Abstract: A composite fabric panel comprising a substrate and a plurality of elongate operative members engaged directly with the substrate, wherein the elongate operative members perform a serviceable operation in response to a stimulus. In one embodiment, the substrate comprises a nonwoven and the elongate operative members include multifilament yarns. The serviceable operation performed by the elongate operative members may comprise a transformation and/or a selective dispersion of active agents in response to such stimuli as wetting, temperature change, change in pH or affects of concentrated chemical environment.

Abstract: Presented is an absorbent article including a chassis including an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an absorbent structure positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, the chassis including a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween; and first and second conductive elements contained in the chassis, the conductive elements extending from the waist region to the crotch region without intersecting, the first and second conductive elements forming part of a circuit that is configured to sense the presence of a substance, wherein the conductive elements include a conductive nonwoven web including conductive fibers.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles comprising a sequence of graphic designs corresponding to a wearer's stage of development. For a disposable diaper, the array of disposable absorbent article graphic designs may comprise a first absorbent article graphic design for newborns and infants, a second absorbent article graphic design for toddlers, and a third absorbent article graphic design for older wearers, and other absorbent article graphic designs.

Abstract: An absorbent article may include one or more circuits formed on the exterior of the article that are configured to connect to a monitoring device. When connected to a monitoring device, the circuit(s) can be used to provide input data to the monitoring device. The monitoring device may provide audio, visual, and other feedback that changes based on user input data. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can further connect to one or more circuits internal to the article to sense changes in the state of the article. For example, interactive features supported by the monitoring device may relate to the wetness state of the article and/or may be used to control the type of indication(s) provided by the monitoring device when wetness (or another state) is detected. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can be used to provide interactive games for the user of the article.

Abstract: An alarm device for a diaper includes a substrate, a cathode partially covering a surface of the substrate, an anode partially covering the surface of the substrate and spaced from the cathode, an absorbent layer covering the surface of the substrate and connecting the cathode and the anode, and an alarm electrically connecting with the cathode and the anode. The absorbent layer is made of polymer material containing electrolyte. Once the absorbent layer absorbs water, the ions of the electrolyte in the absorbent layer can move so that a battery is formed with the cathode and the anode to turn on the alarm. By means of the aforesaid arrangement, the alarm device of the present invention sends out warning while the diaper is wetted by urine or water. There is no battery-exhausting problem so that the alarm device is convenience in use.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an absorbent article has at least one wetness detector. This at least one wetness detector has an electrical circuit, which is integrally formed into the article. The at least one electrical circuit is fabricated from an electrically active material which has been printed onto one or more components of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an outer cover with an interior surface and an opposite exterior surface, an absorbent core positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, and a wetness indicator graphic located on the outer cover. The wetness indicator graphic has a permanent graphic defining at least one non-printed area and a changing graphic located within the at least one non-printed area of the permanent graphic such that the permanent graphic and the changing graphic together give the appearance of a uniform graphic.

Abstract: Electrical monitoring devices may include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendants in identifying a wet diaper condition shortly after the diaper has been soiled. The devices may produce a visual, an audible, or an electronic signal. These electrical monitoring devices have been powered by batteries, specifically small coin cell batteries. The power that is supplied by batteries dissipates over time requiring that the batteries be periodically replaced.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a sensor for detecting the presence of fluid in an absorbent article. The sensor may include a fluid activated battery. Fluid received in the absorbent article may connect electrodes of the fluid activated battery and cause a voltage to be generated between battery electrodes. The voltage generated between the electrodes may provide power to the sensor circuit. In one embodiment, the fluid activated battery may be configured to detect the presence of fluid in the absorbent article and the presence and/or amount of particular substances in the received fluid.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. An absorbent article may be provided with selected electrical components used as wetness or other type sensors and may also incorporate one or more electrical components, characteristics of which may be determined by a coupled signaling device. An attached signaling device may automatically determine a product identification based on characteristics of the electrical components detected and adjust operating characteristics or parameters for the sensing device. Determinations could be made based on gender, age and approximate weight of the user of the absorbent device. In addition automatic checks can be made to determine mutual operability of the signaling device with an associated absorbent article or visa-versa.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system, a kit and an associated method are presented for use in providing a convenient way to alert health care workers that a diaper is in need of being changed. The remote monitoring system includes a remotely placed monitor station in communications with a diaper device. The diaper device has many of the standard diaper components such as having an absorbent pad and absorbent composition interposed between the inner and outer panels. The diaper device also has electronic components that are configured to detect an increase in conductivity across opposing detector electrodes which can then be used to indicate, via an EMF signal, that the diaper device is wet. The electronic components of the remotely placed monitor station are then configured to receive the EMF signal and to configured to alert the health care workers that the diaper device is in need of being changed.

