garment facing layer for
inserting the sensor into the pocket opening.
[0024] When joined to the exterior surface of the garment-facing
layer, the non-open edges of the sheet may be permanently joined,
while an open edge (to be the pocket opening) may be refastenably
joined to the garment-facing layer.
[0025] FIGS. 1A-2C illustrate acceptable absorbent articles, each
with one or more sensors. For clarity, FIGS. 1A-2C do not
illustrate all details of the sensors or of the absorbent articles.
Each sensor and/or absorbent article in FIGS. 1A-2C can be any
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates an outside perspective view of a front
101 and a side 103 of a pant-type absorbent article 100A formed for
wearing. The pant-type absorbent article 100A may include a waist
opening 107, a leg opening 108, an exterior surface
(garment-facing) 106 formed by a garment-facing layer 150A
sometimes referred to as the garment-facing layer, and an interior
surface (wearer-facing) 109 formed by a wearer-facing layer 152A
sometimes referred to as the wearer-facing layer. The absorbent
article 100A may include a longitudinally oriented sensor 131
disposed in the front 101.
[0027] The wearer-facing layer 152A may be a layer of one or more
materials that forms at least a portion of the inside of the
front-fastenable wearable absorbent article and faces a wearer when
the absorbent article 100A is worn by the wearer. In FIG. 1A, a
portion of the wearer-facing layer 152A is illustrated as
broken-away, in order to show the garment-facing layer 150A. A
wearer-facing layer is sometimes referred to as a topsheet. The
wearer-facing layer 152A is configured to be liquid permeable, such
that bodily fluids received by the absorbent article 100A can pass
through the wearer-facing layer 152A to the absorbent material
154A. In various embodiments, a wearer-facing layer can include a
nonwoven material and/or other materials as long as the materials
are liquid permeable over all or part of the wearer-facing
layer.
[0028] The absorbent material 154A may be disposed subjacent to the
wearer-facing layer 152A and superjacent to the garment-facing
layer 150A, in at least a portion of the absorbent article 100A. In
some embodiments, an absorbent material of an absorbent article is
part of a structure referred to as an absorbent core. The absorbent
material 154A may be configured to be liquid absorbent, such that
the absorbent material 154A can absorb bodily fluids received by
the absorbent article 100A. In various embodiments, an absorbent
material can include cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers),
other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets,
scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent
material, foams, binder materials, adhesives, surfactants, selected
hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or
the like, as well as combinations thereof. The absorbent structure
may comprise one or more storage layers and one or more surge
management layers. A pair of containment flaps, elasticated leg
cuffs, may form a portion of the interior surface of the absorbent
assembly for inhibiting the lateral flow of body exudates.
[0029] The garment-facing layer 150A may be a layer formed of one
or more materials that form at least a portion of an outside of the
front-fastenable wearable absorbent article and may face a wearer's
garments when the absorbent article 100A is worn by the wearer. A
garment-facing layer is sometimes referred to as a backsheet. The
garment-facing layer 150A may be configured to be liquid
impermeable, such that bodily fluids received by the absorbent
article 100A cannot pass through the garment-facing layer 150A. In
various embodiments, a garment-facing layer can include a nonporous
film, a porous film, a woven material, a non-woven fibrous material
or combinations thereof. The outer cover may also be stretchable,
extensible, and in some embodiments it may be elastically
extensible or elastomeric. The garment-facing layer 150A may also
be vapor permeable and yet liquid impervious.
[0030] Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a
pant-type absorbent article can refer to an embodiment that is
side-fastenable or to an embodiment without fasteners. A reference
to a pant-type absorbent article refers to an article having
preformed waist and/or leg openings. Thus, each embodiment of an
absorbent article of the present disclosure that is described as
pant-type can be configured in any of these ways, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0031] FIG. 1B illustrates an outside perspective view of a side
103 and a back 105 of a pant-type absorbent article 100B formed for
wearing. The pant-type absorbent article 100B may include a waist
opening 107 and a leg opening 108. Absorbent article 100B may
include a longitudinally oriented sensor 135 in the back 105.
[0032] FIG. 1C illustrates an outside plan view of a pant-type
absorbent article 100C laid out flat. The absorbent article 100C
may include a front 101 and a back 105, separated by a lateral
centerline 116.
