• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    ACCESSORY FOR A CONDUCTOR-FREE MOISTURE DETECTOR FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE A moisture detection system for use with an absorbent article includes a fastening device adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer; the securing device including a first securing arm and having an article-contacting side including a first securing material affixed thereto, and a sensor strip that includes a sensor and having an article-contacting side including a second material affixed to it; characterized by the second fastening material having an area and being in ratio of area to weight of the system and characterized by the sensor strip having a flexural stiffness of less than 30 gf cm^2/cm. The system also includes a signaling device associated with the fixture and in electrical communication with the sensor, where the system is adapted to detect moisture within the article, without the use of conductors within the absorbent article.
    公开号:BR112015013754B1
    申请号:R112015013754-7
    申请日:2013-12-17
    公开日:2021-06-29
    发明作者:Davis Dang Hoang Nhan；Sudhanshu Gakhar；Kristen Alene Decker；Brent Charles Otis；Paulin Pawar
    申请人:Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    HISTORIC
    [0001] Absorbent articles such as diapers, training diapers, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, bathing suits and the like conventionally include a liquid-permeable body-side liner, a liquid-impermeable outer cover, and an absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is usually located between the outer cover and the liner to absorb and retain liquids (eg urine) exuded by the user. The absorbent structure can be made, for example, of superabsorbent particles. Many absorbent articles, especially those sold under the trade name HUGGIES by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, are so efficient at absorbing liquids that it is sometimes difficult to tell if the absorbent article has been wetted with a body exudate, especially when the absorbent article is being used by a newborn or other very young user. The amounts of emissions from such users tend to be very small. Other users may also produce very small emissions.
    [0002] Thus, various types of moisture or wetting indicators have been suggested for use in absorbent articles. Known wetting indicators include various indicators such as indicator strips, printing or other devices within each absorbent article, requiring care to pay for the moisture indicator on each absorbent article, regardless of whether or not to use the wetting indicators. Wet indicators may also include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or caregivers in early identifying a wet condition in the absorbent article. Devices can produce an audible, tactile, electromagnetic or visual signal. Many of these devices rely on electronic and conductive elements within each absorbent article, and this can add to the expense of the absorbent article.
    [0003] In some aspects, for example, conductive threads or sheets have been placed on absorbent articles that extend from the front of the article to the back of the article. The conductive materials serve as lead cables for a signaling device and form an open circuit in the article that can be closed when a bodily fluid, such as urine, closes the circuit.
    [0004] The incorporation of conductive cables in absorbent articles, however, caused several problems. For example, absorbent articles are mass produced on machines at high speed. Incorporating conductive cables into absorbent articles, however, caused several problems.
    [0005] In addition, packaged absorbent articles are generally passed through metal detectors to ensure that there are no foreign objects contained in the package. If the lead wires are made from or contain metal, the metal detector can be activated by registering a false positive. Incorporating metallic materials into absorbent articles can also cause problems for those wearing the garments when trying to get through security doors that include metal detectors.
    [0006] In view of the foregoing, there is currently a need for a signaling system for an absorbent article that dispenses conductive elements containing metals or other devices to be inserted into the article. RESUME
    [0007] The present inventors make intensive research and development efforts to improve absorbent articles, particularly in providing a moisture indicator only when desired by a caregiver and without increasing the cost of an absorbent article. There is a need for moisture detection in absorbent articles and incontinence products in general. A technology that can be implemented without altering the construction of the absorbent article is preferable.
    [0008] The present publication is generally directed to various signaling systems that are particularly well adapted for use with absorbent articles. Signaling systems, for example, can be connected to a signaling device that can be configured to emit an audible, tactile, electromagnetic or visual signal to indicate to a user that bodily fluid is present in the absorbent article. For example, in one aspect, the absorbent article includes a diaper and the signaling system is configured to indicate the presence of urine or bowel movement. In other absorbent articles, however, signaling systems can be configured to indicate the presence of yeast or metabolites.
