Abstract: An aid is usable with a wearer's garment, the aid including a structural layer having a skin-facing side, wherein the structural layer is adapted to be positioned within the garment such that the skin-facing side is in at least partial skin contact with the wearer; and a thermal grill disposed on the structural layer. Also, an absorbent article delivers discomfort without causing physiological damage, the article including a bodyside liner; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the bodyside liner; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the bodyside liner, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article comprising a wetness indicator disposed between the absorbent core and the backsheet and in liquid communication with the absorbent core; the wetness indicator comprising a central graphic and a background graphic; wherein the background graphic comprises at least one responsive color composition that, upon wetting, exhibits a visible change that is selected from the group consisting of a color change, a graphic change, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and device for detecting non-nutritive sucking events produced by an infant; patterns comprising such events (i.e., rhythmic sucking patterns, or RSPs); and relating said events and/or RSPs to performance of a disposable absorbent article worn by the infant. The frequency and/or amplitude and/or other characteristics of non-nutritive sucking changes in response to liquid insults introduced to a disposable absorbent article. Accordingly, changes to RSPs offer detectable and measurable indicia of an infant's perception of the performance of a disposable absorbent article. Furthermore, such information may be used to support and/or substantiate marketing communications to consumers, or to guide selection and/or management of research-and-development programs.

Abstract: A moisture absorbent sanitary apparatus is provided with a body, moisture absorbent material, a moisture sensor in the body, and an actuator in the body for imparting a motion to a user for indicating a level of moisture absorption. A computer-readable medium is disclosed with instructions for performing a method including receiving a signal of a moisture level in a sanitary apparatus, and transmitting a signal for driving an actuator in the sanitary apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates, the article comprising a front region, a back region and a crotch region disposed between said front and back region, each region having two opposing longitudinal edges, and wherein said article further comprises a window on any one of said regions for viewing a sensor suitable for measuring a condition selected from the group consisting of temperature, dehydration, rash, pH, analyte levels, humidity, and combinations thereof and wherein the sensor is placed adjacent to and facing said window placed adjacent to and facing said window.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates, the article comprising a front region, a back region and a crotch region disposed between said front and back region, each region having two opposing longitudinal edges, and wherein said article further comprises a window on any one of said regions for viewing a removable sensor placed adjacent to and facing said window.

Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating sensory element members are disclosed. The absorbent articles may be disposable pant like garments designed to assist urinary toilet training such as of young children. Upon urination by the wearer, the article produces a feedback response which is transmitted to the wearer by the sensory element member. Wetness based, temperature based and other feedback responses are disclosed. The feedback response should be immediate and unmistakable to the wearer and also be temporary and harmless.

Abstract: Presented is a sensing absorbent article system including an absorbent article having a liner and an outer cover, the absorbent article including a sensing means, an article design scheme, and an attachment zone having an attachment zone design scheme, wherein the attachment zone design scheme is visually differentiable from the article design scheme. Also presented is a sensing absorbent article system including an absorbent article having a liner and an outer cover, the absorbent article including a sensing means, an article design scheme, and an attachment zone adapted to indicate the proper position for a signaling device.

Abstract: The present invention includes absorbent articles and/or garments with thermochromic wetness indicator(s), providing a method of wetness detection with use of products including diapers, incontinent briefs, feminine pads, bandages and other alike absorbent products.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member. The temperature change member includes temperature change material disposed with the temperature change member in a nonuniform distribution by weight across the temperature change member.

Abstract: A multi-sensor baby care monitoring system includes a wetness sensor configured to generate a first signal relating to an occurrence of a wetness event relative to a wetness containment device, such as a diaper. The monitoring system further includes a human life sensor configured to generate a second signal relating to a presence or absence of a human relative to the wetness containment device. If desired, a system controller may be used for receiving the first and second signals and generating data associated with the wetness event and the presence or absence of said human.

Abstract: Assembly of a diaper and a sensor for at least determining a position of a user of the diaper, wherein the diaper is provided with an insertion opening or coupling element for coupling of the sensor to the diaper, such as Velcro. Method for forming a diaper, wherein from at least a top layer, a core material and a bottom layer, at least partly a diaper is formed, such that the core material is locked between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the top layer is at least partly moisture-transmissive and during use is turned towards the body of a user and the bottom layer is substantially moisture-tight and during use is turned outwards, after which on the side of the diaper turned outwards during use an insertion opening or coupling element is provided.