[0033] In FIG. 1C, a longitudinal centerline 113 and the lateral
centerline 116 provide lines of reference for referring to relative
locations of the absorbent article 100C. When a first location 112
is nearer to the longitudinal centerline 113 than a second location
111, the first location 112 can be considered laterally inboard to
the second location 111. Similarly, the second location 111 can be
considered laterally outboard from the first location 112. When a
third location 115 is nearer to the lateral centerline 116 than a
fourth location 114, the third location 115 can be considered
longitudinally inboard to the fourth location 114. Also, the fourth
location 114 can be considered longitudinally outboard from the
third location 115.
[0034] A reference to an inboard location, without a lateral or
longitudinal limitation, refers to a location of the absorbent
article 100C that is laterally inboard and/or longitudinally
inboard to another location. In the same way, a reference to an
outboard location, without a lateral or longitudinal limitation,
refers to a location of the absorbent article 100C that is
laterally outboard and/or longitudinally outboard from another
location.
[0035] Inboard and outboard can also be understood with reference
to a center of an absorbent article. The longitudinal centerline
113 and the lateral centerline 116 cross at a center 119 of the
absorbent article 100C. When one location is nearer to the center
119 than another location, the one location can be considered
inboard to the other location. The one location can be inboard
laterally, or longitudinally, or both laterally and longitudinally.
The other location can be considered outboard from the one
location. The other location can be outboard laterally, or
longitudinally, or both laterally and longitudinally.
[0036] FIG. 1C includes arrows indicating relative directions for
laterally outboard 111 relative to 112, laterally inboard 112
relative to 111, longitudinally outboard 114 relative to 115, and
longitudinally inboard 115 relative to 114, each with respect to
the absorbent article 100C. Throughout the present disclosure, a
reference to a longitudinal dimension, measurement, line, or
direction refers to a dimension, measurement, line, or direction
that is substantially or completely parallel to the longitudinal
centerline 113 and a reference to a lateral dimension, measurement,
line, or direction refers to a dimension, measurement, line, or
direction that is substantially or completely parallel to the
lateral centerline 116. The terminology for describing relative
locations, as discussed above, is used for absorbent articles
throughout the present disclosure. This terminology can also be
similarly applied to various other absorbent articles, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0037] The absorbent article 100C may include a number of sensors
in various exemplary locations and orientations. The absorbent
article 100C may include a longitudinally oriented sensor such as
sensor 131 and 135, along the longitudinal centerline 113 in the
front 101 and/or back 105. The front 101 and/or back 105 may
include at least one angled sensor such as sensors 132, 134, 136
and 138 oriented at an angle between the longitudinal centerline
113 and the lateral centerline 116. The absorbent article 100C may
include one or more laterally oriented sensors such as sensors 133
and 137 along the lateral centerline 116.
[0038] In the absorbent article 100C, the sensors may be oriented
substantially radially out from the center 119. However, in
addition to the locations and orientations illustrated in FIG. 1C,
a sensor of the present disclosure can be disposed in various
alternate locations and orientations relative to an absorbent
article. As an example, a sensor can be disposed in a pant-type
absorbent article at a location relative to a pee point for a
wearer of the absorbent article.
[0039] FIG. 2A illustrates an outside perspective view of a front
201 and a side 203 of a front-fastenable absorbent article 200A
formed for wearing. The front-fastenable absorbent article 200A may
include a waist opening 207 and a leg opening 208. The absorbent
article 200A may include a longitudinally oriented sensor 231
disposed in the front 201.
[0040] While the present disclosure refers to front-fastenable
absorbent articles, the present disclosure also contemplates
alternate embodiments of absorbent articles wherein the absorbent
articles are rear-fastenable. Thus, each embodiment of an absorbent
article of the present disclosure that is described as
front-fastenable can also be configured to be rear-fastenable.
[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates an outside perspective view of a side
203 and a back 205 of a front-fastenable absorbent article 200B
formed for wearing. The front-fastenable absorbent article 200B may
include a waist opening 207 and a leg opening 208. The absorbent
article 200B may include a longitudinally oriented sensor 235 in
the back 205.
[0042] FIG. 2C illustrates an outside plan view of a
front-fastenable absorbent article 200C laid out flat. The
absorbent article 200C may include a front 201, a back 205, a
longitudinal centerline 213, and a lateral centerline 216, an
exterior surface 206, and an interior (wearer-facing) surface
209.
