Apparatus and method for product and signaling device matching.

(54) Title: APPARATUS AND METHOD TO ADJUST A PRODUCT AND AN INDICATOR DEVICE. (54) Title: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCT AND SIGNALING DEVICE MATCHING.

(57) Summary

This content is related to absorbent articles and indicating devices for use with the mentioned articles. The indicating device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as some body fluid, in the absorbent article. The device provides 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 features whose presence makes operation of the indicating device possible. Thus, the present disclosure includes adjusting a product and an indicating device for its use.

(57) Abstract

The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device ineludes 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 deteets the presence of a substance. The absorbent article ineludes 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.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A PRODUCT AND AN INDICATOR DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent items such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, undergarments or undergarments, and the like, traditionally include a liquid-permeable lining on the glued side, an outer Waterproof cover, and a absorbent. The absorbent center is typically located between the outer shell and the liner that serves to accept and retain liquids (eg, urine) that are exuded by the user of the product.

The absorbent center can be made, for example, of highly absorbent particles. Many absorbent items, especially those sold under the Kimberly-Clark Corporation HUGGIES ™ trademark, are so effective when it comes to absorbing liquids that it is sometimes difficult to tell if the absorbent item is wet from body fluid or not.

Consequently, the use of various types of moisture or wetness indicators has been considered in absorbent articles. Wet indicators, for example, may include alarm devices that are designed so that relatives or caregivers can quickly identify the condition of a wet diaper after it has received urine. The devices produce a signal, either visual or audible .

♦

In some embodiments, for example, conductive wires, foil, or paper have been placed on the absorbent articles in the same direction as the machine that manufactures them. The conductive materials serve as lead wires for an indicating device and form an open circuit in the article that can be closed when body fluid, such as urine, closes the circuit. In these embodiments, although absorbent articles may be disposable, indicating devices are not. Therefore, the indicating devices are made with the purpose of being able to remove them from the article and then relocate them to another article.

Incorporating lead wires into absorbent articles, however, has brought several problems. For example, absorbent articles are generally mass produced in a ♦ machine

fast and continuous movement. Incorporating conductive cables into an absorbent article at the conventional speeds of production machines has been problematic.

Also, packaged absorbent items normally go through a metal detector to ensure that there are no foreign objects contained in the package. IF conductive cables are made of or contain any metal, the metal detector may activate and record a false positive.

♦

Incorporating metallic materials in absorbent articles can also cause problems for those who are wearing these garments when they have to go through any security area that includes a metal detector.

Thanks to various technologies, wet detection has been made possible with little or no alteration of the product, using non-invasive sensors that can be removed and placed on the absorbent article. As an example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0168694, which is incorporated herein by reference for all intents and purposes, discloses an infrared wet detection system for an absorbent article that includes a non-invasive sensor that measures infrared reflection at some depth from the absorbent article. US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0164733 * 3, which is incorporated herein by reference for all intents and purposes, discloses the use of various sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a conductivity sensor, a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, a vibration sensor, or a material expansion sensor placed in an outer covering of an absorbent article. US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0124990, which is incorporated herein by reference for all intents and purposes, discloses the use of an induction coil sensor for wet detection in an absorbent article. US Co-owned Patent Application No. 12 / 648,645, which is incorporated herein by reference for all intents and purposes, discloses a non-invasive capacitive sensor system and associated circuitry for wet detection. In these embodiments, the complexity lies with the indicator devices attached to the absorbent articles.

. While a non-invasive indicating device brings with it many benefits, there can be many problems to deal with when properly matching a particular indicating device with a proprietary product. In particular, given the non-invasive nature of such indicating devices, a patented indicating device can be used with any absorbent article, regardless of the manufacturer or where the absorbent article comes from. Even non-invasive indicating devices can be used in products whose safety has not yet been approved for use with a non-invasive indicating device.

Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method that make it possible to adjust the product and the non-invasive Indicator device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some aspects and advantages of the invention are expressed, in part, in the following description, or may also be apparent from the description, or may be learned from. practice of the invention

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a chassis that has an outer cover with a surface

Interior and an exterior surface. The chassis also includes an absorbent structure positioned adjacent to the Inner surface of the outer shell. The absorbent article includes a bonding area configured to receive a non-invasive indicating device configured to detect the presence of a substance. For example, in a particular embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device detects the presence of a substance by monitoring changes in infrared light reflection due to the presence of a substance, such as urine, in the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the Non-Invasive Indicator device may Include a capacitive sensor adapted to sense a change in capacitance due to the presence of a substance, such as urine, in the absorbent article. And in yet another embodiment, the noninvasive indicating device may include an inductive sensor adapted to sense a change in inductance given the presence of a substance, such as urine, in the absorbent article. The bonding area may include a design scheme to assist the user in aligning the Non-Invasive Indicator device with the absorbent article.

