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 bodily 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 identifying features whose presence enables operation of the indicating device. Thus, the present disclosure includes adjusting a product and an indicating device for 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 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.

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Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

PATENT TITLE NO. 345809

Owner (s): KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.

Address: 2300 Winchester Road, Neenah, Wisconsin, 54956, USA

Name: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A PRODUCT AND AN INDICATOR DEVICE.

Classification: lnt.CI.8: A61F13 / 42; A61F13 / 53; A61L15 / 56; G08B3 / 00

Inventor (s): THOMAS MICHAEL ALES; SUDHANSHU GAKHAR; ANDREW MARK LONG;

DAVIS-DANG Η. NHAN

REQUEST

Number: International filing date:

MX / a / 2013/005259 October 03, 2011

PRIORITY

Country: Date: Number:

US November 10, 2010 12 / 943,602

Validity: Twenty years

Expiration Date: October 3, 2031

The reference patent is granted based on articles 1 ', 2nd section V, 6th section III, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the Industrial Property Law, this patent is valid for twenty years, non-extendable, counted from the filing date of the international application and will be subject to the payment of the tax to keep the rights in force. . The person who signs this title does so based on the provisions of articles 6 * sections 111 and 7 bis 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) 06/27/1991, amended on 02 / 08/1994, 26/10/1996, 26/12/19 ^, 17/05/1999, 26/01/2004, 16/06/2005, 25/01/2006, 06/05 / 2009,06 / 01 / 2010 18Ό &amp; .4Ο10. 06/28/2010, 01/27/2012 and 04/09/2012); Articles 1, 3^or section V, subsection a), 4th and 12th sections I and III of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/14/1999, amended on 01/07/2002, 15/07/2004, 28/07 / 2004 and 9/7/2007); Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 * section V Subsection a), 16 sections I and III and 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1 », 3 ° and 5 ° subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy General Directors, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Heads of Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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MX / 2017/14032

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APPARATUS AND METHOD TO ADJUST A PRODUCT AND A DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, undergarments or suits, and the like, traditionally include a body-side, liquid-permeable liner, an outer waterproof cover, and a core. absorbent. The absorbent core is typically located between the outer shell and the liner that serves to accept and retain fluids (eg, urine) that are exuded by the user of the product.

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

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

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

Incorporating lead wires into absorbent articles, however, has brought several problems. For example, absorbent articles are generally mass-produced on a continuous, rapid-motion machine. Incorporating lead wires into an absorbent article at the conventional speeds of production machines has been problematic.

_Δ IMPI

In addition, absorbent packed articles will usually

INDUSTRIAL metal to ensure there are no foreign objects contained in the package. If the conductive wires are made of or contain any metal, the metal detector may trigger and record a false positive. Incorporating metallic materials into absorbent articles can also cause problems for those wearing these garments when they have to pass 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 purposes, discloses an infrared wetting detection system for an absorbent article that includes a non-invasive sensor that measures infrared reflection at some depth in the absorbent article. US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/01647333, 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 cover of an absorbent article. US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0124990 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, discloses the use of an induction coil sensor for wet detection in an absorbent article. Commonly owned EU Patent Application No. 12 / 648,645, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, discloses a non-invasive capacitive sensing system and associated circuitry for wet detection. In these embodiments, the complexity rests with the indicator devices attached to the absorbent articles.

While a non-invasive indicating device has many advantages, there can be many problems to face in properly matching a particular indicating device to a proprietary product. In particular, given the non-invasive nature of such indicating devices, a proprietary indicating device can be used with any absorbent article, regardless of the manufacturer or where the absorbent article came from. Non-invasive indicating devices can even be used in products whose safety has not yet been approved for use with a non-invasive indicating device.