Abstract: A standalone smart disposable diaper, kit and method of using same are presented for use in indicating a need to change the device when soiled. The standalone smart disposable diaper includes an inner panel, an outer panel, an absorbent pad, an absorbent composition, at least one pair of detector electrodes interposed between the inner and outer panels; a circuit coupled to the detector electrodes; a signaling beacon coupled to the circuit; and a power supply coupled to the detector electrodes, to the circuit and to the beacon. The kit includes detector electrodes, the circuit, the beacon and the power supply operatively coupled to the detector electrodes, the circuit and the beacon. The method of using the kit to convert a standard disposable diaper into a standalone smart disposable diaper device includes the steps of acquiring, allowing, inserting, observing, obtaining, removing, taping, and wearing.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gauging the levels of pH in the interiors of articles such as diapers, incontinence garments, pads, catamenial products, bedding, and would dressings are disclosed. This method and apparatus include sensing devices and relay systems for displaying the pH on the outside of the articles that provide visual and/or audible warnings that toxic levels are approaching and that it is time to remove and replace the article.

Abstract: A toilet training kit (20) includes a case (22) and a plurality of urine indicators (34) housed in the case (22). The kit (20) can also include a mixture (36) of a sugar with a color additive powder dispersed therein. Portions of the urine indicators (34) and the mixture (36) are stored in a plurality of single-use packets (26). Prior to a potty training episode, an entire content of one of the packets (26) is placed in a dry training toilet (38), and the child is positioned on the toilet (38). Urine (42) produced by the child causes the urine indicators (34) to expand and the mixture (36) to dissolve and change the color of the urine to a vivid color, thereby providing amusement to the child. The child's toilet training progress is recorded on a learning graphic (28) provided in the kit (20).

Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially oblong rectangular absorbent body A composed of a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent core 4 between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The absorbent article further has a pair of side sheets 5 as leak preventive side members on its skin facing side C of the absorbent body A. The leak preventive side members have a pattern P printed with ink in a configuration such that the printed ink is substantially kept away from contact with the skin of a wearer.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between these top- and backsheets, and an indicator by which it is perceptible from outside the backsheet whether urination has occurred or not. The indicator has a liquid-pervious intermediate sheet hydrophilically modified by coating of a hydrophobic fibrous nonwoven fabric with surfactant and a water-soluble coloring agent depicting a given figure which is perceptible from outside the backsheet. The intermediate sheet is interposed between the backsheet and the core and the coloring agent is applied on the surface of the intermediate sheet opposed to the backsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, a pant diaper, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard etc., which includes thermochromic fibres. The thermochromic fibres may be incorporated in one or more of the following components of the absorbent article: the inner coversheet, the acquisition layer, the absorbent structure, the outer coversheet or a layer arranged between the outer coversheet and the absorbent structure. The article may alternatively contain a fibrous layer which mainly or entirely contains thermochromic fibres. The thermochromic fibers may be used as wetness indicator, as a fever indicator, as a function control for microorganisms that have been incorporated in the article or for amusement purposes, such as creating colour imprints of hands etc.

Abstract: A potty training readiness indicator, which can be utilized in a disposable absorbent article, having at least one indicating member. The potty training readiness indicator which indicates to the caregiver when the wearer is ready to be potty trained.