In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the absorbent article includes at least one identifiable feature, the presence of which allows the Non-Invasive Indicator device to operate. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the at least one Identifiable feature includes at least one predefined color in the absorbent article. The Non-Invasive Indicator device can operate when the Non-Invasive Indicator device detects the presence of at least one predefined color in the absorbent article. The at least one color can be part of a configured design scheme to help bring the non-invasive indicating device in line with the absorbent article.

In another embodiment, the at least one identifiable feature includes the presence of one or more UV patterns (eg, UV inks or UV adhesives) arranged in an identifiable pattern on the absorbent article. UV patterns can be configured to become fluorescent when illuminated with electromagnetic energy at a specific frequency. The non-invasive indicating device can be configured to illuminate the UV patterns with enough electromagnetic energy to make the UV pattern fluorescent. The non-invasive indicating device may further include an optical sensor configured to detect the presence of fluorescent UV patterns.

In another embodiment, the at least one identifiable feature includes an infrared light reflection of a material in the absorbent article. For example, in a particular embodiment, the absorbent article may include a material with a specific infrared absorption / reflection. The non-invasive indicating device may include an Infrared energy source configured to illuminate the material with infrared energy and detect infrared light reflection from the material. IF the Infrared light reflection falls within a preset range, the Non-Invasive Indicator device can then start operating.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one identifiable characteristic includes one or more electrical characteristics of a conductive pattern (eg, conductive ink and conductive adhesive) on the absorbent article. The conductive pattern may be arranged so as to form a conductive pattern on the absorbent article. The Non-Invasive Indicator device may Include an electrical property sensor, such as a conductivity sensor, an inductive sensor, or a capacitive sensor, configured to detect electrical characteristics of the conductive pattern. If the electrical characteristics *

fall within a preset range of parameters, the non-Invasive indicating device can start operating.

Another embodiment as an example of the present disclosure is directed to a non-invasive indicating device for detecting and indicating the presence of a substance in an absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating device includes a cover and a first non-invasive sensor configured to detect the presence of a substance in the absorbent article. For example, in a specific embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device detects the presence of a substance by monitoring changes in infrared light reflection due to the presence of a substance, such as urine, in the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device may include a capacitive sensor adapted to detect a change in capacitance due to the presence of a substance, such as urine, in an absorbent article. And in another embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device may include an inductive sensor adapted to detect a change in inductance due to the presence of a substance, such as urine, in an absorbent article.

In accordance with the example aspects of the present disclosure, the device *

Non-invasive indicator includes a second non-invasive sensor configured to detect the presence of at least one identifiable feature in the absorbent article. The presence of at least one identifiable feature on the absorbent article allows the first non-invasive sensor to operate.

For example, in a particular embodiment, the second non-invasive sensor may include a colorimeter sensor configured to detect the presence of at least one predefined color in an absorbent article. The Non-Invasive Indicator device can be configured to activate the first non-invasive sensor when the colorimeter detects the presence of at least one predefined color in the absorbent article. The Non-Invasive Indicator device may further include a light source to illuminate the at least one predefined color in the absorbent article so that it can be detected by the colorimeter. The at least ϊιη predefined color may be part of a configured design scheme to assist in aligning the non-invasive indicating device with the absorbent article.

In another embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device includes a light source configured to illuminate a UV pattern (eg, UV ink or UV adhesive) on the absorbent article with sufficient electromagnetic energy to cause the UV pattern to fluoresce. . The second non-invasive sensor may include an optical sensor configured to detect the presence of the UV pattern pattern when this UV pattern pattern is illuminated with the light source. The non-invasive indicating device can be configured to activate the first non-invasive sensor when the optical sensor detects the presence of a fluorescent pattern from the UV pattern.

_t In another embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device may include an infrared source configured to illuminate a material in the absorbent article with infrared light. The non-invasive Indicator device may further include a detector configured to detect infrared light reflection from the material. The non-invasive indicating device can be configured to activate the first non-invasive sensor when the material's infrared reflection falls within a preset range.

And in yet another embodiment, the second non-invasive sensor may include an electrical property sensor, such as a conductivity sensor, an inductive sensor, or a capacitive sensor, configured to detect an electrical characteristic of one or more conductive patterns in the absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating device can be configured to activate a first non-invasive sensor when the electrically owned sensor detects a predefined electrical characteristic associated with one of the conductive patterns.

A further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method of fitting a non-invasive indicating device to an absorbent article. The method includes placing a non-invasive indicating device on an absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating device includes a first non-invasive sensor configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as urine, in an absorbent article. For example, in a specific embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device detects the presence of a substance by monitoring changes in infrared light reflection given the presence of a substance, such as urine, in an absorbent article. In another embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device may include a capacitive sensor adapted to detect a change in capacitance due to the presence of a substance, such as urine, in the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device may include an inductive sensor adapted to detect a change in inductance due to the presence of a substance, such as urine, in an absorbent article.