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For the same reason, there is a need for an apparatus and a non-invasive indicator device and igoretha ^^ jgpib product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth, in part, in the following description, or may also become apparent upon viewing the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 'An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a chassis having an outer cover with an inner surface and an outer surface. The chassis further includes an absorbent structure positioned adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The absorbent article includes an attachment zone 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 indicating 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 non-invasive 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 attachment zone may include a design scheme to assist the user in aligning the non-invasive indicating 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 enables the non-invasive indicating device to come into operation. For example, in an example embodiment, the at least one identifiable feature includes at least one predefined color on the absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating device can operate when the non-invasive indicating device detects the presence of at least one predefined color on the absorbent article. The at least one color can be part of a design scheme configured to help align the non-invasive indicating device with the absorbent article.

IMPI ^

In another embodiment, the at least one feature identifies one or more UV patterns (eg, UV inks or UV adhesives) arranged in an identifiable pattern on the absorbent article. UV patterns can be set to fluoresce when illuminated with electromagnetic energy of 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 a reflection of infrared light from 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 reflection of infrared light from the material. If the reflection of infrared light falls within a preset range, the non-invasive indicating device can then begin to operate.

In still another embodiment, the at least one identifiable feature includes one or more electrical features of a conductive pattern (eg, the conductive ink and the conductive adhesive) on the absorbent article. The conductive pattern may be arranged to form a conductive pattern on the absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating 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 begin to operate.

Another exemplary embodiment 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.⁵ IMPI ^

INSTITUTO MU1CANO adapted to detect a change in capacitance due to the presence of a suslano ^ SJSmo la ^ SSC 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 exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the non-invasive indicating device includes a second non-invasive sensor configured to detect the presence of at least one identifiable feature on 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 can include a colorimeter sensor configured to detect the presence of at least one predefined color in an absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating device can be configured to activate the first non-invasive sensor when the colorimeter detects the presence of at least one predefined color on the absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating device may further include a light source to illuminate the at least one predefined color on the absorbent article so that it can be detected by the colorimeter. The at least one predefined color may be part of a design scheme configured 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 become fluorescent. The second non-invasive sensor may include an optical sensor configured to detect the presence of the pattern of the UV pattern when this pattern of the UV 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.

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 indicating device may further include a detector configured to detect reflection of infrared light from the material. The non-invasive indicating device can be configured to activate the first non-invasive sensor when the infrared reflection of the material falls within a preset range.

⁶

ΙΝΪΤΤΤυΤ · MEXICAN »Of! .Α HKWEDA!

And in still another embodiment, the second non-invasive sensor may include electrical property, such as a conductivity sensor, an inductive 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 electrical property 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 indicator 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 on 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 on 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 adsorbent article. For example, the method may include illuminating the adsorbent 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 standards in the adsorbent article. By⁷ IMPI. ,, ,,, ........ ,,, INSTITUTO MEJUCAN For example, the method may include illuminating UV inks with light energy at a frequency to make the UV patterns fluorescent 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 infrared light energy reflected from a matter in the absorbent article. For example, the method may include illuminating a material in an absorbent article with infrared energy and monitoring the reflection of infrared light from the material with an infrared sensor. The method may include activating a first non-invasive sensor of the non-invasive indicating device when the sensed infrared light energy falls within a preset range.

And in yet another embodiment, detecting the presence of one or more identifiable characteristics may include detecting one or more electrical characteristics of a conductive ink on 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 become 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 one skilled in the art, is set forth more specifically in the remainder of the specification, including 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;

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FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the article abslirt »» ® ijfcstrjd .Nfnivro mwican. including a wetting indicator aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 in an unbuttoned, unfolded and laid flat condition, showing the surface of the article remaining on the side with which the wearer does not make contact;

FIG. 4 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3 showing the surface of the absorbent article facing the user when in use and with portions cut away to show the underlying characteristics;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary non-invasive indicating device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another exemplary non-invasive indicating device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Y

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the steps of an example method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION? ™ ^ wwwÜd

INDUSTRY!