[0043] The absorbent article 200C may include a number of sensors
in various exemplary locations and orientations. The absorbent
article 200C may include longitudinally oriented sensors such as
sensors 231 and 235, along the longitudinal centerline 213 in the
front 201 and/or back 205. The front 201 and/or back 205 may
include angled sensors such as sensors 232, 234, 236 and 238
oriented at an angle between the longitudinal centerline 213 and
the lateral centerline 216. The absorbent article 200C may include
laterally oriented sensors such as sensors 233 and 237 along the
lateral centerline 216.
[0044] In the absorbent article 200C, the sensors may be oriented
substantially radially out from the center 219. However, in
addition to the locations and orientations illustrated in FIG. 2C,
a sensor of the present disclosure can be disposed in various
alternate locations and orientations in an absorbent article. As an
example, a sensor can be disposed in a front-fastenable absorbent
article at a location relative to a pee point of a wearer of the
article.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an outside plan view of a portion 308 of
an absorbent article 300 laid out flat. In various embodiments, the
absorbent article 300 can be an absorbent article, such as a
pant-type absorbent article or a front-fastenable absorbent
article. In FIG. 3, outside edges of the portion 308 are broken
lines, since the portion 308 is illustrated as separate from the
rest of the absorbent article 300. For reference, FIG. 3
illustrates a center 319 of the absorbent article 300 and arrows
indicating relative directions for outboard 317 and inboard 318 for
the absorbent article 300.
[0046] The portion 308 of the absorbent article 300 may include a
sensor 320. The sensor 320 may be disposed offset from the center
319. In various embodiments, one or more parts of a sensor can be
disposed near, at, or overlapping a center of an absorbent article.
For example, a single sensing area can extend from a front of an
absorbent article, through the center of the absorbent article, to
the back of the absorbent article. In such an embodiment, a
farthest inboard point along the sensing area can be considered an
inboard end of two sensors.
[0047] The sensor 320 may include an inboard end 322 and an
outboard end 323. The sensor 320 has an overall sensor length 321,
measured along the sensor 320 from the inboard end 322 to the
outboard end 323. The sensor 320 may have an overall shape that is
substantially elongated and substantially rectangular. The sensor
320 may have a substantially uniform width along the entire overall
sensor length 321. It may be desirable that the sensor, or a
portion of the sensor, has a bending stiffness of less than about
1000 N/m, 600 N/m, or 400 N/m (as determined by ASTM D 790-03) to
keep it from irritating the wearer. It may alternatively or
additionally be desirable to design the sensor, or a portion of the
sensor, to have a bending modulus (N/m2) of less than 2.0 E+09, 1.0
E+08, or 1.0 E+06.
[0048] In various embodiments a sensor can have an overall shape
that is more or less elongated. In some embodiments, all or part of
a sensor may be linear, curved, angled, segmented, or any regular
or irregular geometric shape (such as a circle, square, rectangle,
triangle, trapezoid, octagon, hexagon, star, half circle, a quarter
circle, a half oval, a quarter oval, a radial pattern, etc.), a
recognizable image (such as a letter, number, word, character, face
of an animal, face of a person, etc.), or another recognizable
image (such as a plant, a car, etc.), another shape, or
combinations of any of these shapes. Also, in various embodiments,
an indicator can have varying widths over all or part of its
length.
[0049] The sensor 320 may include one or more sensing areas for
example, a first sensing area 340 and a second sensing area 360. In
various embodiments, a sensor can include three or more sensing
areas.
[0050] The first sensing area 340 may include a first area inboard
end 342, a first area outboard end 343, and a first area overall
length 341 measured along the first sensing area 340 from the first
area inboard end 342 to the first area outboard end 343. The first
sensing area 340 may have an overall shape that is substantially
elongated and substantially rectangular. The first sensing area 340
may have a substantially uniform width along the entire first area
overall length 341. However, in some embodiments, an sensing area
can have various shapes and various widths over all or part of its
length, as described above in connection with the sensor.