In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the non-invasive indicating device includes a second non-invasive sensor. The method includes detecting the presence of one or more identifiable features in the absorbent article, using the second non-invasive sensor and activating the first non-invasive sensor when the second non-invasive sensor detects the presence of one or more identifiable features in the article. absorbent.

In a specific embodiment, detecting the presence of one or more identifiable features may include detecting the presence of one or more predefined colors in the absorbent article. For example, the method may include illuminating the absorbent article with light energy emanating from a light source and determining the presence of one or more features with a colorimeter.

* In another embodiment, detecting the presence of one or more identifiable features may include detecting the presence of one or more UV patterns in the absorbent article. For example, the method may include illuminating light-energy UV inks at a frequency sufficient to cause UV patterns to fluoresce and to determine the presence of fluorescent UV patterns using an optical sensor.

In another embodiment, detecting the presence of one or more identifiable features may include detecting reflected infrared light energy from a material in the absorbent article. For example, the method may include illuminating a material in an absorbent article with infrared energy and monitoring the infrared light reflection of the material with an infrared sensor. The method may include activating a first non-invasive sensor of the non-invasive indicating device when the detected infrared light energy falls within a preset range.

And in yet another embodiment, detecting the presence of one or more identifying characteristics may include detecting one or more electrical characteristics of a conductive ink in the absorbent article. The conductive ink can be adjusted in such a way that it forms a conductive pattern. The method may include detecting electrical characteristics of the conductive pattern using an electrical property sensor and activating a first non-invasive sensor if the electrical property sensor detects a predefined electrical characteristic.

Variations and modifications can be made to these example embodiments of the present disclosure.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be easier to understand with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A complete and applicable claim of the present invention, including the best embodiment thereof for a person skilled in the art, is set out more specifically in the rest of the specification, including the reference to the accompanying figures, where:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 1 including a wet indicator aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 in a non-buttoned, non-folded and flat condition, showing the surface of the article remaining on the side with which the user does not contact;

FIG. 4 is a plane view similar to that of FIG. 3 showing the surface of the absorbent article in front of the user when it is in use and with cut portions to show the ♦

underlying characteristics;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example non-invasive indicating device, 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the steps of an example method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another example non-invasive indicating device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the steps of an example method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; .

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another example of a non-invasive indicating device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the steps of an example method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another exemplary noninvasive indicating device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and, FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the steps of an example method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

With the repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and the drawings, it is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Anyone skilled in the art can understand that the present discussion is a description of the exemplary embodiments only, and that it is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.

The present disclosure is generally focused on fitting a Non-Invasive Indicator device to an absorbent article. The absorbent article may be, for example, a diaper, a training pants, an incontinence product, a feminine hygiene product, a medical garment, a bandage, and the like. A non-invasive indicating device can be placed in an absorbent article to determine the presence of a substance, such as body fluid, in an absorbent article. The Non-Invasive Indicator device can provide some type of audible and / or visible signal that Indicates to the user about the presence of a body fluid in the absorbent article.

The use of a Non-Invasive Indicator device enables detection with little or no alteration of the product in an absorbent article. For example, in a specific embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device detects the presence of a substance by monitoring changes in infrared light reflection given the presence of a substance in the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the non-invasive indicating device may include a non-invasive sensor, such as a temperature sensor, a conductivity sensor, a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, a vibration sensor, or a material expansion sensor, to detect the presence of a substance in the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the non-invasive indicator device may include a capacitive sensor adapted to detect a change in capacitance due to the presence of a substance in the absorbent article. And * in yet another embodiment, the Non-Invasive Indicator device may Include a capacitive sensor adapted to detect a change in inductance due to the presence of a substance in the absorbent article.

Although non-Invasive Indicator devices provide many advantages, the non-Invasive nature of non-Invasive indicator devices allows the device to be used with any absorbent article, Regardless of the manufacturer or origin of the absorbent article. For example, a patented non-invasive indicating device could be used to detect the presence of a substance in an absorbent article manufactured by a competitor. This could create problems and safety issues that result from the use of a Non-Invasive Indicator device with unknown absorbent articles that are not specifically designed for use with the non-invasive Indicator device.