Anyone skilled in the art can understand that the present discussion is a description of the example 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 indicating device to an absorbent article. The absorbent article can be, for example, a diaper, a training pant, an incontinence product, a feminine hygiene product, a medical garment, a bandage, and the like. A non-invasive indicating device can be placed on an absorbent article to determine the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in an absorbent article. The non-invasive indicating device may provide some type of audible and / or visible signal that indicates to the user of the presence of a bodily fluid in the absorbent article.

The use of a non-invasive indicating device makes detection possible with little or no product alteration 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 indicating 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 indicating 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 indicating devices provide many advantages, the non-invasive nature of non-invasive indicating devices allows the device to be used with any absorbent article, regardless of the manufacturer or source of the absorbent article. For example, a proprietary non-invasive indicator 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 indicating device with

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IMPI unknown absorbent articles that are not specifically designed INDUSTRIAL non-invasive indicator.

The content of the present disclosure prevents the use of a non-invasive indicating device on an unauthorized product by detecting the presence of one or more identifiable features on the absorbent article. The presence of one or more identifiable features on 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 made with a particular identifiable feature that a non-invasive indicating device can sense or detect. When the non-invasive indicating device detects the presence of an identifiable feature on 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 on an absorbent article that does not include the identifiable feature, the non-invasive signal will not operate, preventing the use of a proprietary non-invasive indicating device on 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. The absorbent article 20 may or may not be disposable. It is understood that the present disclosure is suitable for use with various types of absorbent articles for personal use, including but not limited to, diapers, training pants, bathing suit pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, underwear. 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 US Patent 6,645,190 issued Nov. 11, 2003, to Olson et al., Which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they are compatible (eg, not in conflict) herewith.

IMPI

An absorbent article 20 is highly polished! É! Ffl ¡S® ^ S§Hi ^ INDUSTRY!

partially fastened condition. The absorbent article 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is also depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 in an open and unfolded state. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the outer side of absorbent article 20, while FIG. 4 illustrates the inside 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 towards the rear of the article. Orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 48 is the lateral direction 49.

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

The absorbent article 20 illustrated includes a chassis 32 which, in this regard, surrounds the front region 22, the rear region 24, and the crotch region 26. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, chassis 32 includes an outer shell 40 and a skin-bonded side liner 42 (Figs. 1 and 4) that may be attached to outer shell 40 in an overlapping relationship therewith by means of fabrics. adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding or other conventional techniques. Referring to FIG. 4, liner 42 may be properly attached to cover 40 along the perimeter of 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 region 24. The liner 42 can generally be adapted, eg, positioned relative to the other components in the article 20, to be disposed towards the wearer's skin during use of the absorbent article 20. The chassis 32 can be added &amp; MKHní ^ A4ima \ 4 | ^ 'Η'. A »MEASURE · * absorbent 44, specifically shown in FIG. 4, arranged between the outer shell 40 and the skin-side liner 42 for absorption of exuded bodily secretions from Tüsuanó / and further may include a pair of containment flaps 46 attached to the skin-side liner 42 to inhibit flow lateral body exudation.

The elastic containment flaps 46 as shown in FIG. 4 define a partially disjointed edge that appears as an upright configuration in at least the crotch region 26 of the absorbent article 20 to form a seal in the wearer's body. The containment fins 46 may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the chassis 32 or they may extend only partially 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 November 3, 1987 to Enloe, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

To further enhance the containment and / or absorption of body exudates, the absorbent article 20 may also include suitable leg elastic members 58 (FIG. 4), as is known to those skilled in the art. Leg stretch members 58 may be operatively attached to outer shell 40 and / or skin-side liner 42, and positioned in the crotch region 26 of absorbent article 20.