Abstract: A wearable article comprising a dehydration indicator adapted to measure a urine ionic strength correlated to a specific gravity of the wearer's urine and provide a visible signal when the urine ionic strength reaches a value corresponding to a predetermined threshold of the specific gravity. The wearable article may be a disposable absorbent article. The dehydration indicator may also be comprised in an insert for use with a wearable article. The dehydration indicator may provide qualitative or quantitative information about the ionic strength of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: A marker system for providing an indication of the presence of fecal matter, urine, sweat and/or an external fluid source. The system includes at least one reactive material configured to react upon contact with the fecal matter, urine, sweat and/or external fluid source. In this manner, the system provides some unmasked and positive indication of such contact. Also disclosed is a diaper or undergarment.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a top layer, an absorbent layer and a bottom layer. The absorbent layer has a hollow portion with at least one isolating layer. The isolating layer, the top layer and the bottom layer have multiple ventilating holes corresponding to the hollow portion. Irregular absorbent material with voids is disposed between two adjacent isolating layers to allow air convection to disperse heat, so that the menstrual blood is quickly drained and absorbed by the absorbent layer to keep the sanitary napkin dry at the top layer and to avoid toxic vapors that might enter the vagina or the uterus and thus incur pathological changes. The toxic vapors are caused by chemical qualitative change if menstrual blood with high heat is retained on the top layer. Therefore, the sanitary napkin is safe and comfortable in use.

Abstract: In a tampon having a body of an absorbent material, the body has at least one zone in which expansion and/or absorption by the body of the tampon is limited.

Abstract: Wetness indicators may include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendants in identifying a wet diaper condition early on. These devices produce either a visual or an audible signal. Many of these devices rely on electronics, which may increase the expense of the absorbent article. Further, electronic devices rely on electrical sources and may be prone to failure if not utilized for an extended period of time.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent garments include reagents that can detect the presence of one or more medical conditions through the detection of various substances in urine or feces. The garments of the array may, in addition to or in the alternative, detect physical measurements such as hydration levels or the remaining liquid-capacity of the garment/urine volume in the garment. The garments of the array may vary in size, types of included reagents and/or ability to detect physical measurements.

Abstract: A diaper product is formed by the steps of first installing a sensor element onto a first layer of the plurality of layers of material: second installing a layer of absorbent material onto the first layer of the plurality of layers material: and forming the combined first layer of the plurality of layers of material with the sensor element installed thereon and the layer of absorbent material into a disposable diaper product. Electrical contacts communicate with the sensor element. A transmitter is installed within a transmitter housing that has first and second portions that are pivotally joined to one another, and is arranged to transmit a signal responsive to the sensor element and to a duration of a predetermined period of time that corresponds to the duration of a selectable condition of the diaper. A receiver responds to predetermined transmitters, each transmitter being associated with a respective patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a process for controlling the quality of manufactured absorbent articles, the process including incorporating into an absorbent article at least a portion of a wetness sensing system that is configured to detect the presence of a substance, the wetness sensing system comprising at least one metallic conductive element; and passing the absorbent article in proximity to a foreign material sensor employing x-ray technology, the foreign material sensor adapted to detect the presence of foreign material to confirm whether foreign material has been incorporated into the article.

Abstract: In a reusable apparel undergarment having a body of absorbent textile, the body being divided into a stomach portion, which when in wear, is located on a wearer's stomach side and a back portion which, when in wear, is located on his back side, the stomach portion and the back portion being connected and fixed together at both side edge portions, respectively, of the stomach and back portions to form a pair of leg opening portions and a unitary waist opening portion, the waist opening portion and pair of leg opening portions being provided around entire peripheral edges thereof with elastic members forming substantially continuous gathers. The interior portion found in the center of the leg openings where the stomach portion and back portion meet contains the animal character graphic.

Abstract: A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses.

Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a lateral flow assay device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow assay device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. Regardless of its specific configuration, the lateral flow assay device is integrated into the absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be integrated into a diaper to provide information about the presence of enzymes or other compounds often encountered with a patient having a urinary tract infection. This information may provide an early warning system to allow the user or caregiver to seek additional testing and/or treatment.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve new methods for using disposable absorbent articles having replaceable absorbent core components as a training pant. Non-removable absorbent core components may be disposed in a chassis of the disposable absorbent article. The absorbent article may also include one or more replaceable absorbent core components selectively disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. Embodiments of such absorbent articles can be configured for use as a training pant by removing the replaceable absorbent core component. As discussed below, removal of the replaceable core component can be done without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer. In addition, embodiments of the absorbent articles can be reconfigured for use as a high absorbency diaper by reinstalling a replaceable absorbent core component without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer.

Abstract: A wearable article comprising a dehydration indicator adapted to measure a urine ionic strength correlated to a specific gravity of the wearer's urine and provide a visible signal when the urine ionic strength reaches a value corresponding to a predetermined threshold of the specific gravity. The wearable article may be a disposable absorbent article. The dehydration indicator may also be comprised in an insert for use with a wearable article. The dehydration indicator may provide qualitative or quantitative information about the ionic strength of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: In a disposable pull-on wearing article, sheet strips carrying thereon display elements are bonded to an inner surface of an elastically stretchable outer sheet of the article. An inner sheet facing inner surfaces of the sheet strips and being elastically stretchable is bonded to the outer sheet intermittently in a waist-surrounding direction as well as in a vertical direction orthogonal to the waist-surrounding direction in a region extending from lateral edges of sheet strips to spots at which front and rear waist regions of the article are bonded to each other along transversely opposite side margins of the waist regions.

Abstract: A three dimensional printed article having a composite image printed thereon is disclosed. The composite image includes top and bottom artwork portions printed on the top and bottom surfaces of the printed article substrate. Both artwork portions are visible through a translucent or transparent substrate, thereby forming a visible composite image. The substrate can be a non-woven web. By printing on both surfaces of the substrate, the three dimensional printed article provides a good quality, aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional image that limits the loss of color and appearance of fuzz during normal use of the article. The three-dimensional printed article allows a more versatile creation of build colors and reduces the number of process colors required to print the composite image. The three-dimensional printed article can be integrated into an absorbent article, such as a diaper. A method of printing the three-dimensional printed article and forming the absorbent article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit includes a package, and an absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent article being disposed in the package in a storage state and removable from the package in an operative state. The kit also may include a supply, such as a diagnostic device, a therapeutic agent, a therapeutic device, or combinations thereof. The supply may be disposed on or in the package in the storage state and detachable from the package in the operative state.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of an insult in an absorbent article is disclosed. The amount of time that elapses between the activation of an alarm and the determination of the presence of a subsequent insult is determined. This elapsed time is compared to a time threshold value and either an insult alarm or a saturation alarm is activated as a function of the comparison. After activation of the alarm for an alarm period, the electrical property of the article is determined at a second time occurring at least a preset period after the end of the alarm period to allow the electrical property to stabilize before determining the electrical property.

Abstract: Presented is a method for effectively toilet training a subject, the method including providing a disposable absorbent article to a caregiver, wherein the absorbent article includes a wetness sensor having a signaling device, and wherein the signaling device provides to the caregiver a feedback mode of an insult contemporaneous with the insult; and teaching the caregiver an appropriate response to the feedback mode as a training opportunity. Also presented is a method for toilet training a subject, the method including providing a wetness sensing system to a caregiver, the wetness sensing system including an insult indicator; indicating to the caregiver the occurrence of the insult contemporaneous with the insult; and instructing the caregiver to immediately intervene to teach the subject about the physical sensations experienced by the subject prior to and during the insult.