The content of the present disclosure prevents the use of a non-invasive indicating device in an unauthorized product by detecting the presence of one or more identifiable characteristics in the absorbent article. The presence of one or more identifying characteristics * in an absorbent article, in essence, serves as a key that enables the first functionality of the non-invasive indicating device. Specifically, an absorbent article can be manufactured with a particular identifiable characteristic that a non-invasive indicating device can perceive or detect. When the non-invasive indicating device detects the presence of an identifiable characteristic in the absorbent article, the non-invasive indicating device can operate to detect the presence of a substance in the absorbent article. If the non-invasive indicating device is used in an absorbent article that does not include the identifiable feature, the non-invasive signal will not operate, preventing the use of a patented non-invasive indicating device in an unauthorized product.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, for exemplary purposes, an absorbent article 20 is shown that can be used in conjunction with non-invasive indicator systems of the present disclosure. Absorbent article 20 may or may not be disposable. The present disclosure is understood to be suitable for use with various types of absorbent articles for personal use including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, swimwear pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, medical use, surgical patches and bandages, and other personal care and / or health care garments, and other similar products, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

By way of illustration only, various materials and methods for the manufacture of absorbent articles such as absorbent article 20 of the various aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in PCT Patent Application WO 00/37009 published June 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et al; US Patent 4,940,464 issued July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al; US Patent 5,766,389 issued June 16, 1998 to Brandon et al; and the US Patent 6,645,190 issued November 11, 2003 to Olson et al., Which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they are compatible (eg, not in conflict) herein.

An absorbent article 20 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 1, in a partially buckled condition. The absorbent article 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is also represented in FIGS. 3 and 4 in an open and unfolded state. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the outer side of the absorbent article 20, while FIG. 4 illustrates the Inner side of an absorbent article 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the absorbent article 20 defines a longitudinal direction 48 that extends from the front of the article when in use to the rear of the article. Orthogonal to longitudinal direction 48 is lateral direction 49.

Absorbent article 20 defines a pair of longitudinal end regions, otherwise referred to herein as a front region 22 and a posterior screed 24, and a central region, otherwise referred to herein as a crotch region 26, extending longitudinally between and interconnects the front and rear screeds 22, 24. The absorbent article 20 also defines an adapted internal surface 28 in use (eg, postcloned relative to the other components of article 20) that is positioned toward the user, and an external surface 30 opposite the internal surface. The front and rear regions 22, 24 are those parts of the absorbent article 20 that, when in use, fully or partially cover or enclose the wearer's waist or lower mid-torso. The crotch region 26 is generally the portion of absorbent article 20 that, when in use, is postcloned between the user's legs and covers the user's lower torso and crotch. The absorbent article 20 has a pair of laterally opposed side edges 36 and a pair of longitudinally opposite waist edges, respectively designated front waist edge 38 and rear waist edge 39.

The illustrated absorbent article 20 includes a chassis 32 which, in this regard, surrounds the front region 22, the rear region 24, and the crotch region 26. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the chassis 32 Includes an outer cover 40 and a skin-side lining 42 (Figs. 1 and 4) that can be attached to the outer cover 40 in an overlapping relationship therewith by means of fabrics adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, or other conventional techniques. Referring to FIG. 4, the liner 42 may be appropriately attached to the cover 40 along the perimeter of the chassis 32 to form a front waist seam 62 and a rear waist seam 64. As shown in FIG. 4, the liner 42 may be appropriately attached to the outer cover 40 to form a pair of side seams 61 in the front region 22 and the rear screed 24. The liner 42 can generally be tailored, eg, *

positioned relative to the other components in article 20, so that it is disposed toward the user's skin during use of absorbent article 20. Chassis 32 may further include an absorbent structure 44, specifically shown in FIG. 4, disposed between the outer cover 40 and the skin-side lining 42 for the absorption of body secretions exuded by the user, and may further include a pair of containment flaps 46 attached to the skin-side lining 42 for inhibit the lateral flow of body exudates.

The elastic containment fins 46 as shown in. FIG. 4 define a partially disjointed edge which appears as an upright configuration in at least the crotch region 26 of absorbent article 20 to form a seal on the user's body. The containment fins 46 can extend longitudinally along the entire length of the chassis 32 or can only partially extend along the length of the chassis. The manufacture and proper arrangements of the containment fins 46 are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in US Patent 4,704,116 issued on November 3, 1987 to Enloe, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

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To further enhance containment and / or absorption of body exudates, absorbent article 20 may also include suitable leg elastic elements 58 (FIG. 4), as is known to those of skill in the art. The elastic leg elements 58 may be operatively attached to the outer cover 40 and / or to the skin-side lining 42, and be positioned on the crotch screed 26 of the absorbent article 20.