[0051] In addition to the first sensing area 340, the sensor 320
may include a second sensing area 360. In the embodiment of FIG. 3,
the second sensing area 360 is outboard 317 from the first sensing
area 340. The second sensing area 360 may include a second area
inboard end 362, a second area outboard end 363, and a second area
overall length 361 measured along the second sensing area 360 from
the second area inboard end 362 to the second area outboard end
363. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second area overall length
361 is less than the first area overall length 341. In some
embodiments, a second area overall length can be equal to a first
area overall length or greater than a first area overall
length.
[0052] The second sensing area 360 may have an overall shape that
is substantially elongated and substantially rectangular. The
second visual fullness sensing area 360 may have a substantially
uniform width along the entire second area overall length 361.
[0053] Auxiliary Article Structure
[0054] One or more sensors may be used with an auxiliary article.
The auxiliary article may be a durable, washable, reusable garment
designed to fit over an absorbent article. The auxiliary article
may be made of various materials, including rayon, nylon,
polyester, various polyolefins, spandex, cotton, wool, flax, or
combinations thereof.
[0055] The auxiliary article may comprise the sensor between two of
its layers. A pocket may be formed in or on the inner or outer
surface of the auxiliary article. A window may be formed through
one or more of the layers of the auxiliary article to provide for
better communication between the sensor and the absorbent
article.
[0056] The sensor may be discrete or integral with the auxiliary
article. Integral embodiment may comprise a sensor that can be
washed.
[0057] The sensor may be removably integrated with the auxiliary
article with hook and loops fasteners, adhesives, thermal bonds,
mating fasteners like snaps or buttons, or may be disposed in
pockets, recesses or void spaces built into the auxiliary article,
or combinations thereof. Many of these integration means enable
removal of and/or attachment of the sensor from or to the auxiliary
article. The auxiliary article may be designed to receive an
absorbent article for example an insert. Examples of such auxiliary
article chassis that may be desired are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,670,324 and U.S. Pub. Nos. 2010-0179500, 2010-0179496,
2010-0179501, 2010-0179502, and 2010-0179499.
[0058] The auxiliary article may be in the form of a pant-like
garment for example children's underwear. The sensors may be
adapted to work collaboratively with other forms of children's
clothing for example jeans, shorts, overalls, etc. For example, the
sensor may be part of an iron-on kit, such that the sensor may be
ironed onto a pair of regular underpants or panties. Alternatively,
the kit may comprise a patch (or several patches) that can be
ironed on or otherwise adhered to the underwear so that the sensor
could be removably be attached to the patch. In this embodiment,
the sensor could be used from garment to garment.
[0059] The sensor disposition and/or patterns disclosed above for
the absorbent article can also apply to the auxiliary article.
[0060] Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a
pant-type auxiliary article can refer to an embodiment that is
side-fastenable or to an embodiment without fasteners. A reference
to a pant-type auxiliary article refers to an article having
preformed waist and/or leg openings. Thus, each embodiment of an
auxiliary article of the present disclosure that is described as
pant-type can be configured in any of these ways, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0061] The auxiliary article may also come in the form of a
front-fastenable auxiliary article. While the present disclosure
refers to front-fastenable auxiliary articles, the present
disclosure also contemplates alternate embodiments of absorbent
articles, as described herein, wherein the auxiliary articles are
rear-fastenable. Thus, each embodiment of an absorbent article of
the present disclosure that is described as front-fastenable can
also be configured to be rear-fastenable.
[0062] The auxiliary article (whether front or rear-fastenable or
pant-type) may comprise stretchable materials, extensible
materials, elastically extensible materials or combinations thereof
disposed at or adjacent the waist and leg openings to provide the
extension necessary for application and body conforming fit in use.
The front fastening auxiliary article may further comprise and
overall stretchable, extensible or elastically extensible layer
forming that provides a snug fit of the auxiliary article to the
absorbent article.
[0063] Sensor Structure
[0064] As used in this application, the term "sensor" (e.g., 435)
refers not only to the elements (e.g., 470, 471, and 472)
responsible for detecting a stimulus and signaling such detection
(via impulse), but also includes the housing or carrier layer or
substrate (e.g., 473) around such element(s). A "sensor" may
include a carrier layer (e.g., 473) with multiple elements (e.g.,
470, 471, and 472) capable of detecting one or more stimuli; and,
the multiple elements may create multiple locations capable of
detecting one or more stimuli. The sensors of the present
disclosure may form a part of a sensor system capable of monitoring
urine and/or fecal insults. The system that may take on a variety
of configurations which are determined by the means in which the
presence of urine and/or feces is detected. After detection of
urine and/or feces, the system may inform a caregiver and/or a
child by generating a notification. The notification may be and
auditory signal, an olfactory signal, a tactile signal or a visual
signal. It is understood that the system may comprise a device for
sending a wireless signal to a remote receiver which may in turn
result in an auditory signal, visual signal, tactile signal or
other sensory signal and/or combinations thereof.