The elastic leg members 58 can be made from any suitable elastic material. As is known to those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include sheets, strands or slats of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and elastomeric thermoplastic polymers. Elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to a substrate, adhere to a bonded substrate, or adhere to a substrate which then becomes elastic or shrinks, for example, with the application of heat, so that elastic shrinkage forces are impart to the substrate. In a particular aspect, by way of example, the elastic leg members 58 may include a plurality of dry spun spandex multifilament elastomeric yarns, sold under the trade name LYCRA and available from Invista, Wilmington, Delaware, USA

In some aspects, absorbent article 20 may further include a discharge control layer (not shown) that may optionally be located adjacent to the ¹³

INSTITUTO MEXICANí absorbent structure 44 and attached to various components in article 20 comaiaj ^ ii ^ gtura ^ la ^ or the lining of the skin side 42, by methods known in the art, such as the use of adhesives. The discharge control layer helps to slow and disperse discharges or abundant liquid flows that are rapidly introduced into the absorbent structure of the article. Ideally, the discharge management layer can rapidly 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. Other suitable shock management materials 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 consistent (eg, not in conflict) with the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, absorbent article 20 further includes a pair of opposite 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 the waist and / or hips of a wearer to ensure that the garment stays in place. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side stretch panels are attached to the chassis along a pair of opposite longitudinal edges 37. The side panels 34 can be part of or bonded to the chassis 32 by any suitable bonding technique. For example, the side panels 34 can 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 liner 42, the outer shell 40, or both, the liner. skin side 42 and outer shell 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 toward the front region of the article when the already placed article is closed on a wearer. It should be understood, however, that the side panels 34 may alternatively connect to the front region of the article 20 and extend toward the rear region when the article is on.

With absorbent article 20 placed in the closed position as partially illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastic side panels 34 may be attached by means of a fastening system 80 to define a three-dimensional configuration of the absorbent article having a

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waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings 52. Item 20 is defined by waist edges 38 and 39 which enclose the wearer's waist.

In the aspects shown in the figures, the side panels are ^ égáh ^ y- · - ·· detached from the front region 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 may be permanently glued to each other, for example when forming a training brief or 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 the leg 70 of the absorbent article 20 may be suitably curved and / or angled relative to the lateral direction 49 to better fit around the wearer's legs. However, it is understood that only one of the extreme edges on leg 70 can be curved or angled, as is the case with the extreme edge on the leg of rear region 24, or alternatively, none of the extreme edges of the leg can curved or angled, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer edges 68 are generally parallel to the longitudinal direction 48 while the end edges of the girdles 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 edges of the waistband 72 may be oblique or curved, as desired. Finally, the side panels 34 are generally aligned with a waist region 90 of the chassis.

Clamping system 80 may include laterally opposed first clamping components 82, adapted to open and close in engagement with corresponding second clamping components 84. In one aspect shown in the figures, the first clamp component 82 is located on the elastic side panels 34, while the second clamp component 84 is located on the front region 22 of the chassis 32. In one aspect, a front or outer surface of each of the fastening components 82, 84 includes a plurality of coupling or attachment 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 fastener components 84 so that it can be in its three-dimensional configuration.

The fastening components 82, 84 may be snap-on fasteners suitable for absorbent articles such as adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, or the like. In particular aspects, the clamping components include mechanical clamping elements to improve performance. The mechanical fastening elements 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 fastener components 82 include hook fasteners and the second fastener components 84 include complementary loop fasteners. Alternatively, the first fastener components 82 may include loop fasteners and the second fastener 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 opening for the waist. For example, as shown in the figures, absorbent article 20 may include an elastic member at the front of the waist 54 and / or an elastic member at the rear of the waist 56.

With reference to FIG. 2, a non-invasive indicator device 110 is configured to detect the presence of a substance in absorbent article 20. Indicator device 110 is configured to detect the presence of a substance in absorbent article 20 and to provide an audible signal and / or visible to the wearer of the absorbent article 20 indicating the presence of the substance. The indicating device 110 includes a cover 135 and one or more non-invasive sensors 120. The cover 135 can be used to contain the various electronic components and other components of the 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 iNsmvroMwac ^ io any type of non-invasive sensors 120 adapted to detect the presence ^ e ^ ñWWátanSlir ^^ absorbent article 20. For example, in a particular embodiment, the sensors_nqinvas¡vns 1? Q ρν &lt;~ · Ηη_η nw-— 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 the Publication of 'the US Patent Application No. 2010/0164733, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In another embodiment, the non-invasive sensors 120 may include an infrared detector configured to monitor the reflection of infrared light from the absorbent article as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0168694, which is incorporated herein as reference for all intents and purposes.