Abstract: A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the outer cover and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the topsheet. The article further includes a sensation member that includes a sensate, which can be associated with the topsheet or may be separate from the topsheet. The sensate provides a sensation of a temperature change greater than an actual temperature change to the wearer's skin in response to a urination event. The sensate can be incorporated in combination with one or more additional sensation members, such as hydrophilic members, hydrophobic members, and tactile members. Visible and/or tactile indicia may be associated with the sensation member.

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 member, which sensation member may be defined in part by the topsheet or may be separate from the topsheet. The sensation member may be a wetness sensation member, a temperature sensation member, a tactile agent, or a combination thereof. Visible and/or tactile indicia may be associated with the sensation member.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a waist region and a crotch region. The article including a backsheet, an absorbent core, and a sensation member. The absorbent core is disposed between the backsheet and the sensation member. The sensation member forms a portion of a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article. The sensation member has a wicking factor of greater than about 20 mm at about one minute, an absorptive capacity of greater than about 0.01 g/cm2, and a capillary pressure of greater than about 50 mm of water.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the outer cover and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the topsheet. The article may also include barrier leg cuffs. The article further includes a sensation member.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having enhanced absorption of bodily exudates are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a bodily exudate modifying agent and a skin care formulation. The bodily exudate modifying agent is capable of reducing the viscosity of bodily exudates such as feces and menses. The skin care formulation comprises a film forming agent that, upon transfer to the skin, can form a continuous film layer on the skin to retard harmful agents.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin including a body facing surface, a portion adapted to be arranged over the vaginal opening during use, a first colored portion, said colored portion extending over at least the portion of the napkin to be placed over the vaginal opening during use, a noncolored portion, wherein said first colored portion has a first color as measured from said body facing surface prior to staining, wherein the first colored portion has a second color as measured from said body facing surface after staining, wherein the first color has an average L value greater than 80; and wherein a ?a* between said first color and said second color is less than 18.

Abstract: An absorbent product (1) is a pants-type disposal diaper and comprises a first mark (51) and a second mark (52) which are provided on a front part (201) and a back part (203) of a body part (2) and visually recognizable from the outside of the body part (2). The first mark (51) and the second mark (52) include information for discriminating the front and back of the body part (2). The whole of the first mark (51) and the second mark (52) are provided in an area on one side of a body part center line (20) along vertical direction, with the area overlapping with an absorbent core (22). This makes it possible to suppress conspicuousness of the first mark (51) and the second mark (52) in the front part (201) and the back part (203) and reduce shame of wearer of the absorbent product (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wetness monitoring system that includes a data collection device that sends wetness measurement data to a central computer that detects changes in wetness measurement data caused by the presence of urine or other dielectric fluids. The data collection device includes a semi-reusable sensor and reusable data collector that are worn on a garment of the person. The data collector includes an internal power source so that the person can live a normal ambulatory life. The data collector has an electrical circuit that uses the changing resistance characteristics in the sensor to gather wetness measurement data. The data collector periodically generates and transmits a signal containing the actual wetness measurement data. The signals are coded to identify the particular data collector or person sending the signal. The data collector is programmed to conserve power by sending signals less frequently during periods when the sensor is clearly dry.

Abstract: An absorbent article may define a front region, a rear region, and a crotch region intermediate the front and rear regions. The article may include an outercover, a liner and an absorbent assembly front portion disposed intermediate the outercover and the liner in the front region. The article may also include an absorbent assembly rear portion disposed intermediate the outercover and the liner in the rear region and at least partially spaced from the absorbent assembly front portion to provide a first gap. The article further includes a temperature change member disposed in the first gap.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fluid distribution. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid detection network is used to assess the fluid distribution of a fluid collection article having a plurality of tested regions. Each tested region of the fluid collection article is serviced by the fluid detection network. The fluid detection network is configured to indicate a fluid distribution of the fluid collection article. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a monitoring subsystem assesses a fluid distribution of a test area serviced by a fluid detection network, wherein the fluid detection network has a net characteristic indicative of the fluid distribution of the test area.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates of a wearer where the article includes a front waist region, a back waist region and a crotch region disposed between the front and back waist regions, each region having both an interior surface and an exterior surface and wherein the article further includes a sensor comprising a material selected from the group consisting of thermochromic inks, thermochromic dyes, thermochromic liquid crystalline materials, and combinations thereof such that the sensor is fastened to an interior surface of any one of the regions.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has: a) a backsheet having a garment facing surface and a bodyfacing surface; b) a topsheet having a garment facing surface and a bodyfacing surface; c) an absorbent core having two opposing longitudinal edges and two opposing transverse edges and wherein the core is disposed between the bodyfacing surface of the backsheet and the garment facing surface of the topsheet; and wherein a graphic is disposed on the bodyfacing surface of the backsheet and is partially covered by the core.