[0065] Manufacturing the sensor independent of the primary
disposable absorbent article enables utilization of more expensive
components and delivery of more sophisticated sensor technology.
For example, internal sensors and/or sensors that are part of the
absorbent article may require a built in power source that needs to
last through the storage, shelf-life and usage of the absorbent
article it is incorporated into. Not to mention, that integrated
sensors can introduce significant cost. To offset cost, more simple
sensors may be utilized but the functionality and reliability of
such cheap sensors would suffer. Stand alone sensors disposed
exteriorly of the absorbent article do not have these limitations
and could include a means for replacing the power supply or could
be rechargeable.
[0066] The sensor may be washable and thus created in a water-tight
casing or coating capable of withstanding temperatures of greater
than about 185.degree. F., or greater than about 200.degree. F.
[0067] Various sensors may be used, including inductive,
capacitive, ultra sonic, optical, moisture, humidity, chemical,
temperature, electromagnetic and combinations thereof.
[0068] Sensor Size/Dimension
[0069] Whether the sensor is used with an absorbent article (e.g.,
such that it is joined to the garment-facing layer or wearer-facing
layer or placed in a pocket formed by a portion of the absorbent
article) or the sensor is used with an auxiliary article (e.g.,
such that it is joined to an interior or exterior surface or placed
in a pocket formed by a portion of the auxiliary article), there
may be a desire to design the sensor such that it does not present
a potential physical hazard challenge in the event the child were
to detach the sensor from the article. A typical physical hazard
that such an event could present is choking.
[0070] To minimize the choking potential the width of the sensor
(which includes its carrier layer) may be designed to be greater
than 1.25 inches. If the width of the sensor apparatus is less than
1.25 inches it may be desirable to design it to have a length of
greater than 2.25 inches. Other desirable embodiments may be as
sensor having a width greater than 1.5 inches and/or a length
greater than 3 inches.
[0071] Furthermore, it may be desirable that the ends of the sensor
(at the narrowest portion) are not curved (convex) because such a
curve can open the airway and allow the device to slide further
into the windpipe. If a curve is desired, however, it may be
desired that it have a radius of curvature greater than 0.25
inches.
[0072] An alternative to the width and length dimensions above is
to design the sensor with an airway sufficient to enable airflow
even if the device gets lodged in the throat of the wearer
[0073] A contributor to choking may be the wearer's ability to
separate the sensor device from the exterior surface of the
absorbent or auxiliary article being worn (without regard to
whether the sensor is designed to be separable). Removal force is
the force to separate two layers of a device or article and/or to
separate the device from the article. This separation force can be
controlled by limiting the ability of the wearer to grasp the
device, for example between their finger tips or alternatively by
hooking their finger between the device and the article.
To minimize the fingertip grasping of the device to promote
separation the graspable areas around the sensor may be limited to
less than 10 mm or less than 5 mm.
[0074] To prevent the wearer from getting their fingers between the
sensor and article to separate it the bonds, areas of attachment,
between the device and article may desirably have a spacing of no
more than 20 mm, less than 15 mm or less than 11 mm. A pocket would
help minimize both of these factors especially if the pocket is
deeper than the device is long and/or the pocket can be closed
(e.g., with hooks and loops). Furthermore if the width of the
pocket may desirably be less than 20 mm or less than 15 mm to
prevent the wearer from accessing the sensor. In addition, if the
sensor is disposed at a depth of at least 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm
from the end of the pocket the wearer will likely not be able to
reach the sensor for inadvertent removal. In such designs it may be
beneficial to provide a means for the caregiver to open the pocket
adequately to remove the sensor and/or to provide the caregiver
with a means for extracting the sensor from the pocket.
[0075] Beyond removal force, it may be desirable to have a shear
force between the article and the sensor of from about 10 to about
70 N, 20 to about 60 N, or 30 to about 60 N. The pulling force to
separate the sensor from the article may be from about 25 to about
500N, or 50 to about 250N.
