Abstract: A wetness indicating composition is disclosed that changes color in response to a change in pH. The composition comprises a water-insoluble, thermoplastic polymer composition, a superabsorbent polymer, a wetness indicator, and surfactant. The wetness indicating composition is useful in disposable absorbent articles, e.g., disposable diapers, feminine napkins, medical dressings and beddings for humans and animals.

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.

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 incontinence management system for monitoring wetness in one or more absorbent articles, includes input for receiving one or more sensor signals indicative of a presence of wetness in an absorbent article, processor for processing the one or more sensor signals and for performing an analysis of the signals to characterise wetness events occurring in an absorbent article and user interface for communicating with a user of the system. A mathematical model is used to characterise wetness events, receiving as inputs variables derived from sensor signals and optionally, patient and demographic data. The mathematical model can be configured and/or re-configured utilising observation data obtained while monitoring a patient for wetness. A diaper for use with such as system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article for preventing leakage is presented and includes 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, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse. Also presented 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, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse.

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: An absorbent article includes a body having a surface for receiving a liquid and a wetness indicator disposed on the body. The wetness indicator includes a first agent that produces a fluorescence when wetted and a second agent that produces a color change when wetted.

Abstract: An absorbent article for disposable use having at least one pattern (118) in the form of a text, image or the like. A background layer (146) and at least one intermediate layer (147) are arranged behind the pattern (118), in conjunction with which the intermediate layer or layers (147) exhibits or exhibit a first, essentially transparent state, and in conjunction with which the intermediate layer or layers (147) is or are transformed into a second, more opaque state when it or they is or are stretched.

Abstract: A disposable article to be fitted to a wearer comprising a biosensor including at least one bio-recognition element. The biosensor is adapted to detect a target biological analyte in bodily waste or on the wearer's skin.

Abstract: An incontinence management system for monitoring wetness in one or more absorbent articles, includes input for receiving one or more sensor signals indicative of a presence of wetness in an absorbent article, processor for processing the one or more sensor signals and for performing an analysis of the signals to characterise wetness events occurring in an absorbent article and user interface for communicating with a user of the system. A mathematical model is used to characterise wetness events, receiving as inputs variables derived from sensor signals and optionally, patient and demographic data. The mathematical model can be configured and/or re-configured utilising observation data obtained while monitoring a patient for wetness. A diaper for use with such as system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training of a wearer. A wetness sensation member provides a wetness sensation on the wearer's skin upon urination. Highlighting that is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article may be associatively correlated with the concept of toilet training and indicates the presence of the wetness sensation member in the article while providing a visual reference and topic for conversation relevant to toilet training. Refastenable side seams enable the configuration, application, and removal of the article as a pair of training pants or as a diaper, while providing an appearance like training pants when the article is worn and allowing easy inspection of the interior of the article without the necessity of pulling the article downward. The synergistic effect of each feature in combination with one or more of the other features enhances the usefulness of the article in toilet training.

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 for assisting a caregiver in determining when to select a next generation product for facilitating toilet training. The method includes the steps of providing information to a caregiver about a second absorbent product, such as a next generation product, while the caregiver is using a first absorbent product in conjunction with a child. The child, for instance, may not have started toilet training or may be in the process of toilet training. Based upon a behavioral or wetness characteristic of the child, recommendations are made to the caregiver when it is time to switch to the next generation product to facilitate toilet training. For instance, in one embodiment, the method may include comparing a wetness characteristic of the child with a readiness target. Once the readiness target is met, a recommendation may be made to the caregiver to switch to a product that includes a toilet training feature not present in the product currently being worn by the child.

Abstract: The invention refers to a disposable cover for use in an incubator for premature infants comprising a moisture-pervious surface layer and a preferably moisture-impervious back sheet, wherein the total weight of the cover before use is communicated to the caregiver by indication on said cover, a label accompanying said cover or on the package for said cover. The cover may further be provided with a wetness indicator.

Abstract: 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 precuror 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent article is provided including an absorbent chassis defining a waist opening and first and second leg openings, the absorbent chassis including an absorbent assembly. The absorbent chassis has a longitudinal length and the waist opening having an unstretched circumference, such that the longitudinal length is proportional to the unstretched circumference of the waist opening by a ratio less than 0.82. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator for alerting a wearer to a release of liquid body exudates, the wetness indicator including a physical sensation agent responsive to liquid body exudates received by the absorbent article to facilitate a physical sensation against the wearer's skin for alerting the wearer to the wearer's release of liquid body exudates.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorber mounted between the top sheet and the back sheet. A coating region to which an adhesive is applied is formed in a flat surface direction, on a surface of the back sheet which faces clothing. An endothermic material is provided inside the absorber. A region which, with respect to the thickness direction of the absorbent article, does not face an arrangement region in which the heat endothermic material is provided is formed in at least a part of the coating region to which the adhesive is applied.

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: An absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorber mounted between the top sheet and the back sheet. A heat absorbing material is provided inside the absorber, and depressions and projections are formed on that front side of the top sheet which faces the human body.