The elastic leg elements 58 can be made from any suitable elastic material. As known to those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include natural rubber sheets, strands, or strips, synthetic rubber, and elastomeric thermoplastic polymers. Elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to a substrate, adhered to a bonded substrate, or adhered to a substrate that is then elasticized or shrunk, for example, with the application of heat, so that elastic retraction forces are impart to the substrate. In one particular aspect, as an example, the elastic leg members 58 may include a plurality of dry-spun multifilament elastomeric threads, sold under the trade name LYCRA and available from Invista, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

In some respects, absorbent article 20 may further include a discharge control layer (not shown) which may optionally be located adjacent absorbent structure 44 and attached to various components in article 20 as absorbent structure 44 or skin side lining 42, by methods known in the art, such as the use of adhesives. The discharge control layer helps to slow down and disperse the abundant discharges or liquid flows that are quickly introduced into the absorbent structure of the article. Ideally, the discharge handling layer can quickly accept and temporarily retain the liquid before releasing the liquid to the storage or retention portions in the absorbent structure. Examples of layers for proper discharge management are described in US Patent No. 5,486,166 and US Patent No. 5,490,846. Oteos materials suitable for discharge handling are described in US Patent No. 5,820,973. All disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that they are compatible (eg, not in conflict) with the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, absorbent article 20 further includes a pair of opposing side elastic panels 34 that are attached to the rear region of chassis 32. As particularly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the side panels 34 can be stretched around a user's waist and / or hips to ensure that the garment stays in place. As shown in

FIGS. 3 and 4, the elastic side panels are attached to the chassis along a pair of opposite longitudinal edges 37. The side panels 34 can be part of or be glued to the chassis 32 by any suitable bonding technique. For example, side panels 34 may be attached *

to the chassis with adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or other conventional bonding techniques.

In an alternative aspect, the elastic side panels may also be an integral part of the chassis 32. For example, the side panels 34 may include an extension of the skin-side lining 42, the outer cover 40, or both, the lining. on the skin side 42 and outer cover 40.

In the aspects shown in the figures, the side panels 34 are connected to the rear region of the absorbent article 20 and extend towards the front region of the article when the article already placed on a user is closed. It should be understood, however, that the side panels 34 may alternatively connect to the front screed of the article 20 and extend toward the rear screed when the article is on.

With the absorbent article 20 placed in the closed position as partially illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastic side panels 34 may be joined by means of a fastening system 80 to define a three-dimensional configuration of the absorbent article having a waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings 52. The opening for Waist 50 of article 20 is defined by the edges of waist 38 and 39 that enclose the user's waist.

In the aspects shown in the figures, the side panels are glued to and detached from the front screed 22 of the article 20 by means of a fastening system. It should be understood, however, that in other respects the side panels may be permanently bonded to the chassis 32 at each end. The side panels can be permanently glued to each other, for example, when they form a training brief or an absorbent bathing suit.

The elastic side panels 34 each have a longitudinal outer edge 68, an end edge on the leg 70 disposed toward the longitudinal center of the absorbent article 20, and end edges on the waist 72 disposed toward a longitudinal end of the absorbent article. The end edges on leg 70 of absorbent article 20 may be suitably curved and / or at an angle relative to lateral direction 49 to better fit around the wearer's legs. However, it is understood that only one of the extreme edges on the leg 70 can curve or be at an angle, as it happens with the extreme edge on the leg of the rear region 24, or alternatively, none of the extreme edges of the leg can bending or cornering, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer edges 68 are generally parallel to the longitudinal direction 48 while the end edges of the waist 72 are generally parallel to the transverse axis 49. It should be understood, however, that in other respects, the outer edges 68 and / or the waist edges 72 can be oblique or curved, as desired. Finally, the side panels 34 are generally aligned with a waist region 90 of the chassis.

The clamping system 80 may include laterally opposed first clamping components 82 adapted to open and close coupled with the corresponding second clamping components 84. In one aspect shown in the figures, the first fastening component 82 is located in the elastic side panels 34, while the second fastening component 84 is located in the front region 22 of the chassis 32. In one aspect, a front or exterior surface of each of the fastening components 82, 84 includes a plurality of coupling or joining elements. The coupling elements of the first fastening components 82 are adapted to repeatedly fasten and unfasten to or from the corresponding coupling elements of the second fastening components 84 so that the article 20 can be glued and detached in its three-dimensional configuration.

The fastening components 82, 84 may be fastening and unfastening fasteners suitable for absorbent articles such as adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, or the like. In particular aspects, the fastening components include mechanical fastening elements to improve performance. Mechanical fasteners can be provided as materials in interlocking geometric shapes, such as hooks, loops, bulbs, mushrooms, arrowheads, tube balls, male and female coupling components, buckles, snaps, or the like.

In the first illustrated aspect, the fastening components 82 include hook fasteners and the second fastening components 84 include complementary loop fasteners. Alternatively, the first fastening components 82 may include loop fasteners and the second fastening components 84 may include complementary hook fasteners. In another aspect, the fastening components 82, 84 may be similar interlocking surfaces, or adhesion or cohesion elements such as an adhesive fastener and an adhesive material receiving area or material; or similar materials.

In addition to the possibility of having elastic side panels, the absorbent article may include various elastic elements at the waist to provide elasticity around the waist opening. For example, as shown in the figures, the absorbent article 20 may include an elastic element at the front of the waist 54 and / or an elastic element at the rear of the waist 56.