Abstract: Presented is a toilet training system including a disposable absorbent article including a first wetness sensor; a first signaling device adapted to communicate with the first wetness sensor and providing a first feedback mode of a wetness state of the disposable absorbent article; and a second signaling device adapted to communicate with the first wetness sensor and providing a second feedback mode of the wetness state of the disposable absorbent article, wherein the second feedback mode is different from the first feedback mode. Also presented is a toilet training system including a disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensor; and a signaling device adapted to communicate with the wetness sensor, wherein the signaling device includes a dynamic feedback mode system.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a backsheet having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The article may also include barrier leg cuffs. The article further includes a sensation aspect, which sensation aspect may be provided between the core and the topsheet. The sensation aspect may be, for example, a temperature sensation aspect. A visible indicator may be associated with the sensation aspect.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to process for controlling the quality of absorbent articles containing wetness sensing systems. The wetness sensing system incorporated in the article can include, for instance, metallic conductive leads or other metallic material. A metal sensor can be used in order to ensure that a proper amount of metallic material is contained within the absorbent article thereby confirming the presence of the wetness sensing system. The process of the present disclosure can be carried out at various locations. For instance, the process can be carried out while the articles are being manufactured, after the articles are packaged or during use of the articles. In one embodiment, the process can be carried out at a wholesale or retail location prior to accepting the articles into inventory.

Abstract: A toilet training system is provided that exhibits an average improvement in Weighted Progress Scale score over baseline of greater than 1.0 over four weeks. Also provided is a method for improving the efficacy of toilet training, the method including producing a toilet training system including an absorbent article having a reactive component, the toilet training system enabling a statistically significant improvement in average Weighted Progress Scale score over baseline over three weeks as compared to use of a substantially identical absorbent article without the reactive component. Also provided is a toilet training system yielding a measurable reduction in time to progress toilet training as compared to use of a wetness liner training pant, wherein the measurable reduction in time is met by achieving the same average Weighted Progress Scale score over baseline in a shorter time period.

Abstract: A system for interactively training a child and a caregiver to assist the child to overcome bedwetting. The system includes an absorbent article, a urine insult detector, a urine insult event communicator and a urine insult event alarm. The urine insult event alarm includes a local alarm proximate the child and a remote alarm proximate the caregiver. The urine insult event alarm can inform both the child and the caregiver upon occurrence of a urine insult event and thereby provide a first interactive training opportunity to assist the child to overcome bedwetting. The local alarm includes a sensor which senses a condition of the child's environment in conjunction with the occurrence of the urine insult event and wherein the remote alarm can be selectively deactivated based on the condition and thereby provide a second interactive training opportunity to assist the child to overcome bedwetting.

Abstract: A limited use, disposable article (20), comprises a matrix-substrate (22), and an electrically-conductive region (24) of a separately provided, electrically-conductive material that has been operatively applied to the matrix-substrate from a viscous configuration of the electrically-conductive material. The matrix-substrate includes a first matrix-region (26), and at least a second matrix-region (28). At least the second matrix-region (28) can include a treatment that provides for an operative formation of a selected resistivity in the electrically-conductive region. The first matrix-region (26) has a high resistivity, and the electrically-conductive region (24) is positioned operatively adjacent the second matrix-region (28). The electrically-conductive region (24) has a low resistivity, as determined when the electrically-conductive region is positioned operatively adjacent the second matrix-region and configured for its intended use.

Abstract: Provided is a sensing system for use in conjunction with a home automation network controlling an environmental variable in a home, the system including a transmitter adapted to be used with an absorbent article having a sensor, wherein the transmitter is adapted to communicate with the sensor and directly with the home automation network. Also provided is a physiological event notification system including an absorbent article including a physiological event sensor; a home automation network controlling an environmental variable in a home; and a transmitter associable with the absorbent article and in signal communication with the physiological event sensor and with the home automation network.

Abstract: Electrical monitoring devices may include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendants in identifying a wet diaper condition shortly after the diaper has been soiled. The devices may produce a visual, an audible, or an electronic signal. These electrical monitoring devices have been powered by batteries, specifically small coin cell batteries. The power that is supplied by batteries dissipates over time requiring that the batteries be periodically replaced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.