Abstract: The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least four major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an electron-withdrawing color-developer agent or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, (3) a separator or combination of separators that when present in sufficient amounts, can prevent the formation of the colored complexes between the color-developer and leuco dyes, all contained within (4) an encapsulation matrix that includes at least one film-forming and one aqueous-insoluble polymer. All of the foregoing components are dissolved together in a volatile organic solvent medium to form a homogeneous solution that can be applied as an ink on substrates, which can be incorporated as part of absorbent articles or personal care products.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an absorbent article, which is preferably a sanitary napkin or a pantiliner, 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. In one aspect of the invention, the garment contacting layer has a graphic printed on the body facing surface at least in a portion of the outer region. In another aspect of the invention, the body contacting layer has a graphic printed on the garment facing surface at least in a portion of the outer region. The body contacting layer has a first light transmittance so that the graphic can be seen through the body contacting layer in the outer region.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a backsheet, a wetness indicator composition having good stability, and an absorbent core. The wetness indicator composition includes a stabilizer, a colorant, and a matrix. The colorant has first and second color states associated with first and second wetness indicator states. The wetness indicator exhibits no color change after 10 days when measured according to the CTH Stability Test.

Abstract: A disposable garment having a multicolored scene graphic is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the multicolored scene graphic includes a focal graphic and a background graphic, wherein the background graphic appears blurry relative to the focal graphic to enhance the conspicuousness of the focal graphic. Methods for making such articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some forms of the invention, an absorbent article (e.g., training pants) includes an impermeable cover, an absorbent body and a temperature change member disposed with the absorbent body. The absorbent article further includes a liquid retarding member that is disposed with the temperature change member to temporarily maintain liquid in the temperature change member. The liquid retarding member is formed of a liquid dispersible material such that the liquid retarding member eventually dissolves in the liquid and flows into the absorbent body. In other forms, the absorbent article includes a liquid retarding member that is adjacent to a temperature change member which is formed of a matrix of fibers. The liquid retarding member has a hydrohead that is less than about 0.13 pounds per inch squared such that the liquid retarding member temporarily maintains at least some of the liquid in proximity to the temperature change member.

Abstract: A tampon that has a sensor and a signal line that peripherally connects the sensor with a peripheral signal processor. The sensor provides an optic blood wetting signal in response to a progressing blood saturation boundary in the tampon. The simple sensor has two proximal signal terminals separated by a fluid responsive medium in wetting communication with the tampon's body. The tampon may be removed by use of the signal line. From signal timing and/or signal gradient the processor may predict when the tampon needs to be changed.

Abstract: An absorbent article that enables the presence of moisture, for example, derived from urination to be easily recognized. The absorbent article includes an outer sheet provided on a side that faces a wearer's skin, i.e., on its side facing a liquid-absorbent structure with moisture visualizing elements. The moisture visualizing elements are formed by coating the outer sheet with hot melt composition comprising pH indicator mixed with pressure-sensitive adhesive ingredient. Two or more stripes of the hot melt composition forming the moisture visualizing elements extend in a longitudinal direction at least across a crotch region. Between the moisture visualizing elements and the liquid-absorbent structure, there is provided a barrier sheet or barrier sheets extending in a transverse direction so as to intersect the moisture visualizing elements comprising two or more stripes of the hot melt composition.

Abstract: In a urine receptacle of an automatic urine disposal device, a urine backflow prevention sheet, with no water permeability, having funnel-shaped pores, is placed between a top sheet and a urine absorbing sheet. A pair of rectangular electrodes, constituting a urine detection sensor, is glued onto an electrode support sheet and is placed between the top sheet and the urine backflow prevention sheet. A plurality of funnel-shaped pores is formed on the urine backflow prevention sheet.

Abstract: In a method of a caregiver interactively toilet training a wearer of a disposable absorbent article, in response to liquid insult of the article a tactile signal is perceptible from within the article, a corresponding similar tactile signal is perceptible from an exterior of the article, and an active graphic is visually perceptible at the exterior of the article which relates to both the tactile signal and the corresponding tactile signal to thereby communicate the insult event to the caregiver and provide an interactive toilet training opportunity. An absorbent article of the present invention generally has a tactile signal tactilely perceptible from the inner surface of the article and a corresponding tactile signal tactilely perceptible from the exterior of the article. An active graphic is located adjacent the outer cover and is externally visually perceptible and relates to both tactile signals to provide an interactive toilet training opportunity.

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: System and method for alerting the occurrence of wetness on a skin area under a cover layer, comprising detection means for detecting the occurrence of wetness on the skin area under the cover layer, exposure means for exposing at least part of the skin area to a temperature having a course which mainly corresponds to the temperature course which would have occurred in the absence of said cover layer, and actuation means for actuating said exposure means under control of said detection means. The exposure means may comprise an electricity source, electricity/temperature conversion means, and control means for controlling the electrical current or voltage in accordance with a predetermined curve which results in an output temperature of the electricity/temperature conversion means which mainly corresponds to the temperature course which would have occurred in the absence of said cover layer. The electricity/temperature conversion means may comprise one or more Peltier elements.