[0076] Thermal Sensor
[0077] The sensor of the present disclosure may sense incontinent
events by measuring changes associated with the incontinent event.
One of the properties of the absorbent article that may be sensed
is temperature change of the article associated with introduction
of urine or feces associated with an incontinence event. Typical
diaper temperatures before urine loading range from about 80 to
about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A urine or fecal insult introduces
exudates that are at body temperature, typically 98.6 Fahrenheit,
which can be detected through the garment-facing layer of the
article. It has been shown that diaper temperature will over time
equilibrate into the range of from about 90 to about 92 degrees
Fahrenheit after some period of time. Measuring the incontinent
event thermally can not only provide an indication of the event
itself, but the temperature profile may be used to determine core
capacity, and/or size of the insult itself, i.e., amount of urine.
The sensor system of the present disclosure may also use the
incontinent event as a trigger to review the properties of the
wearer and/or the article being monitored before and during the
incontinent event. Changes in these properties may show a pattern
that can then be used to predict when subsequent incontinent events
are likely to occur.
[0078] Inductive Sensor
[0079] An inductive sensor may be used. Referring generally to
FIGS. 5A-C, the inductive sensor may work with a LC-oscillator.
This sensor can work by the conductive fluid (urine) damping the
oscillating circuit such that the output voltage decreases.
Measured data may be gathered from an attached device that detects
an change of voltage during urination.
[0080] The LC-oscillator may generate a sine wave oscillation at a
resonance frequency and an electromagnetic field outside the coil,
wherein resonance frequency is f0=(2.PI.* (LC))-1. A conductive
material within this field will dampen the oscillating circuit by
inducing eddy currents inside the material. Conductive material
could be metal, carbon, electrically conductive plastics or
electrically conductive fluids like saltwater or urine. The damping
of the oscillating circuit decreases the output voltage, this
change will be detected and evaluation electronics generate an
output signal indicative of the change.
[0081] Frequency range of the inductive sensor may be from about 10
kHz to about 100 MHz depending on frequency, coil size and
distance. Detection distance may be from about 1 to about 20 mm.
Coil dimensions may have a diameter from about 5 mm to about 50 mm.
Coil geometry may be a solenoid, copper wire coil with or without a
core, or may be a flat, pancake coil made of copper wires or may be
printed copper coil on PCB (Printed Circuit Board), or as
conductive ink or color printed on paper or plastic foil.
[0082] Capacitive Sensor
[0083] A capacitive sensor may be used. Referring generally to
FIGS. 6A-D, a capacitive sensor may work with an RC-oscillator. The
sensor works by fluid changing the dielectric and thus increases
the capacity of the electrode arrangement. Dependent on the sensor
capacity the frequency and the amplitude of the RC-oscillator
changes. Measured data may be gathered from an attached device that
detects a change of frequency and amplitude during urination.
[0084] The capacitive sensor defines the active sensor area. A
change of the dielectric medium decreases or increases the capacity
of the electrode arrangement and changes the output signal of the
oscillation unit.
[0085] Capacitive sensors are able to detect solid materials and
fluids, independent of the conductivity of the material. The
sensitivity and also the detection distance of the capacitive
sensor is related to size of the active sensor area and the
material and size of the body that should be detected.
[0086] Ultra Sonic Sensor
[0087] An ultra sonic sensor may be used. Referring generally to
FIGS. 7A-C, ultrasonic sensors generate high frequency sound waves
in a frequency range from 20 kHz up to 1 GHz.
[0088] For distance measurement and object detection they measure
the signal run time between transmitted pulse and the echo which is
received back by the sensor. Some ultra sonic sensors use separate
transmitter and receiver components while others combine both in a
single piezoelectric transceiver.
[0089] Ultra sonic sensors will work with most of surfaces and also
with boundary surfaces between different fluids or gases. The
technology is limited by the shapes of surfaces and the density or
consistency of the material, but with adapted frequencies and
output power is it possible to detect difficult surfaces or
materials. Another way to increase the sensor density is to apply
variable scan frequencies.