    [0009] More particularly, the present publication is directed to a moisture detection system for use with an absorbent article, having an outer surface, the system having a weight and including a fastening device adapted to be coupled to the outer surface of the article. absorbent by a consumer, the attachment device including a first attachment arm having a side in contact with the article, including a first attachment material affixed thereto, and a sensor strip including a sensor and having a side contacting the article. article, including a second fastening material affixed thereto, characterized by the second fastening material having an area and is in an area to weight ratio of the system of at least 0.2 inch2 per gram, and wherein the range of sensor has a flexural stiffness of less than 30 gf cmA2/cm. The system also includes a signaling device associated with the fixture and in electrical communication with the sensor, where the system is adapted to detect moisture within the article, without the use of conductors within the absorbent article.
    [0010] The present publication is also directed to a moisture detection system for use with an absorbent article having an outer surface, the system having a weight and including a fastening device adapted to be coupled to the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer, the fastening device having an article-contacting surface and including a fastening arm and a sensor strip including a sensor, wherein the article-contacting surface is coated with a fastening material having an area. , is at an area to system weight ratio of at least 0.2 in2/g and demonstrates a peel strength to the outer surface of at least 11 gf/inch, and where the sensor strip has a bending stiffness less than 30 gf cmA2/cm. The system also includes a signaling device associated with the fixture and in electrical communication with the sensor, where the system is adapted to detect moisture within the article, without the use of conductors within the absorbent article.
    [0011] The present publication is also directed to a moisture detection system for use with an absorbent article having an outer surface, the system having a weight and including a fastening device adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer; the clamping device including a clamping arm and having an article-contacting side including a first clamping material affixed thereto, and a sensor strip which includes a sensor and having an article-contacting side including a second material affixed to it; wherein the second attachment material demonstrates a peel strength to the outer surface of at least 11 gf/in; and wherein the sensor strip has a flexural stiffness of less than 30 gf cmA2/cm. The system also includes a signaling device associated with the fixture and in electrical communication with the sensor, where the system is adapted to detect moisture within the article, without the use of conductors within the absorbent article.
    [0012] The present publication is also directed to a moisture detection system for use with an absorbent article having an outer surface, the system having a weight and including a fastening device adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer; the clamping device including a clamping arm and having an article-contacting side including a first clamping material affixed thereto, and a sensor strip which includes a sensor and having an article-contacting side including a second material of attachment affixed to it, wherein the second attachment material has an area and is a microhook material that completely covers the article-contacting side of the sensor strip, demonstrates a peel strength with respect to the outer surface of at least 11 gf/in, and is in an area to weight ratio of the system of at least 0.2 in2 per gram, where the sensor strip range has a flexural stiffness of less than 30 gf cmA2/cm. The system also includes a signaling device associated with the fixture and in electrical communication with the sensor, where the system is adapted to detect moisture within the article, without the use of conductors within the absorbent article.
    [0013] These and other features and aspects of this publication are discussed in more detail in this document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0014] The present publication will be better understood, and other features will become apparent, when reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are representative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
    [0015] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an absorbent article including an aspect of a moisture detection system in this publication; and
    [0016] Figure 2 is a graphical representation of the results of the skin resistance tests of materials potentially usable with the moisture detection system of Fig. 1.
    [0017] The repeated use of reference features in this specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of this publication. The drawings are representative and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain proportions of these can be exaggerated, while others can be minimized. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [0018] A person of ordinary skill in the subject area should understand that the current discussion is only a description of examples of embodiments, and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the current publication.
    [0019] The present disclosure is generally directed to signaling systems for absorbent articles that indicate to a user when bodily fluid has wetted the article. For example, in one aspect, the signaling system is designed to emit a signal when urine is detected in the absorbent article. Advantageously to urine, signaling systems made in accordance with the present disclosure can detect the presence of a bodily fluid within the absorbent article, without having to construct the absorbent article with elements or sensors embedded within the article. In the past, for example, metallic conductive cables were placed inside the absorbent article. The signaling systems of the present invention, on the other hand, can detect the presence of a bodily fluid from an outer surface of the article, which can greatly simplify the incorporation of the signaling system into the article.