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 as disclosed in US Co-owned Patent Application No. 12 / 648,645 and which is incorporated herein by 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.

The non-invasive sensor 120 may be configured to be located in a bond area on the absorbent article, such as the bond area 150 of FIG. 3. Attachment area 150 may include a design scheme configured to assist the user in properly aligning the indicating device with * absorbent article 20 as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0282286, which is incorporated here by reference for all purposes. The design scheme for junction zone 150 can be of any size, shape, color, graphic, and other similar characteristics. For example, in a particular embodiment, the designed scheme may include a circular pattern printed with Pantone Orange # 165U. The junction zone 150 may include one or more identifiable features, the presence of which enables operation of the indicating device.

Indicator device 110 may include one or more sensors that are configured to detect the presence of one or more identifiable features on absorbent article 20. If one or more identifiable characteristics are detected, the indicating device 110 can be activated so that the primary non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 can detect the presence of a substance in the absorbent article 20 and can alert the user of the absorbent article. .

¹⁷ IMPI ^^ 3 »wsrmno mexícai *. :

&lt;M tA FROH £ DA »j

In accordance with the present disclosure, the indicator system '^ O'écfe ^' has configurations and designs. FIG. 5 represents a block diagram of a first roatized ~ urT^JAn example indicating device 110 which can detect the presence of one or more identifiable features on an absorbent article. Specifically, the indicator device 110 of FIG 5 is configured to detect the presence of one or more predefined colors on absorbent articles. For example, the indicating device 110 can be configured to detect the presence of a circular pattern printed with a Pantone # 165U Orange color. The predefined color can be located throughout the absorbent article, allowing activation of the indicating device 110 anywhere on the product. Preferably, however, a graphic having a predefined color is printed on the absorbent article, as part of the design scheme for bonding zone 150 of FIG. 3 to help align indicating device 110. A more secure method of adjustment can be made with the use of a plurality of different predefined colors for detection by means of the indicating device 110. The indicating device 110 'of FIG. 5 is configured to detect the presence of the predefined color in the absorbent article. If the predefined color is present, the indicating device 110 can then operate.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the indicating device 110 of this example embodiment includes an LED 510 to illuminate the absorbent article with light. The reflected color from the absorbent article may be received by a colorimeter sensor 520. The colorimeter sensor 520 may include a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photodiode array, a phototransistor array, or other suitable device for detecting the color of 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 Silicon photodiode such as the OP980 manufactured by Optek Inc. can be used to measure the intensity of light reflected from the absorbent article by an array 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 made by Texas Instruments or MC6004 made by Microchip, Inc. Signals are provided by a 530 microcontroller, such as a PIC 16f876 or PIC24F16KA102 made by Microchip, Inc. The microcontroller 530 is coupled 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^NTr ^ g ^ || ^^ absorbent.

<img file="MX345809B_D0012.tif" />

Microcontroller 530 is configured to control the indicating device to operate if the predefined color is detected in the absorbent article. FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 500 executed by microcontroller 530 upon activation of the indicating device

110. At 572, the microcontroller 530 can be configured so that the LED (s) 510 illuminate the absorbent article. At 574, microcontroller 530 monitors the presence of a predefined color in the absorbent article, abalizing the signals it receives from colorimeter 520. At 576, microcontroller 530 determines whether the predefined color is present. If the predefined color is not detected, the microcontroller never activates the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110, thus preventing the indicating device 110 from being used on an unauthorized product.