Abstract: An article includes an auxiliary elastic member extending in a waist-circumferential direction and arranged between a waist-surrounding elastic member extending in front and rear waist regions and leg-holes of a base sheet assembly in a stretched state. The base sheet assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet. The auxiliary elastic member includes first elastic elements and second elastic elements. In the article, the first and second elastic elements respectively have longitudinally opposite end portions, middle portions and the remaining portions. The end portions of the first and second elastic elements are secured to the first and second sheet, the middle portions of the first elastic elements are secured to the second sheet and the remaining portions of the first and second elastic elements as well as the middle portions of the second elastic elements are let free from the first and second sheets.

Abstract: An absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the resilient member is capable of reverting to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint and the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: A wearing article is provided on at least one of front and rear waist covering regions with an indication element adapted to be visually recognized from the outside of the article. The waist covering region provided with the indication element includes a first composite sheet, a second composite sheet lying inside this first composite sheet and the indication element interposed between these two composite sheets. The first composite sheet comprises a first intermediate layer, a first outer layer and a first inner layer while the second composite sheet includes a second intermediate layer, a second outer layer and a second inner layer. The respective layers of the first composite sheet are joined together at joining spots arranged intermittently in a waist-surrounding direction.

Abstract: A disposable sensoring absorbent structure for detecting wetness comprises at least one absorbent layer and at least one sensing device comprising a magnetoelastic film. Such an absorbent structure enables the monitoring the status, e.g., wetness and/or at least one biological and/or chemical analyte, in an absorbent article. A change in status, such as wetness, may reflect an event, such as urination or a feces event. Also included are methods for detecting wetness and/or at least one biological and/or at least one chemical analyte, using the sensoring absorbent structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: Wetness indicating compositions having improved colorant retention and durability and to wearable articles comprising this wetness indicating composition are provided.

Abstract: An indicator interposed between a liquid-impervious sheet and an absorbent core of a body fluid absorbent article includes a water-absorbent sheet and indication elements held in close contact with the water-absorbent sheet. The water-absorbent sheet is preferably formed from porous thermoplastic films having a total luminous transmittance of 40% or lower in a dry state and 60% or higher in a wet state.

Abstract: A battery operated moisture indicator for selective attachment to an existing diaper worn by a baby, having an audible alarm and having a liquid crystal display bulb, for providing an audible alert and a visual alert, respectively, when the diaper has been wet by the baby. The circuit includes a mechanism for selectively activating the alarm and the liquid crystal display bulb when an aqueous electrolyte-containing solution has wetted the diaper. The moisture indicator is provided with a diaphanous sac having a clip for selectively attaching the moisture indicator to the external surface of the front of an existing diaper, thereby providing a moisture indicator that is comfortable for a baby to wear.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fluid distribution. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid detection network is used to assess the fluid distribution of a fluid collection article having a plurality of tested regions. Each tested region of the fluid collection article is serviced by the fluid detection network. The fluid detection network is configured to indicate a fluid distribution of the fluid collection article. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a monitoring subsystem assesses a fluid distribution of a test area serviced by a fluid detection network, wherein the fluid detection network has a net characteristic indicative of the fluid distribution of the test area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of absorbent articles for feminine hygiene. The absorbent articles of the present invention are capable to perform colour changes in response to an external stimulus. These colour changes are visible to the users of such articles. The external stimuli herein are pressure, temperature and light.

Abstract: A sensor for indicating moisture, comprising a unit whose conductivity is dependent on the current moisture exposure and an electric circuit, the unit being included as a component in the electric circuit and the electric circuit being activable by applying an electric field and/or a magnetic field over the same to generate a measurable signal, which is dependent on the total resistance of the circuit. The unit comprises an enzyme together with a substrate, which enzyme is activated when moisture exposure occurs to catalyse a reaction with the substrate that is dependent on the degree of moisture exposure, the substrate reaction product increasing the conductivity of the unit. The invention also relates to the use of such a sensor and a method of using a sensor to indicate moisture.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and back sheet. The back sheet is formed of a resin film containing an inorganic filler in a resin base material. The back sheet includes: a stretched moisture-permeable region; and a high optical transmittance region having a lower degree of orientation than that of the moisture-permeable region and/or left unstretched.

Abstract: A wearable article including a fever indicator disposed on at least a portion of the article for indicating the body temperature of a wearer. The fever indicator may be used in conjunction with a disposable absorbent article and provides a signal indicating qualitative or quantitative information about the body temperature of the wearer based on the temperature of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: Absorbent articles for alerting a wearer to urination are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a bodyside liner, an absorbent core, and a urine-permeable inflatable envelope located between the bodyside liner and the absorbent core. The envelope comprises a surfactant and a system capable of generating a gas upon being wetted with urine. Upon urination, a foam is formed in the envelope such that the envelope inflates and causes the bodyside liner to press up against the skin of the wearer to alert the wearer to urination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pantyliner, in particular for pregnant women, with a liquid-impermeable lower layer and a liquid-permeable covering layer, where a test insert (3) provided with a test substance is arranged between the lower layer (1) and the covering layer (2).

Abstract: The post circumcision diaper has an integrated protective cup situated between the outer fluid-impervious and inner absorbent layers of the diaper's front portion. The protective cup is constructed of plastic and forms an area of the diaper that is convex outward and concave inward to protect the penis of a recently circumcised baby boy from both direct and incidental pressure. In an alternative embodiment, the post circumcision diaper is formed from a protective cup that is configured for aftermarket attachment to the inside of a commercially available disposable or cloth diaper. In this embodiment, the protective cup has adhesive on its outer surface and a layer of absorbent material on its inner surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article 1 comprising a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4 is disclosed. The backsheet 3 comprises a laminated sheet composed of a breathable film 3a printed with a multicolor pattern 10 and nonwoven materials 3b and 3c superposed on the printed side of the film 3a. The printed area of the film has an L* value of 10 to 93 and a C* value of 20 to 120 as measured with a color difference meter. The nonwoven materials 3b and 3c have a light transmittance of 40 to 83%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a colored absorbent article to be attached to an inner side of an undergarment matching in color with the article. The absorbent article has a body surface for facing the skin of a wearer and a garment surface for facing the inner side of the undergarment. A color given to the absorbent article is visually recognizable from the side of the body surface. When measured for the body surface of the absorbent article, a Munsell value is in a range of 5.7 to 8.7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: A urine detection system and method. According to one aspect of the invention, the method includes generating a magnetic field within an effective distance of a potentially wetted area, and conducting a plurality of measurements to construct a magnetic energy distribution function corresponding to the potentially wetted area. The method further includes comparing at least one parameter of the magnetic energy distribution function to a set of stored parameters corresponding to known wetness conditions to identify a wetness condition of the potentially wetted area.

Abstract: Wetness indicating compositions having improved colorant retention and durability and to wearable articles comprising this wetness indicating composition are provided.

Abstract: There is provided an improved tab member for a closure system comprising a tab portion and a slot member. The slot member includes a slit or a loop, with the slot located between an inboard portion and an outboard portion. The tab portion has a tab member having a length, an inner edge, an outer edge and at least one lip portion. The tab member outer edge is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least one lip portion of the tab member overlaps or catches the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member. The slot member outward portion is retained between the lip portion(s) and the underlying generally flexible tab carrier substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, nursing pads and baby diapers, having a breathable backsheet, and comprising a chitosan material. Absorbent articles are provided that deliver not only initial high performing breathability but also maintain effective breathability in use as well as high protection level while delivering also effective odor control towards odor associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: There is provided a temperature change element for use in personal care products where the temperature change element has a reactive component and a gel-forming agent. Upon exposure to liquids such as urine, the temperature change element will change in temperature substantially, thus letting the wearer know that he has urinated.

Abstract: A personal wear article capable of alerting a wearer to the wearer's release of liquid body exudates. The article includes an absorbent structure and a wetness indicator adapted to receive said liquid body exudates. The wetness indicator stiffens as it absorbs the liquid body exudates and applies a tactile sensation against the wearer's skin. The wetness indicator is positioned relative to a portion of the absorbent structure having an absorbent capacity gradient such that the absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure increases as the absorbent structure extends generally from the position of the wetness indicator in a direction generally away from the position of the wetness indicator. In another embodiment, the article includes a temperature change agent responsive to the liquid body exudates to change the temperature of the liquid body exudates to thereby facilitate a temperature change sensation against the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fluid distribution. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid detection network is used to assess the fluid distribution of a fluid collection article having a plurality of tested regions. Each tested region of the fluid collection article is serviced by the fluid detection network. The fluid detection network is configured to indicate a fluid distribution of the fluid collection article. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a monitoring subsystem assesses a fluid distribution of a test area serviced by a fluid detection network, wherein the fluid detection network has a net characteristic indicative of the fluid distribution of the test area.