[0090] Inside a medium with known density and/or sonic velocity the
distance can be calculated as following:
[0091] calculation of the distance x based on run time
measurement
TABLE-US-00001 v = x/t t = signal run time x = v * t x = distance v
= inside the medium (in air 346 m/sec)
[0092] travel distance of the signal=2 times distance to the
object:
2x=v*t
x=(v*t)/2
[0093] In case of a single piezoelectric transducer is used the
minimum detectable distance is limited by the recovery time of the
piezo. The recovery time depends on piezo size, frequency and on
electronics.
[0094] The measured time difference between transmitted pulse and
received pulse is proportional to the distance to the next boundary
surface. The emitted power and the transmitter frequency must be
configured to penetrate the dry absorbing material and also the
garment-facing layer.
[0095] Optical Sensor
[0096] An alternative sensor approach of the present disclosure
senses incontinent events by measuring optical change of the
absorbent article associated with a urine or fecal incontinence
event. The sensor may simply measure optical changes as urine or
feces contact the garment-facing layer of the absorbent article,
e.g., change in color associated with the yellow urine or brown
feces. Alternatively, the article may comprise a material placed
adjacent the garment-facing layer that reacts with the urine of
feces insult to change color and provide the optical indication
necessary for sensing. In yet another alternative of an optical
sensing system the outer cover may comprise a material that changes
in translucency when wet, thereby allowing an inner layer to show
through creating the optically measurable change. It should be
appreciated that these optical changes are desirably reversible
after the insult, for example, once the liquid has been absorbed by
the absorbent core. Alternatively, it may be desirable that the
optical properties change to a measurable degree with each
subsequent incontinent event. Measuring the incontinent event
optically can not only provide an indication of the event itself,
but the duration of the optical change particularly in a reversible
change structure can provide an indication of core capacity,
product dryness and/or size of the insult itself, e.g. amount of
urine. Sensor systems of the present disclosure may also use the
incontinent event as a trigger to review the properties of the
wearer and/or the article monitored before and during the
incontinent event. Changes in these properties may show a pattern
that can then be used to predict when subsequent incontinent events
are likely.
[0097] In an alternative embodiment, a simple absorbent sheet may
become darker when liquid is introduced and as liquid is absorbed
back into the absorbent core the simple absorbent sheet may become
lighter in color. As stated above, it is preferred that the optical
changes are either cyclic in nature, i.e., on and off or are
progressive in nature, i.e. changing from one level of intensity to
another with each loading. These approaches, cyclic and progressive
will enable to sensors to distinguish when a loading has occurred
and provide reliable indication.
[0098] Chemicals and Properties Sensed
[0099] In yet another alternative embodiment, sensors of the
present disclosure monitor incontinent events by measuring changes
associated with an incontinent event. One of the properties of the
absorbent article that may be monitored is transmission of a
specific gas or vapor through the article outer cover. The creation
of the gas or vapor may be associated with a urine and/or fecal
incontinence event. Microporous, breathable outer covers have the
ability to pass gases and/or vapors through the pores of the outer
cover itself. The monitoring involves one or more reactants that
create or generate a gas or vapor when contacted by urine and/or
feces. It should be appreciated that the selective gas and/or vapor
transmission through the outer cover is desirably cyclic, i.e.,
lower once the liquid has been absorbed and high when free liquid
is present. The magnitude of the cyclic nature of the reactant
needs only be sufficient for reliable sensing of the event.
Measuring the incontinent event via moisture vapor transmission can
not only provide an indication of the event itself, but the
moisture vapor transmission profile or threshold values may be used
to determine core capacity, product dryness and/or size of the
insult itself, e.g., amount of urine. Further, the incontinent
event may act as a trigger to review the properties of the wearer
and/or the article being monitored before and during the
incontinent event. Changes in these properties may show patterns
which can then be used to predict when subsequent incontinent
events are likely.
[0100] Communication
[0101] There are a number of acceptable orientations for placing
sensors in or on the auxiliary article to ensure the desired
sensing of the environment within the absorbent article. For
instance, an aperture or absorbent free zone may be created in the
core of the absorbent article so that fecal waste or urine are more
readily disposed against the garment-facing layer and thereby
provide a strong enough stimulus (e.g., chemical, visual, etc.)
that is detectable by the sensor. For this purpose, use of a
substantially air felt free core may be desirable. Examples of
acceptable air felt free cores are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,562,646, 7,750,203, 7,744,576 and U.S. Pub. Nos. 2008/0312617A1,
2008/0312619A1, 2004/0097895A1.