With reference to FIG. 2, a non-invasive indicating device 110 is configured to detect the presence of a substance in the absorbent article 20. The indicating device 110 is configured to detect the presence of a substance in the absorbent article 20 and to provide an audible signal and / or Visible to the user of the absorbent article 20 indicating the presence of the substance. Indicator device 110 includes a cover 135 and one or more non-invasive sensors 120. Cover 135 can be used to contain the various electronic components and other components of indicating device 110.

The non-invasive sensors 120 are adapted to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article 20. The non-invasive sensors 120 can be any type of non-invasive sensors 120 adapted to detect the presence of a substance in absorbent article 20. For example, in a particular embodiment, the non-Invasive sensors 120 may be one or more temperature sensors, a conductivity sensor, a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, a vibration sensor, or a material expansion sensor as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0164733, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In another embodiment, non-Invasive sensors 120 may include an Infrared detector configured to monitor infrared light reflection in the absorbent article as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0168694, which is incorporated herein as reference to all effects. And in yet another embodiment, the non-Invasive sensors 120 may include a capacitive sensor configured to monitor electrical capacitance at some depth in an absorbent article such as *

it is disclosed by the US Shared Ownership Patent Application No. 12 / 648,645 and which is Incorporated here as a reference for all purposes. And in yet another embodiment, the non-Invasive sensors 120 may Include an Inductive sensor as disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2009/0124990, which is Incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Non-Invasive sensor 120 may be configured to be located in a bonding zone on the absorbent article, such as bonding zone 150 of FIG. 3. Attachment zone 150 may include a design scheme configured to 'assist the user to properly align the indicating device with the absorbent article 20 as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0282286, which is incorporate here as a reference to all effects. The design scheme of junction zone 150 'may be of any size, shape, color, graphic, and other similar characteristics. For example, in a particular embodiment, the designed outline may include a circular pattern printed in Pantone Orange # 165U. The junction zone 150 may include one or more indelible features, the presence of which makes operation of the indicating device possible.

Indicator device 110 may include one or more sensors that are configured to detect the presence of one or more indelible features in absorbent article 20. If one or more indelible features are detected, the Indicator device 110 can be activated so that the primary noninvasive sensors 120 of the indicator device 110 can detect the presence of a substance in the absorbent article 20 and can alert the user of the article. absorbent.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the Indicator system can have various configurations and designs. FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a first embodiment of an indicating device 110 as an example, which can detect the presence of one or more identifiable features in an absorbent article. Specifically, the indicating device 110 of FIG 5 is configured to detect the presence of one or more predefined colors in the absorbent articles. For example, indicating device 110 can be configured to detect the presence of a circular pattern printed in a Pantone Orange # 165U color. The predefined color can be located throughout the absorbent article, allowing activation of indicator device 110 anywhere in the product. Preferably, however, a graphic having a predefined color is printed on the absorbent article, as part of the design of the junction zone 150 of FIG. 3 to help align the indicating device 110. A more secure method of adjustment can be made using a plurality of different predefined colors for detection by the indicating device 110. The indicating device 110 of FIG. 5 it is configured to detect the presence of the predefined color in the article <. absorbent. If the predefined color is present, the indicating device 110 can then operate.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the indicating device 110 of this exemplary embodiment includes an LED 510 to illuminate the absorbent article with light. The reflected color of the absorbent article can be received by a colorimeter sensor 520. The colorimeter sensor 520 can include a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photodiode array, a phototransistor array, or other suitable device for detecting the color of the reflected light. For example, in a particular embodiment, the colorimeter sensor 520 may include a photodiode array with a color to frequency converter, such as a TCS 3210 manufactured by Texas Advanced Optoelectronics. In another embodiment, a single silicone photodiode such as OP980 manufactured by Optek Inc., can be used to measure the intensity of light reflected from the absorbent article by a matrix of red, green, and blue LEDs.

The reflected signals received by the photodiode are amplified through various signal conditioning devices such as the TI-OPA4348 transimpedance amplifier manufactured by Texas Instruments or MC6004 made by Microchip, Inc. The signals are provided by a 530 microcontroller, such as a PIC 16f876 or PIC24F16KA102 made by Microchip, Inc. The microcontroller 530 couples to the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 and can control the sending of an alert through an alert system 550 if the presence of a substance is detected in the absorbent article.

Microcontroller 530 is configured to control indicating device 110 to operate if the predefined color is detected in the absorbent article. FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method 500 executed by microcontroller 530 when activating Indicator device 110. At 572, microcontroller 530 can be configured so that LED (s) 510 illuminate the absorbent article. At 574, microcontroller 530 monitors the presence of a predefined color in the absorbent article, analyzing the signals it receives from colorimeter 520. At 576, microcontroller 530 determines if the predefined color is present. If the predefined color is not detected, the microcontroller never activates the non-Invasive sensors 120 of the Indicator device 110, thus preventing the indicator device 110 from being used in an unauthorized product.