    [0020] In accordance with the present publication, the signaling system can have various configurations and designs. Referring to Fig. 1, for exemplary purposes, an absorbent article 20 that can be used in conjunction with the signaling systems of the present publication is illustrated. The absorbent article 20 may or may not be disposable. It is understood that the present publication is suitable for use with a variety of other absorbent articles intended for personal use, including, but not limited to, diapers, training diapers, bath diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, medical apparel, absorbents and surgical bandages, other personal care or health care garments, and the like, without departing from the scope of this publication.
    [0021] For illustrative purposes only, various materials and methods of manufacturing absorbent articles, such as the absorbent article 20 of the various aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in PCT Patent Application WO 00/037009 published June 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et al.; US Patent No. 4,940,464 issued July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; US Patent No. 5,766,389 issued June 16, 1998 to Brandon et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 6,645,190 issued November 11, 2003 to Olson et al., incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they are consistent (i.e., not in conflict) with this document.
    [0022] An absorbent product 20 is illustrated representatively in Fig. 1. The absorbent article 20 defines a pair of end longitudinal regions, herein termed a front region 22 and a posterior region 24, and a central region, herein termed region genital 26, extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and rear regions 22, 24. The absorbent article 20 also defines an inner surface 28 adapted in use (e.g., positioned relative to the other components of the absorbent article 20) for be disposed toward the wearer, and an outer surface 30 opposite the inner surface 28. The front and back regions 22, 24 include those portions of the absorbent article 20 which, in use, fully or partially cover or surround the waist or torso. medium-low user. The genital region 26 is generally the 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 genital region. The absorbent product 20 has two opposite side edges 36 and two longitudinally opposite waist edges, designated respectively as front waist edge 38 and back waist edge 39.
    [0023] The absorbent article 20 illustrated includes a chassis 32 which, in this regard, comprises the front region 22, the rear region 24 and the genital region 26. Referring to Fig. 1, support 32 includes an outer cover 40 and a body-side liner 42 that can be joined to outer shell 40 in an overlapping relationship by adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, or other conventional techniques. Support 32 may further include an absorbent structure (not shown).
    [0024] The absorbent article 20 may further include a pair of opposing elastic side panels (not shown) that are attached to the rear region 24 of the holder 32. The side panels may be stretched around a wearer's waist and/or hips to secure the part in place. In an alternative aspect, the elastic side panels may also be formed integrally with the support 32. For example, the side panels may include an extension of the body side liner 42, the outer cover 40, or both of the body side liner 42 and the outer cover 40. It should be understood, however, that the side panels may alternatively be connected to the front region 22 of the article 20.
    The elastic side panels can be connected by a fastening system (not shown) to define a three-dimensional absorbent article configuration having a waist opening 50 and two leg openings 52. The waist opening 50 of the absorbent article 20 is defined by waist edges 38 and 39, which encircle the wearer's waist.
    [0026] The side panels can be detachably attached to the front region 22 of article 20 by a fastening system. In other aspects, the side panels can be permanently attached to bracket 32 at each end. The side panels can be permanently connected together, for example, when forming an absorbent training diaper or swimsuit.
    [0027] In addition to possibly having elastic side panels, the absorbent article 20 may include various elastic waist features to provide elasticity around the waist opening 50.
    [0028] The absorbent article 20 may include a moisture detection system 110 that can be used to detect moisture, such as from urine, feces, or other body exudates within the absorbent article 20. The moisture detection system 110 includes a reusable signaling device 120 and a securing device 150.
    [0029] The reusable signaling device 120 is adapted to detect moisture without the use of conductors within the absorbent article 20. Suitable moisture detection technologies include capacitance-based sensors, such as those described in the co-pending US Patent Application, No. 12/648,645, inductance-based sensors such as those described in induction, such as those described in copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/983,970, and infrared reflectance-based sensors such as those described in copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/636,888, each of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that it does not conflict with this document. Any other suitable sensor technology can be employed.
    [0030] Sensors such as those described herein are further described, for example, in US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0048786, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto insofar as it does not conflict with this document.