Abstract: An absorbent textile composite material for decontaminating the skin. The absorbent textile composite material comprises a flexible carrier layer and an active layer connected with the carrier layer. The active layer comprises a nanofiber nonwoven filled with a superabsorbent to absorb and retain noxious substances from the skin. The absorbent textile composite material is used in a method for decontaminating the skin from noxious substances without a washing and/or massage procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbing pad for indicating saturation. The pad comprises inter alia from at least one absorbent body, at least one saturation sensor embedded within said absorbent body and at least one saturation indicator connected to said saturation sensor, embedded within said absorbent body wherein said indicator is adapted to provide information to the user as to the degree of saturation of said pad without removing the pad from its application.

Abstract: An absorbent article that enables the presence of moisture, for example, derived from urination to be correctly recognized. The absorbent article includes an outer sheet that is provided on a side facing a wearer's skin, i.e., on its side facing a liquid-absorbent structure with moisture visualizing elements. The moisture visualizing elements are formed by coating the outer sheet with hot melt composition comprising pH indicator mixed with pressure-sensitive adhesive ingredient. Two or more stripes of the hot melt composition forming the moisture visualizing elements extend in a longitudinal direction Y. Between the moisture visualizing elements and the liquid-absorbent structure, there is provided a cover sheet having a sufficient area to cover the moisture visualizing elements completely in the longitudinal direction as well as in the transverse direction and being bonded to at least one of the outer sheet and the absorbent structure.

Abstract: A Feminine Hygiene Pad Comprising having a wide forward portion which is at least one and half times the length of a narrow rear, tail-like portion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple-component material including a substrate and a film layer on the substrate. The film layer includes a color-changing composition to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing composition includes a water-insoluble, film-forming polymer, a pH adjuster and a water-insoluble particle. The water-insoluble particle has a charged colorant immobilized on it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple-component material including a substrate and a printed layer on the substrate. The printed layer includes a color-changing composition to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing composition includes a matrix-forming component, a colorant, a surfactant and a pH adjuster. The pH adjuster includes a low molecular weight organic acid and a high molecular weight organic acid.

Abstract: An absorbent article for menses absorption comprising an iron complexing agent, which is able to change the menses color.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The teachings herein are directed to devices for detecting and signaling the presence of urine or another electrically conducive liquid in an undergarment, fabric, or other thin material. Preferred devices include a clip configured to safely and releasably secure a liquid detecting sensor to a fabric or undergarment, wherein said sensor is operably coupled to a detection device that emits a notification signal when liquid is present in the fabric.

Abstract: A strapless G-string or thong type undergarment is disclosed. The undergarment is adhered to the wearer by means of adhesive, thereby eliminating the need for a waistband. The undergarment provides freedom of movement and confidence in the wearer while being invisible under closely fitting or low-cut clothing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an absorbent pad worn by a patient that measures one or more urinary voiding parameters. One or more sensors that measure voiding parameters are integrally formed with the pad, e.g., interwoven with the absorbent pad material or positioned to form one or more sensor layers between layers of absorbent material. The sensors store measured parameters as information in a memory, e.g., as a log, locally or in a separate device. In some embodiments, the pad includes an electrical stimulator that provides stimulation therapy for urinary incontinence based on measured parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining and/or improving skin health in the area of a wearer covered by an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent core located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent article also includes skin care compositions thereon for maintaining and/or improving skin health.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for an absorbent article having an absorbent polymer material and a component comprising a hydrophilic surfactant-treated nonwoven material, and/or a wetness indicator. Various stabilizing components and methods are disclosed for stabilizing the surfactant-treated synthetic fibers in the nonwoven material so as to reduce surfactant loss during wetting, and enhance the performance of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A tampon has a combined fluid saturation sensor and signal cable that peripherally connects the sensor with a remote signal processor. The sensor provides a blood wetting response signal to a progressing blood saturation boundary in the tampon. Cable and sensor are preferably monolithically fabricated. The lengthy sensor extends spatially inside the tampon to respond to axially progressing blood saturation as well as peripheral leakage blood flow.

Abstract: An absorbent garment, such as a diaper structure, includes a visually discernible alignment indicator visible from a body-facing surface. The alignment indicator includes at least one first reference point. The absorbent garment comes with instructions defining the location of the first reference point on the absorbent article, defining the location of a second reference point on a wearer, and instructing the consumer to position the absorbent garment so that the first reference point optically aligns with the second reference point, and to fasten the absorbent garment in the position.

Abstract: A tampon having one or more benefit indicators is provided. The tampon can include a tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The tampon can have one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators that are visible pre-use, wherein the one or more benefit indicators communicate one or more benefits of the tampon to a user. In addition, or alternatively, the tampon can include one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators that are at least partially visible post-use.

Abstract: A wetness event counter, which can be utilized in a disposable absorbent article, has at least one indicating member. The indicating member can provide a first indication to a caregiver for a first wetness event and a second indication, which is different from the first indication, to a caregiver upon a second wetness event.