At 578, microcontroller 530 determines that the predefined color is present in the absorbent article, microcontroller 530 activates non-invasive sensors 120. At 580, microcontroller 530 monitors the presence of a substance in the absorbent article, analyzing signals received from the non-invasive sensors 120. As Indicated at 582, microcontroller 530 will determine if a substance is present in the absorbent article based on signals received from non-Invasive sensors 120. At 584, if a substance is detected, microcontroller 530 will control the system Alert 550 to execute a visible and / or audible alert to the user of the absorbent article.

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of another example embodiment of an indicator device 110 that can detect the presence of one or more identifiable features in an absorbent article. In particular, the indicating device 110 of FIG. 7 is configured to detect the presence of one or more UV patterns in the absorbent articles. UV patterns can be formed from a UV ink or UV adhesive. For example, the UV standard may be a UV adhesive such as that disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264369, which is incorporated herein by reference. The UV pattern may be printed on the absorbent article at any location, such as in bonding zone 150 of FIG. 3. The presence of a particular UV pattern pattern in the absorbent article can be determined to activate the indicating device 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the indicator device 110 of the exemplary embodiment includes UV LED 610 configured (s) to illuminate the absorbent article with light energy at a specific frequency. The frequency of the light energy must be configured so that the UV pattern becomes fluorescent in the absorbent article. Specifically, the microcontroller 630 can control the signal conditioning device 660 to modulate the frequency of the LEDs 610 to a specific one, which is sufficient for the UV patterns in the absorbent article to become fluorescent. Visible light produced from the fluorescence effect of the UV pattern can be detected by an optical sensor 620. The optical sensor 620 may Include a photodiode array or other suitable device for detecting the presence of visible light from the fluorescent UV pattern. The optical sensor 620 can send signals indicative of the detected light through various signal conditioning devices to the microcontroller 630, such as a PIC 16F876A microcontroller. Microcontroller 630 is coupled to noninvasive sensors 120 of indicating device 110 and can control the sending of an alert through alert system 650 if the presence of a substance is detected in the absorbent article.

Microcontroller 630 is configured to activate noninvasive sensors 120 of Indicator device 110 if one or more fluorescent UV pattern patterns are detected in the absorbent article. FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 600 executed by a microcontroller 630 when it activates the Indicator device 110. At 672, the 630 microcontroller controls the 610 UV LEDs so that the absorbent article is illuminated with light energy at a specified frequency. The frequency can be predefined to illuminate the UV patterns printed on an approved absorbent article. The frequency adds a level of security to the Indicator 110 device, as UV patterns that are not configured to fluoresce at the specific frequency emitted by the UV 610 LEDs will not be detected, thus preventing operation of the device

Indicator 110.

* At 674, microcontroller 630 monitors the presence of fluorescent UV patterns in the absorbent article by analyzing the signals received from optical sensor 620. At 676, microcontroller 630 determines if fluorescent UV patterns are present. If the fluorescent UV patterns are not detected, the microcontroller 630 never activates the noninvasive sensors 120 of the Indicator device 110, preventing the indicator device 110 from being used in an unauthorized product.

At 678, if microcontroller 630 determines that one or more of one of the fluorescent UV standards is present in the absorbent article, microcontroller 630 activates noninvasive sensors 120. At 680 microcontroller 630 monitors the presence of a substance in the article absorbent, analyzing the signals received from the non-invasive sensor 120. As indicated at 682, microcontroller 630 will determine if a substance is present in the absorbent article based on signals received from non-invasive sensors 120. At 684, if a substance is detected, microcontroller 630 will control the system Alert 650 to give a visible and / or audible alert to the user of the absorbent article.

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of an indicating device 110 that can detect the presence of one or more identifiable features in an absorbent article. The indicating device 110 of FIG. 9 is configured to monitor the infrared light reflection of a material on the absorbent article. If the infrared light reflection falls within a set parameter, the indicating device 110 will then be able to operate. For example, a material having a specific range of infrared light reflection can be included as part of the absorbent article, for example, in bonding zone 150 of FIG. 3. The indicating device 110 can determine if this material is present by monitoring the infrared light reflection characteristics of the absorbent article. The presence of the material with particular characteristics of infrared light may enable the indicating device 110 to operate.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the indicating device 110 of this example embodiment *

It includes an infrared light emitter 710 configured to illuminate the absorbent article with infrared light energy. The infrared light emitter 710 may include a light emitting diode (LED) that generates infrared light. At least a portion of the infrared energy emitted on the absorbent article material is reflected and collected by the infrared light detector 720, as an infrared light detection phototransistor. Example Infrared light detectors include the QRD114 manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductors or the APDS-9120 manufactured by Avago Technolgies. The infrared light detector 720 can give signals indicative of the infrared light reflection detected through various signal conditioning devices to the 730 microcontroller, such as a PIC 16F876A microcontroller. Microcontroller 730 is coupled to noninvasive sensors 120 of indicating device 110 and can control the sending of an alert through alert system 750 if the presence of a substance is detected in the absorbent article.

Microcontroller 730 is configured to activate noninvasive sensors 120 of indicating device 110 if the detected infrared light reflection from the absorbent article falls within a preset range. FIG. 10 illustrate a flowchart of an example 700 method executed by ♦

a microcontroller 730 when the indicating device 110 is activated. At 772, the microcontroller 730 controls the infrared light emitter 710 to illuminate the absorbent article with Infrared energy. At 774, the 730 microcontroller monitors infrared light reflection in the absorbent article by analyzing the signals received from the 720 Infrared light detector. At 776, the microcontroller 730 determines whether the infrared light reflection of the absorbent article falls within the preset range. IF the Infrared light reflection does not fall within the preset range, the microcontroller 730 never activates the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110, preventing the indicating device 110 from being used in an unauthorized product.

At 778, if microcontroller 730 determines that infrared light reflection falls within the preset range, microcontroller 730 activates noninvasive sensors 120. At 780, microcontroller 730 monitors the presence of a substance in the absorbent article, analyzing the signals received from non-Invasive sensor 120. As indicated at 782, microcontroller 730 will determine if a substance is present in the absorbent article based on the signals received from non-invasive sensors 120. At 784, if a substance is detected, microcontroller 730 controls alert system 750 to giving a visible and / or audible signal to alert the user of the absorbent article.

FIG. 11 depicts a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of an indicating device 110 that can detect the presence of one or more identifying features in the absorbent article. The indicating device 110 of FIG. 9 is configured to monitor electrical characteristics, including capacitance, inductance and / or conductivity, of printed conductive patterns on the absorbent article. If the electrical characteristics of the conductive patterns fall within a preset range, the indicating device 110 will then be able to operate.

For example, in a particular embodiment, the absorbent article may include one or more conductive patterns arranged in a conductive pattern on the absorbent article, such as in joint region 150 of FIG. 3. The conductive pattern will have a “particular electronic footprint based on the conductivity, capacitance, and / or inductance of the conductive pattern. The indicating device 110 can use one or more sensors to determine if the electronic fingerprint "is present in the absorbent article. The presence of the "electronic fingerprint" makes the operation of the indicating device 110 possible.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the Indicator device 110 of this exemplary embodiment includes an electrical property sensor 920, such as a conductivity sensor, a capacitive sensor, and / or another type of sensor or a combination of sensors, to detect electrical characteristics of conductive patterns in a absorbent article. The 920 electrically owned sensor may be part of other non-invasive sensors of the indicating device or it may be a separate sensor. For example, in a ♦

In a particular embodiment, the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 include a plurality of capacitive sensors designed to detect a substance in the absorbent article. The electrical property sensor 920 can be one of the non-invasive capacitive sensors 120 configured to detect the electrical properties of one or more conductive patterns in an absorbent article.

-The 820 electrical property sensor can give signals indicative of the electrical characteristics of a conductive pattern, through various signal conditioning devices to the microcontroller, such as a PIC 16F876A microcontroller. Microcontroller 830 is coupled to noninvasive sensors 120 of indicating device 110 and can control the sending of an alert through alert system 850 if the presence of a substance is detected in the absorbent article.

Microcontroller 830 is configured to activate noninvasive sensors 120 of indicating device 110 if the detected electrical characteristics of the absorbent article fall within a predefined range. FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 800 executed by a microcontroller 830 when activating indicating device 110. At 872 the microcontroller 830 monitors the electrical characteristics of conductive patterns in the article by analyzing the signals received from the electrical property sensor 820. At 874, the microcontroller 830 determines whether the electrical characteristics fall within the predefined range. If the characteristics do not fall within the predefined range, the microcontroller 820 never activates the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110, preventing the indicating device 110 from being used in an unauthorized product.

• In 876, the microcontroller 830 determines that the electrical characteristics fall within a pre-established range, the microcontroller activates the non-invasive sensors 120. In 878, the microcontroller 830 will monitor the presence of a substance in the absorbent article by analysis of signals received from non-invasive sensor 120. As indicated at 880, microcontroller 830 will determine if a substance is present in the absorbent article based on signals received from non-invasive sensors 120. At 884, if a substance is detected, microcontroller 830 will control alert system 850 to give an audible and / or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by anyone skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more directly expressed in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments can be interchanged, either wholly or in part. And further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description presented herein is by way of example only, and that the Intent is not to limit the Invention which is re-described in the appended claims. ,