At 578, the microcontroller 530 determines that the predefined color is present in the absorbent article, the microcontroller 530 activates the non-invasive sensors 120. At 580, the microcontroller 530 monitors the presence of a substance in the absorbent article, analyzing signals received from the non-invasive sensors 120. As stated 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 issue a visible and / or audible alert to the wearer of the absorbent article.

FIG. 7 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. In particular, the indicating device 110 of FIG. 7 is configured to detect the presence of one or more UV patterns on absorbent articles. UV patterns can be formed from a UV ink or a UV adhesive. For example, the UV pattern can 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 can be printed on the absorbent article at any location, such as bond zone 150 of FIG. 3. The presence of a particular UV pattern pattern on the absorbent article * can be determined to activate the indicating device 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the indicator device 110 of the example embodiment includes UV LED 610 configured to illuminate the absorbent article with light energy with a

<img file="MX345809B_D0013.tif" />

specific frequency. The frequency of the light energy should be set &lt;yfmr8bfi | i 'NoüsniAi make fluorescent on the absorbent article. Specifically, the microcontroller 630 can control the signal conditioning device 660 to modulate the frequency of the LEbs 610 to a specific one that is sufficient for the UV patterns in the absorbent article to become fluorescent.

The visible light produced from the fluorescence effect of the UV pattern may 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. Optical sensor 620 can send signals indicative of detected light through various signal conditioning devices to microcontroller 630, such as a PIO 16F876A microcontroller. The microcontroller 630 is coupled to non-invasive sensors 120 on the indicating device 110 and can control the sending of an alert through the alert system 650 if the presence of a substance is detected in the absorbent article.

The microcontroller 630 is configured to activate the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 if one or more fluorescent UV pattern patterns are detected on the absorbent article. FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 600 executed by microcontroller 630 when it activates indicating device 110. At 672, microcontroller 630 controls UV LEDs 610 to illuminate the absorbent article with light energy of a specific frequency. The frequency can be predefined for the UV patterns printed on a licensed absorbent article to illuminate. The frequency adds a level of security to the indicating device 110, as UV patterns that are not set to fluoresce at the specific frequency emitted by the UV 610 LEDs will not be detected, thus preventing the operation of the indicating device 110. *

At 674, the microcontroller 630 monitors the presence of fluorescent UV patterns on the absorbent article by analyzing the signals received from the optical sensor 620. At 676 the microcontroller 630 determines whether the fluorescent UV patterns are present. If the fluorescent UV patterns are not detected, the 630 microcontroller never activates the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device

110, preventing the indicating device 110 from being used on an unauthorized product.

At 678, if the microcontroller 630 determines that one or more than one of the fluorescent UV patterns is present in the absorbent article, the microcontroller 630 activates the non-invasive sensors 120. At 680 the microcontroller 630 monitors the presence of a substance in the article.

2ο IMPIAS

INSTITUTO MEXICANO • f ia absorbent monioau, analyzing the signals received from the non-invasive sensor 120. As' ^^sfMfca eTW «Z7 the 630 microcontroller will determine if a substance is present in the ebaorbonto item based on the signals received from the non-invasive sensors 120. In 684, if a substance is detected, the 630 microcontroller will control the 650 alert system 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. Indicator device 110 of FIG. 9 is configured to monitor the reflection of infrared light from a material on the absorbent article. If the reflection of infrared light falls within a set parameter, the indicating device 110 can then operate. For example, a material that has a specific infrared light reflection range can be included as part of the absorbent article, eg, in bond zone 150 of FIG. 3. Indicator device 110 can determine if this material is present by monitoring the infrared light reflection characteristics of the absorbent article. The presence of material with particular characteristics of infrared light can enable the indicating device 110 to operate.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the indicating device 110 of this example embodiment includes an infrared light emitter 710 configured to illuminate the absorbent article with infrared light energy. 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 infrared light detector 720, such as an infrared light detecting phototransistor. Exemplary infrared light detectors include the QRD114 made by Fairchild Semiconductors or the APDS-9120 made by Avago Technolgies. The infrared light detector 720 can give signals indicative of the reflection of infrared light detected through various signal conditioning devices to the microcontroller 730, such as a PIC 16F876A microcontroller. The microcontroller 730 is coupled to the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 and can control the sending of an alert through an alert system 750 if the presence of a substance is detected in the absorbent article.

The microcontroller 730 is configured to activate the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 if the reflection of infrared light that is detected from the absorbent article falls within ²¹ IMPI ^^ • INSTITUTO MEXICANO a pre-established range. FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of a method 70 (yMéjS ^ | gí8&gt; eteaflÍtBegBr a microcontroller 730 when indicating device 110 is activated. At 772, microcontroller 730 controls infrared light emitter 710 to illuminate the absorbent article with energy infrared. At 774, the microcontroller 730 monitors the reflection of infrared light from the absorbent article by analyzing the signals received from the infrared light detector 720. At 776, the microcontroller 730 determines whether the reflection of infrared light from the absorbent article falls within the preset range. If the reflection of infrared light 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 on an unauthorized product.

At 778, if the microcontroller 730 determines that the infrared light reflection falls in the preset range, the microcontroller 730 activates the non-invasive sensors 120. At 780, the 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 whether a substance is present in the absorbent article based on signals received from non-invasive sensors 120. At 784, if a substance is detected, microcontroller 730 controls alert system 750 to that gives 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 identifiable features on the absorbent article. Indicator device 110 of FIG. 9 is configured to monitor electrical characteristics, such as capacitance, inductance, and / or conductivity, of conductive patterns printed on the absorbent article. If the electrical characteristics of the conductive patterns fall within a preset range, the indicating device 110 can then 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, as in the bond zone 150 of FIG. 3. The conductive pattern will have a particular “electronic fingerprint” based on the conductivity, capacitance and / or inductance of the conductive pattern. Indicator device 110 may use one or more sensors to determine if the "electronic fingerprint" is present on the absorbent article. The presence of the "electronic fingerprint" makes the operation of the indicating device 110 possible.

IMPI

<img file="MX345809B_D0014.tif" />

i Mexican Nsmvro

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the indicating device 110 of this re ^ ®aSan &amp;

includes an electrical property sensor 920, such as a conductivity sensor, a capacitive sensor, and / or other type of sensor or a combination of sensors, to detect electrical characteristics of conductive patterns in an absorbent article. The electrical property sensor 920 can be part of other »non-invasive sensors in the indicating device or it can be a stand-alone sensor. For example, 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. Electrical property sensor 920 may be one of non-invasive capacitive sensors 120 configured to detect the electrical properties of one or more conductive patterns in an absorbent article.

The electrical property sensor 820 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. The microcontroller 830 is coupled to the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 and can control the sending of an alert through the alert system 850 if the presence of a substance is detected in the absorbent article.

The microcontroller 830 is configured to activate the non-invasive sensors 120 of the indicating device 110 if the sensed electrical characteristics of the absorbent article fall within a predefined range. FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method 800 executed by a microcontroller 830 upon activating the 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 on an unauthorized product.

At 876, the microcontroller 830 determines that the electrical characteristics fall within a preset range, the microcontroller activates the non-invasive sensors 120. At 878, the microcontroller 830 will monitor the presence of a substance in the absorbent article by analyzing the signals received from non-invasive sensor 120. As indicated in 880, the microcontroller 830 will determine if a substance is present in the absorbent article based on the signals received from the

IMPI non-invasive sensors 120. At 884, if a substance is detected, the moustími 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 can be carried out by any person 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 may be interchangeable, either in whole or in part. And furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description presented herein is by way of example only, and that it is not intended to limit the invention that is re-described in the appended claims.

IMPI 'NSTnyro Mexican

LA MOHEDA D

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX345809B_D0015.tif" />