[0102] Alternatively, the sensor may comprise a mechanical
fastener, e.g., a hook-like material that can engage with the outer
surface of the product, nonwoven or loop material to hold the
sensor in place. In an alternative approach the sensor may comprise
a magnet designed to pull the sensor into contact with the external
surface of the absorbent article. In such a design the article may
comprise a thin piece of magnetically compatible material.
[0103] Sensors of the present disclosure may be designed to predict
when an incontinent event may happen. For example, in one
embodiment, the sensor may monitor a property of an absorbent
article while the article is being worn. The sensor may determine a
change in the property of the absorbent article wherein the change
is indicative of an incontinent event of the wearer. Further, the
sensor may predict conditions indicative of a subsequent
incontinent event based on the change in a property. The sensor may
make predictions by comparing a series of incontinent events and
conditions present at, during or before the incontinent events, and
by determining patterns in the conditions present at, during or
before the incontinent events. Further, the sensor may provide an
insult notification to inform a caregiver and/or the wearer of the
presence of an insult in the absorbent article.
[0104] Moisture Vapor Transmission
[0105] In yet another alternative embodiment, the sensors of the
present disclosure may sense incontinent events by measuring
changes in moisture vapor transmission through the absorbent
article garment-facing layer. Microporous, breathable
garment-facing layers have the ability to pass moisture vapor
through the pores of the layer itself. The rate of transmission is
highly dependent on the distance the liquid is from the surface of
the microporous material. Typical microporous materials exhibit
significantly higher "wet cup" moisture vapor transmission rates
(liquid directly on the surface of the material) than "dry cup"
moisture vapor transmission rates (high humidity on one side low
humidity on the other). Therefore, such microporous materials will
have a higher moisture vapor transmission rate during and
immediately after the incontinence event, especially for urine and
watery feces, than during the remainder of the wearing time, when
the diaper is dry or once the absorbent materials have contained
all of the free liquid. It may be desirable to use a breathable
garment-facing layer for the purpose of measuring WVTR. WVTRs of
garment-facing layers of the present disclosure may range from
about 500 to about 8,000, from about 1,000 to about 6,000, or from
about 2,000 to about 4,000 g/m.sup.2/24 hours (as determined by
ASTM E96).
[0106] The sensor system of the present disclosure may monitor a
second property which is indicative of an intake of a substance by
the wearer such a liquid, a solid, or a drug. For example this
property may be data the wearer or caregiver may enter via a
wireless handheld device or computer comprising a keyboard, mouse
or touchpad indicating that the wearer has consumed food and/or
liquids or has been given a drug. A pattern may show that at a
given time after eating and/or drinking an incontinent event may
occur.
[0107] The sensor system may predict conditions indicative of a
subsequent incontinent event a number of ways. The sensor system
may compare the changes in the first and the second properties that
are being monitored and compare them with known patterns predictive
of incontinent events. Alternatively the sensor system may look for
individual incontinent events as indicated by the first property
and then looked to changes in the second property which preceded
the incontinent event. Upon finding an instance of a change in the
second property followed by an incontinent event, the sensor system
may then compare other incontinent events for a similar cause and
effect relationship. Multiple second properties may be compared to
find more complex relationships and patterns.
[0108] Sustainability
[0109] There is a growing desire to utilize more sustainable
absorbent articles. It is too costly and too wasteful to
incorporate a sensor into each article, and to throw it away with
each absorbent article change. Instead of throwing away hundreds or
thousands of disposable sensors per wearer, a single external
sensor in an auxiliary article may be reused. The sensor may be
oriented in a washable, reusable auxiliary article.
[0110] Another advantage of using a single sensor outside the
absorbent article is that the sensor may be used with any absorbent
article, including brand, type (taped, pull-on diapers, training
pants, etc.), size (e.g., infant to adult).
[0111] Internal sensors and/or sensors that are part of the
absorbent article may require a built in power source that needs to
last through the storage and shelf-life of the absorbent article it
is incorporated into. Sensors that are removable from the absorbent
article and/or auxiliary article may be set in a recharging base or
may have replaceable batteries. Alternatively, especially for
auxiliary articles, a battery that is integral with the article may
be recharged via a port in the article capable of receiving a
charging wire that may be plugged into an outlet.
[0112] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0113] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0114] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *