With Wetness Indicator Or Alarm Patents (Class 604/361)
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Publication number: 20140039433Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first location of a first portion of a visual fullness indicating area that is configured to change to a subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of a bodily exudate. At the first location, the first portion has a first overall width. The absorbent article also comprises a second location of a second portion of a visual fullness indicating area that is configured to change to a subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of a bodily exudate. The second location is outboard from the first location. The second location has a second overall width that is wider than the first overall width.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Miguel Alvaro Robles, Mattias Schmidt, Donald Carroll Roe, Kara Marie Cain
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Patent number: 8642832Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H Nhan
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Patent number: 8637727Abstract: 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 process colors and reduces the number of spot 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clarissa Maldonado, John Molander, Alrick Vincent Warner, Thomas Alexander Horn
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Patent number: 8628506Abstract: Monitoring the status of an absorbent article can be desirable to various users in various situations. A monitoring device for use with an absorbent article is provided. The monitoring device includes a sensing device and a signaling device. The sensing device is configured to sense a physiological indication related to the absorbent article wearer. The functionality of the monitoring device may be updateable, for instance, by utilizing firmware updates, hardware or user interface changes, software installations, etc. Thus, the monitoring device of the present invention may be utilized over an entire lifespan from infants to elderly without the need for costly replacement or installation of an entirely new monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Ales, III, Andrew M. Long
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Patent number: 8629315Abstract: An absorbent article for feminine hygiene, comprising: a body contacting layer; a garment contacting layer; and an absorbent core disposed between the body contacting layer and the garment contacting layer. The absorbent core has a core edge. The core edge defines a core region within the core edge and an outer region outside the core region. The body contacting layer and the garment contacting layer extend outward into the outer region and joined together in the outer region. The garment contacting layer may have a graphic printed on the body facing surface or the body contacting layer may have a graphic printed on the garment facing surface. The body contacting layer has a first light transmittance so that the graphic can be seen through the body contacting layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: The Procter and Gamble CompanyInventors: Tsunetoshi Miura, Kensuke Ito, Akiko Sasaki, Yoshiko Nakao, Shuri Kondo, Koichi Torni
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Patent number: 8623290Abstract: The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Xuedong Song, Kaiyuan Yang, Stephanie M. Martin, Maia Bageant
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Patent number: 8618349Abstract: An absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a backsheet and a wetness indicator composition. The wetness indicator composition may comprise a stabilizer, a colorant, and a matrix. And, a wetness indicator sample, according to the Wetness Indicator Sample Test (Phosphate), may have a phosphate content of 10% or less. Further, the wetness indicator sample, according to the Wetness Indicator Sample Test (Nitrogen), may have a nitrogen content of 3% or less.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Thomas James Klofta
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Publication number: 20130338618Abstract: 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, and a wetness indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Gregory Ashton, Molly Kelly Grovak, Kaoru Ishihara, Deborah Ann Vargo
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Patent number: 8604268Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jason C. Cohen, Thomas M. Ales, III, Shirlee A. Weber, Andrew M. Long, Christopher P. Olson, Ansley Allen
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Publication number: 20130324955Abstract: A wearable article for wearing by a user and comprising wetness sensing electrodes, wherein the wetness sensing electrodes are to be in contact with a wetting electrolytic liquid during normal use when the wearable article is wetted by the electrolytic liquid, and to operate as a capacitor upon application of a direct current at contact terminals of the wetness sensing electrodes when so wetted to facilitate capacitance measurement through the wetness sensing electrodes whereby wetness information of the wearable article is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: CKICOM TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: Sun Hoi Wong, Fei Xu, Hao Huang
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Publication number: 20130317468Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper having a central inelastic region in at least one of a front waist region and a rear waist region, and a method for manufacturing the same. Front and rear waist regions of a disposable pull-on diaper are respectively of an elastically non-stretchable exterior sheet and elastically stretchable interior sheets. In lateral elastic regions of this waist region, the interior sheets are attached under tension to an interior surface of the exterior sheet and, in a central inelastic region, the interior sheets are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction and regions of the interior sheets are in an elastically contracted and relaxed state in vicinities of the lateral elastic regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Unicharm CorporationInventors: Toshiyasu Yoshioka, Seiichi Kuwano
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Patent number: 8586820Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, a pant diaper, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard etc., which includes thermochromic fibers. The thermochromic fibers 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 fibers. 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 color imprints of hands etc.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Morgan Hansson, Robert Torstensson
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Publication number: 20130303867Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing liquid discharge when worn on the crotch region of the body of a user includes a plurality of detection zones for detecting the liquid discharge. Each detection zone is provided by first and second electrically conductive paths that are electrically isolated from one another and arranged so that a liquid discharge between the first and second conductive paths allows electrical current to flow between the first and second conductive paths which is able to be detected to detect the presence of liquid discharge in the respective zone. The plurality of zones are longitudinally distributed with respect to the absorbent article along an absorbent core of the absorbent article, to allow the longitudinal extent of the discharge to be ascertained. The first and second conductive paths are longitudinally spaced from one another. The first and second conductive paths are elongate and are laterally aligned.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS ABInventors: Allan Elfstrom, Mattias Bosaeus
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Publication number: 20130289508Abstract: A dryness indicator includes a wicking strip continuous between a reservoir end and an opposed open end; a liquid-impermeable top layer disposed on one side of the wicking strip; and a liquid-impermeable bottom layer disposed on the opposite side of the wicking strip, wherein the top layer is affixed to the bottom layer to at least partially enclose the wicking strip, and wherein the indicator is configured such that the open end of the wicking strip can be placed in liquid communication with an object or surface. The dryness indicator also includes a reservoir including an oil-based colorant with the potential to be in liquid communication with the reservoir end of the wicking strip, wherein the wicking strip is configured such that colorant wicking from the reservoir end and an unreacted water-based fluid wicking from the open end meet to define a timing line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Ning Wei, Shiming Zhuang, Xuedong Song, Kimberly Nicole Struk
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Publication number: 20130281949Abstract: A potty training apparatus having a hydrophobic bottom layer and a core disposed on the hydrophobic bottom layer. The potty training apparatus further having a top layer including an acquisition layer disposed above the core and a hydrophilic sensory strip disposed on the top layer. Also, a method of potty training a user including releasing a fluid into a potty training liner, wherein the potty training liner has a sensory section. The method further includes contacting the wet sensory section against the user and producing a sensory signal to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Lori Lee Periman
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Patent number: 8563802Abstract: To apply a clear pattern to an absorbent article such as sanitary napkin without worsening the soft and comfortable touch to skin and allowing the colorant from coming into direct contact with the skin of a wearer. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, an absorber sandwiched between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet, and side sheets joined to at least a part of the right and left both sides of the liquid-permeable sheet and to at least a part of the liquid-impermeable sheet, wherein a plurality of recess parts are provided in the side sheet, at least the portion provided with the recess part has a colored layer between the side sheet and the liquid-permeable sheet, and the recess part appears in a color different from the portion other than the recess part.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Unicharm CorporationInventors: Kumiko Nishikawa, Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda
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Patent number: 8563801Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Carolyn Berland, Barbro Moberg-Alehammar
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Patent number: 8558052Abstract: A method for providing a piece of a film of a magnetoelastic material having an initial bending stiffness with an enhanced bending stiffness in a first direction. According to the method, the piece is provided with at least one scored line in the first direction of the piece. Furthermore, the piece is bent along at least one of the at least one scored lines so as to provide the piece with a lasting bend in a direction transverse to the first direction, whereby an enhanced bending stiffness is provided in the first direction of the piece. Also, a product obtained by the method, a sensor and an absorbent structure and an absorbent article including the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventor: Stefan Nedestam
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Patent number: 8556874Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: The Procter and Gamble CompanyInventors: Patricia Lee Christon, Bryan Keith Feller, Ronda Lynn Glassmeyer, Rosa Alejandra Hernandez
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Patent number: 8557894Abstract: An ink formulation that includes a reversible color-developing complex formed from a dye precursor molecule having a triarylmethane derivative structure modified with a leaving-group (L) that disassociates from said dye precursor when subjected to environmental conditions of either a neutral or acidic pH value is described. Also the invention pertains to diagnostic indicators or absorbent personal care products that have the ink formulation applied to at least a part of the product.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: JunMo Gil, Xuedong Song
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Patent number: 8552250Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first location of a first portion of a visual fullness indicating area that is configured to change to a subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of a bodily exudate. At the first location, the first portion has a first overall width. The absorbent article also comprises a second location of a second portion of a visual fullness indicating area that is configured to change to a subsequent visual state when indicating the presence of a bodily exudate. The second location is outboard from the first location. The second location has a second overall width that is wider than the first overall width.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Miguel Alvaro Robles, Mattias Schmidt, Donald Carroll Roe, Kara Marie Cain
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Publication number: 20130261419Abstract: A urine shield comprises an elongate base and side walls connected to the base. At least one of the sides and base is absorbent. The shield further comprises at least one attachment tab for releasably attaching the shield to a user's skin The shield has an hourglass shaped cross-section. A method and device for the collection of a urine sample from an individual is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventor: Angela Davidson
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Patent number: 8546639Abstract: A urine suction device improved to achieve quick urine which includes a urine receiver unit and a urine detector unit. The urine detector unit includes a pair of electrode assemblies adapted to output a detection signal as soon as it is wetted with urine. The pair of electrode assemblies is sandwiched between a liquid-pervious first sheet and a liquid-pervious second sheet. The first and second sheets are put flat and joined together along joint zones provided outside respective pairs of opposite side edges of the electrode assemblies. Along the respective joint zones, at least one of the first and second sheets has its thickness locally reduced and the first and second sheets are kept in close contact with each other along the joint zones and in the vicinity of the joint zones.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Ichiro Wada, Miou Suzuki
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Patent number: 8546638Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a signal element having a body-facing surface, a garment-facing surface, a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a z-direction. The signal element includes a water-soluble polymeric buffering film and a stimulation material. The water-soluble polymeric buffering film comprises a water-soluble base polymer. In some aspects, the stimulation material comprises a temperature change agent, and the signal element exhibits a surface temperature change of at least +/?2° C. In some aspects, the signal element exhibits a stimulation effect over at least two aqueous insults.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Peiguang Zhou, Andrew Mark Long, Dave Allen Soerens, Kaiyuan Yang, James Hongxue Wang, Xuedong Song
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Patent number: 8529534Abstract: An excrement treating apparatus 100 includes an excretion receiver 1 and an apparatus body 2. The excretion receiver 1 includes a receiver body 10 which receives excretions and an excretion sensor 20 which detects the excretions. The apparatus body 2 includes a urine tank 51 which stores urine, a vacuum pump 52 which sucks urine received by the receiver body 10 into the urine tank 51, and a control unit 53. The excretion sensor 20 includes a pair of urine sensor electrodes 21 and 22 which detect urine received by the receiver body 10. The control unit 52 controls so as to reverse the polarity of the urine sensor electrodes 21 and 22 at prescribed time intervals. In the excrement treating apparatus, the excretion sensor's sensitivity is stabilized and urination is accurately detected and treated.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Tanaka, Yoshikazu Ishitsuka, Ryosuke Miyagawa, Ichiro Wada, Miou Suzuki
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Publication number: 20130211355Abstract: In one embodiment, taped and pant articles of the present disclosure may comprise first and second chassis that are at least substantially identical.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANYInventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
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Publication number: 20130211354Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a chassis and a liquid-absorbent structure. The chassis has an inner sheet lying on a skin-facing side and an outer sheet lying on a garment-facing side. The outer sheet has a first outer sheet and a second outer sheet lying inside the first outer sheet. The second outer sheet is formed on its outer surface with a display area extending in a longitudinal direction. The liquid-absorbent structure is formed with a central void and lateral voids in which core material for a core is not present. The display area can be visually recognized from the garment-facing side through the first outer sheet and from the skin-facing side also through the central void of the liquid-absorbent structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoko Tsuji, Nobuhiro Tagawa, Takahito Nagai
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Patent number: 8507746Abstract: An absorbent article for preventing leakage is provided, 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 includes a dimension change member adapted to dimensionally change upon liquid contact to produce a transition in the absorbent article between an activated state and an un-activated state, thereby producing a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent article also provides an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element including a stored energy device and a dimension change member, the dimension change member disposed along a portion of the perimeter, wherein the dimension change member is adapted to break upon liquid contact to produce a transition in the leakage warning element from an un-activated state to an activated state.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Yein Sze Ong, Meijia Ng, Eng Choo Priscilla Goh, Cheng Kwee Ling, Doo Hong Kim, Franz Aschenbrenner
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Patent number: 8502010Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Robin Lynn McKiernan, Thomas James Klofta, Donald Carroll Roe
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Patent number: 8497409Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. The wetness sensor includes an olfactory signaling device that produces a scent or odor when a body fluid is detected. For instance, in one embodiment, an odorous composition can be contained in a water degradable pouch that releases the odorous composition when contacted with moisture. Once released, the odorous composition can produce a desired scent. In other embodiments, the odorous composition can be encapsulated within a water degradable material or can be coated on a substrate. The scent or odor that is released by the odorous composition can vary depending upon the particular application. The scent, for instance, may be pleasant or unpleasant. In one embodiment, the olfactory signaling device may be used to assist in toilet training a child.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Mosbacher, Andrew Mark Long, Kelly Branham, Jessica Sara Van Handel, Darold D. Tippey
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Patent number: 8492608Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: The Procter and Gamble CompanyInventors: Luke R. Magee, George B. Glackin, III, Christopher J. Hosmer, Naomi S. Korn, James D. Wilson, Mark C. Bates, Mattias Schmidt, Eva Susanne-Dominique Thurnay, Joerg Mueller, John C. Costello, Ann M. Sullivan, Gregg A. Flender, Donald C. Roe, Mark J. Kline, Kenneth Edwin Jewell
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Publication number: 20130178810Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet that is at least partially joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a wetness indicator printed onto a surface of the backsheet wherein the wetness indicator comprises a graphic that further comprises at least one responsive color composition and a varnish coating disposed adjacent to the responsive color composition; wherein upon wetting, the graphic becomes visible to the unaided eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
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Patent number: 8475427Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Luke R. Magee, George B. Glackin, III, Christopher J. Hosmer, Naomi S. Korn, James D. Wilson, Mark C. Bates, Mattias Schmidt, Eva Susanne Dominique Thurnay, Joerg Mueller, John C. Costello, Ann M. Sullivan, Gregg A. Flender, Donald C. Roe, Mark J. Kline, Kenneth Edwin Jewell
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Patent number: 8471715Abstract: A disposable diaper with wireless alarm system includes a) a disposable diaper structure; b) a disposable diaper telltale conductive strip; c) an attachable, removable, reusable battery-powered sensor-transmitter device; and d) a wireless receiver with an alarm signal. Multiple diapers with different frequencies and optional disconnect sensors may be included and controlled by local or remote computer.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Inventors: Anthony Solazzo, Herbert Heflich
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Publication number: 20130158493Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple layer material that includes a film layer, a moisture-reacting composition layer and an adhesive layer. The film layer has at least one printed surface. The moisture-reacting composition layer is adjacent the printed surface of the film layer. A portion of the moisture-reacting composition layer forms a framing device. The adhesive layer is adjacent the portion of the moisture-reacting composition layer forming the framing device. The multiple layer material of the invention may be used to form a component of an absorbent article having active graphics that change in appearance in response to moisture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Paula K. De Bruin, Donald Joseph Osentoski, Tom Michael Ales, III, Marcille Faye Ruman, Joy Patricia Bauman
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Publication number: 20130158492Abstract: A personal absorbent article (e.g., feminine care pad, sanitary napkin, diaper, incontinence pad etc.) has a color change indicator that employs a synergistic combination an acid component and a basic component for signaling to a user when the absorbent article may foster bacterial growth due to moisture absorption. After a certain period of time, the user can visually inspect the color of the color change indicator to obtain an indication of when it is time to replace or remove the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Xuedong Song, FuLiang Cheng, Karen Meloy Goeders, Yong Li
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Publication number: 20130150816Abstract: An absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training of a wearer is provided. The article includes at least a first appearing graphic that changes from an initial, less visible state to a subsequent, more visible state in the absence of wetness, thereby to provide positive encouragement to a child during toilet training. The appearing graphic becomes less visible if subjected to liquid. A wetness sensation member may also be provided to give tactile, negative sensation to the child, thereby giving feedback received by at least two different senses. Additionally or alternatively, a second appearing graphic, different from the first appearing graphic, may be provided to increase a child's interest in the toilet training process. The first and second appearing graphics may become visible at different times, thereby providing a sequential or spaced reveal of the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANYInventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
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Publication number: 20130144237Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis including a bodyside liner, 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 an insult zone and 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. The absorbent article also includes a sensor element disposed in or on the chassis, the sensor element extending from a proximal end in the waist region to at least the insult zone and in fluid communication with the insult zone, the sensor element including a multi-layer wicking material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Jose Kollakompil Abraham, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan, Ning Wei, Sridhar Ranganathan
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Publication number: 20130138066Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventor: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
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Publication number: 20130131619Abstract: A disposable wearing article adapted to prevent indicators from being transferred to a liquid-absorbent structure and to make the indicators develop the color reaction quickly in response to a discharge of body exudates. A disposable diaper has a topsheet, a backsheet and a liquid-absorbent structure interposed between these top- and backsheets. A surface of a first backsheet facing the liquid-absorbent structure is formed with indicators. The indicators contain a hot-melt polymer, an indicator agent adapted to develop a color reaction and a plasticizing oil. The liquid-absorbent structure has a liquid-absorbent core, a liquid-diffusive wrapping sheet adapted to wrap the core. A hydrophilic bottom sheet is interposed between a bottom surface of the core and a bottom surface region of the wrapping sheet. A dimension in the transverse direction of the bottom sheet is larger than a dimension of a region in which the indicators are formed and smaller than a dimension in the transverse direction of the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: Unicharm CorporationInventors: Keiko Ichihara, Toshiya Yago, Naoto Ohashi, Makoto Suekane, Hiroki Ishikawa
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Publication number: 20130131618Abstract: An absorbent article facilitating sensing the presence of a body exudate in the absorbent article includes an absorbent member; a sensor coil disposed on or in the article; and an electrical double-layer capacitor disposed on or in the article and in electrical communication with the sensor coil, wherein the capacitor is in fluid communication with the absorbent member. An absorbent article system also includes a detector circuit including an exciter coil configured for electromagnetic communication with the sensor coil, and sensor electronics configured to indicate the presence of a body exudate based on changes in the electromagnetic communication between the exciter coil and the sensor coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Jose Kollakompil Abraham, Joseph Raymond Feldkamp, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan, Sridhar Ranganathan, Aster Ellen Kammrath
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Patent number: 8445743Abstract: An absorbent article for wearing about the torso and including a member that supports the movement of urine in an x-y plane to enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred by increasing the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin. The member has a permeable body-facing layer and an impermeable layer disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with the permeable layer and preferably is held in close contact with the wearer's skin during use.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Patrick Jay Allen, Edward Paul Carlin
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Publication number: 20130123727Abstract: A disposable wearing article improved so that leakage of body waste can be prevented, a change in color which might develop in an unused state of the wearing article can be inhibited and actually discharged body exudates can immediately cause an indicator to develop a change of color. A disposable diaper includes a topsheet, a backsheet and a liquid-absorbent structure interposed between these top- and backsheets. The backsheet includes first and second backsheets and the first backsheet is formed on its side facing the liquid-absorbent structure with an indicator adapted to develop a color reaction when the indicator comes in contact with at least one of moisture and body exudates. A plurality of such indicators is arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction and to be spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction. The liquid-absorbent structure includes a liquid-absorbent core and a wrapping sheet adapted to wrap the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Keiko Ichihara, Toshiya Yago, Naoto Ohashi, Makoto Suekane, Hiroki Ishikawa
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Publication number: 20130123726Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification tag including a substrate, a planar antenna, an RF chip, a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of ground conductors is provided. The RF chip receives an RF signal from the planar antenna to generate an identification code. The signal conductors are coupled to the planar antenna. The ground conductors, interlaced on two opposite sides of the signal conductors, and the signal conductors are adjacent to each other and disposed on the substrate to form a coplanar waveguide structure which includes an impedance match portion and a transmission portion. The impedance match portion has an input end coupled to the signal conductors and a ground plane coupled to the ground conductors. The RF chip is disposed between the input end and the ground plane. The transmission portion is connected between the impedance match portion and the planar antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Jiun-Jang Yu, Chiung-Hsiung Chen, Chun-An Lu, Hong-Ching Lin
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Patent number: 8440877Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Meghan E. Collins, Thomas M. Ales, III, Shirlee A. Weber, Andrew M. Long
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Publication number: 20130116644Abstract: The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least three major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an color-developer or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, and (3) a desensitizer to temporarily remove the effect of the developer so the leuco dye appears in its colorless form. An optional binder may be included so that the composition may be applied to a substrate as an ink. The ink composition may be applied to synthetic polymeric substrates and other substrates that are incorporated into absorbent articles or personal care products.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Ning Wei, Xuedong Song, JinHo Ryu, JunMo Gil
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Publication number: 20130110064Abstract: A system for detection and monitoring of body exudates includes an absorbent article and at least one gas emitting substance incorporated within the absorbent article that can emit a gas after a liquid insult. After an insult, a device incorporating at least one gas sensitive composition can detect the gas and signal that an insult has occurred. The gas may also be detected by a non-contact gas sensor linked to a controller and signaling device which can send visual, auditory, and/or vibratory alerts. The alerts may be perceptible in an area outside the wearer's clothing or at a remote location, such as a watch, radio, computer device and/or smart phone. The system can also determine the fullness of an absorbent article and monitor dry time. The system can be used for interactive toilet training or for caring for an infant, a disabled person, an incontinent youth, or an elderly person.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Kathy Geralyn Richardson, John Gavin MacDonald, Jose K. Abraham
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Publication number: 20130110063Abstract: An absorbent article incorporating a non-contact electronic sensor array that may indicate the presence of a body exudate is disclosed. In particular, the absorbent article includes at least a non-contact electronic sensor array that may include one or more gas sensors, a controller and a signaling device. The signaling device is capable of alerting a user (wearer or caregiver) that an insult of urine or bowel movement has occurred. In accordance with the present disclosure, various attachment mechanisms are disclosed for attaching the non-contact electronic sensor array, controller and signaling device to an absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Jose K. Abraham, Kathy Geralyn Richardson, Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Theodore T. Tower, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, John Gavin MacDonald
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Patent number: 8431766Abstract: A diaper apparatus includes a diaper having absorbent material formed between inner surfaces of opposed inner and outer layers each having an outer surface. Two conductors are applied to the diaper, and a mounting plate is affixed to the outer surface of the outer layer of the diaper with fasteners formed with electrical connectors electrically connected to the two conductors, respectively. An alarm unit having two complementing electrical connectors, and an alarm electrically connected to the two complementing electrical connectors. The electrical connectors detachably secure the complementing electrical connectors detachably securing the alarm unit to the mounting plate and electrically connecting the electrical connectors to the complementing electrical connectors. The alarm of the alarm issues an alarm stimulus in response to wetness applied to the diaper electrically connecting the two conductors applied to the diaper.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Inventor: Patrick H. Lonero
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Patent number: 8426669Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a signal composite comprising a carrier substrate layer, a first stimulation layer, a second stimulation layer, a first thermoplastic adhesive layer and a second thermoplastic adhesive layer. The carrier substrate layer is disposed as a bottom layer of the signal composite. The first stimulation layer comprises a first stimulation material and is disposed above and adjacent to the carrier substrate layer. The second stimulation layer comprises a second stimulation material and is disposed above and adjacent to the first stimulation layer to provide the body-facing surface of the signal composite. The first thermoplastic adhesive layer is liquid permeable or water-soluble and is disposed between and adjacent to the carrier substrate layer and the first stimulation layer. The second thermoplastic adhesive layer is liquid permeable or water-soluble and is disposed between the first stimulation layer and the second stimulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.Inventors: Peiguang Zhou, Andrew Mark Long, Dave Allen Soerens, Kaiyuan Yang, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan, Jun G. Zhang