    [0031] The signaling device 120 may include a housing 125. The housing 125 may be designed so that the signaling device 120 minimizes any discomfort when used. In addition to being comfortable when attached to an absorbent article 20, however, the signaling device 120 must also be durable. Based on anthropomorphic modeling, the signaling devices 120 made in accordance with the present invention are produced with dimensions that are within a set of desirable ranges. In addition, the signaling device 120 may also include spokes at the corners of the signaling device 120, which are limited by a set of desirable strips to ensure that the corners do not affect, scratch or pinch the surface of the body.
    [0032] In this aspect, the signaling device 120 may include a compartment 125 that contains the internal components. Internal components, for example, may include a battery and may be configured to generate an audible, tactile, electromagnetic, wireless, or any other suitable signal, or any combination thereof. Compartment 125, in this regard, can have a rectangular shape, such as a square shape, with rounded corners, or compartment 125 can be circular, oval, or any other suitable shape. Compartments 125 suitable for use in the moisture detection system 110 described herein include those described in more detail, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/848714, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto in the insofar as it does not conflict with this document.
    [0033] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the signaling device 120 may also include a flexible sensor strip 130 extending from housing 125. In a particular aspect of the present application, the flexible sensor strip 130 is a flexible plastic film that includes an array of capacitive sensing elements. The sensing elements can take the form of two flat electrodes that make an open-face virtual capacitor. Flexible sensor strip 130 can be made by etching laminated copper foil onto a flexible, non-conductive substrate. Such flexible, non-conductive substrates include polyimide, polyester and any other suitable material. An example of such a material is KAPTON film manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, USA. The engraving method is widely used to make printed circuit boards in the electronics industry. Other methods for making the printed circuit board include screen printing, gravure printing and flexographic printing. The conductive material that makes up open face capacitors is made of conductive materials such as copper, silver, or carbon black. Flexible sensor strip 130 may be electrically connected to signaling device 120 by a ZIF connector or any other suitable connector.
    [0034] With respect to the specific example described here, recent research has found that an excessive or inconsistent distance or a capacitive sensing element and a substance being detected can alter or eliminate the sensing function, which leads to inaccurate results. User movement can create or increase inconsistencies in distances. As a result, capacitive sensing elements benefit and may even require secure attachment across the entire sensing area because capacitance is sensitive to distance and/or depth.
    [0035] In addition, a sensor range range 130 that is too short or too long can also negatively affect the sensing functionality of the signaling device 120 as the signaling device will not be properly sized to accommodate movement and/or coverage the region of interest. Sensor strip 130 can be of any shape, including linear, arcuate, circular, or irregular, it can have a flared portion at one end of sensor strip 130.
    [0036] Oils such as mineral oil can be inherent in conventional materials used in such applications. The oil can adversely affect the ability of the signaling device 120 to remain attached to the outer surface 30, as such mineral oil impedes the ability of the attachment mechanisms to remain attached to the signaling device 120. Some polymers suitable for such application include mineral oil for make parts of the signaling device 120 flexible. In one example, the amount of mineral oil can be reduced by selecting particular polymers as are known to those skilled in the art.
    [0037] In one aspect of the present invention, the entire article-facing surface of the sensor strip 130 may include the ability to be coupled to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. In another aspect, the entire surface in contact with the article of the sensor strip 130 may include the ability to be mated to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. In another aspect, the majority of the article-contacting surface of the sensor strip 130 may include the ability to be mated to the outer surface 30. of the absorbent article 20. In another aspect, one half of the article-contacting surface of the sensor strip 130 may include the ability to be mated to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. In another aspect, a portion of the surface-contacting surface. sensor strip article 130 may include the ability to be coupled to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20.
    [0038] The flexible sensor strip 130 can include a fastening material 160 so that the flexible sensor strip 130 can be fixed to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20 by the consumer. Flexible sensor strip 130 can be attached to outer surface 30 using adhesives, cohesive, mechanical fasteners such as hook material or any other suitable fastening material.
    [0039] As defined above, the moisture detection system 110 includes a fixture 150. The signaling device 120 is connected to the fixture 150 by a manufacturer or by a consumer. The securing device 150 may be part of the signaling device 120 when the signaling device 120 is manufactured. In other aspects, the attachment device 150 may be attached to the signal device 120 by injection molding, stitching, adhesive gluing, ultrasonic bonding, or thermal bonding. The fastening device 150 may also be fastened to the signaling device 120 by a mechanical fastening means such as screw and nut, "snap-on" or "screw-on" (screwing) configurations or any other material of proper fixation.
    [0040] The securing device 150 is adapted to be secured to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20, particularly by a consumer. The securing device 150 is secured to the outer surface 30 such that the signaling device 120 is positioned adjacent the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. Depending on the manufacturing process, the sensor strip 130 may be considered a part of the device. signal 120 or part of the fastening device 150.
    [0041] The moisture detection system 110 is preferably sized and positioned such that the sensor strip 130 is disposed adjacent to the region of the absorbent article 20 most likely to receive an emission of interest. In a specific aspect, the flexible sensor strip 130 should be of a length sufficient to cover at least a quarter of the length of the absorbent article 20, from the midpoint of the absorbent article 20 towards the front of the absorbent article 20. It should be noted that regions of interest may vary depending on the type of product, product size and gender of the intended user.
    [0042] In one aspect of the present disclosure illustrated in Fig. 1, the fixture 150 includes flexible arms 185. The flexible arms 185 are engageable to the outer surface 30 by the consumer. The fastening device 150 and/or the flexible arms 185 can be secured to the outer surface 30 using adhesives, cohesive, mechanical fasteners such as hook material or any other suitable fastening material 170.
    [0043] In a particular aspect of the present application, the clamping device 150, including the flexible arms 185, may be formed integrally with the sensor strip 130, the signaling device 120, or both. Flexible arms 185 may have any shape, including linear, arcuate, circular, or irregular, and may have a flared portion at one end of flexible arms 185.
    [0044] In a particular aspect of the present application, the fastening material 170 is primarily a hook material fastened to the fastening device 150 so that the hooks of the hook material can engage with the outer surface 30. The specifications are important to the successful attachment of the fixture 150 to the outer surface 30. A hook that is too high may place the sensor strip 130 too far away from the outer surface 30. A hook that is too small may be more suitable for skin contact, but may not effectively engage with the outer surface 30.
    [0045] The signaling device 120 must remain in place and conform to the absorbent article 20 and the user's body for proper functionality. To this end, at least a part of the fastening device 150, including the fastening material 170 such as hook material and the adhesive used to attach the hook material to the fastening device 150 should be flexible. Flexibility in this respect is measured in the form of flexural stiffness, as determined using a flexural stiffness tester, in this case the Model KES-FB2-L in association with its data acquisition unit and measurement program. KES-FB, FB2-G only Ver. 7.09 WJ system for Win 98, NT, 2000, developed by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. in Japan. , less than 75 gf cmA2/cm, less than 50 gf cmA2/cm, less than 35 gf cmA2/cm, less than 30 gf cmA2/cm or less than 25 cmA2/cm.
    [0046] Table 1 identifies the results of bending stiffness tests on various materials and combinations of materials that can be used in the present device. Table 1. Flexural stiffness
    CY081-B Enclosure: 80% Kraton G1645 (from Kraton Polymers) + 20% ESCORENE EVA 7710 (from Exxon Mobil Corporation)
    [0047] In one aspect of the present patent application, the signaling device 120 may advantageously include a rigid part in addition to the flexible part. Such rigid portion can include an electronic circuit board, a battery, and any other desired or necessary components. In other respects, the use of flexible components can eliminate the need for a rigid part.
    [0048] In addition, for those aspects where hook material is used as fastener material 160 and/or 170, the hook material must have a hook area to sensor weight ratio of at least 0.1 inches square inches per gram, at least 0.2 square inches per gram, at least 0.25 square inches per gram, or at least 0.3 square inches per gram. The data presented in Table 2 were obtained from a utilization study. Table 2

    [0049] In addition, for those aspects where the hook material is used as the fastening material 160 and/or 170, the hook material must have a peel strength relative to the outer surface 30 of at least 5 gf/ inch (0.2 gf/mm), of at least 11 gf/inch (0.4 gf/mm), of at least 25 gf/inch (1.0 gf/mm), of a minimum of 40 gf/ inch (1.6 gf/mm), at least 60 gf/inch (2.4 gf/mm), or at least 90 gf/inch (3.5 gf/mm). Peel strength of the hook material was measured using a constant rate of extension (CRE) tensile tester with computer data acquisition and frame control system, such as the MTS TestWorks® for Windows, version 4.0 of the MTS Systems Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN or Instron Bluehill 2 from Instron Corporation, Norwood, MA, or equivalent.
    The length of the meter was defined as 1.5 ± 0.04 inches (38 mm ± 1 mm) with a test speed of 40 ± 0.04 inches (1016 ± 10 mm) per minute. A 1.5 inch (38 mm) wide x 4 inch (101 mm) long hook sample piece was subjected to a piece of outer casing material that was 2 inches (50 mm) wide x 4 inches ( 101 mm) long with a roller weighing 2 kg. The hook sample was placed on the upper grid and the outer cover sample was placed on the lower grid of the tensile tester. The film distance was set to 4 inches (101 mm). The average peel strength was calculated between 1 inch (25 mm) and 3 inches (76 mm) away from the film and then used to calculate the average peel strength over 1.5 inches (38 mm) of film width. hook sample with gf/in.
    [0051] Figure 2 and Table 3 illustrate the average peel strength to the removal of different hook materials by attaching to two different outer covering materials. Materials 97-3257, 97-1090, HTH 877 and 2947004 are hook materials available from Velcro USA. Outer Cover 1 is a 20 g/m2 spunbond polyethylene film laminate supplied by Kimberly-Clark Corporation located in Dallas, TX, USA. Outer sheath 2 is a 14 g/m2 laminated polyethylene film to the spunbond nozzle available from Avgol American Inc. located in Mocksville, NC, USA. Table 3

    [0052] Each flexible arm 185 has a flexible arm centerline 187. The flexible sensor strip centerline 130 has a sensor strip centerline 133. One or both of the flexible arms 185 may extend from the center of the device attachment 150, such that the centerline of flexible arm 187 is at an obtuse angle with the centerline of sensor strip 133 to provide additional support and keep securing device 150 secured to outer surface 30 of absorbent article 20 In a particular aspect, the flexible arm centerlines 187 with the sensor strip centerline 133 were a Y-shape, as illustrated in Fig. 1.
    [0053] In one aspect of the present application, the entire article-contacting surface of the fasteners 150 and/or the flexible arms 185 may include the ability to be secured to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. In another In one aspect, substantially the entire article-contacting surface of the fastening device 150 and/or flexible arms 185 may include the ability to be secured to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. In another aspect, a majority of the entire surface contacting with the article of the fixture 150 and/or flexible arms 185 may include the ability to be secured to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. In another aspect, half of the article-contacting surface of the fixture 150 and/or arms flexible 185 may include the ability to be secured to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20. Finally, in another aspect, a portion of the article-contacting surface of the securing device 1 50 and/or flexible arms 185 may include the ability to be secured to the outer surface 30 of the absorbent article 20.
    [0054] In some aspects, once the consumer attaches the flexible arms 185 and the flexible sensor strip 130 to the outer surface 30, the consumer can then attach the signaling device 120 to the fixture 150. In other aspects, the Signaling device 120 is attached to fixture 150 by a manufacturer, and the consumer need only attach fixture 150 to outer surface 30. Signaling device 120 is ready to detect moisture within the absorbent article 20. The arms flexible 185 and the flexible sensor strip 130 can be fabricated from woven material or a non-woven material such as SMS, spunbond, polypropylene film, rubber, other elastomeric material, or any other suitable material, either alone or laminated to a non-woven.
    [0055] In an alternative aspect of the present invention, the flexible arms 185, the flexible strip 130 and the signaling device 120 may be formed together with a unit of injection molded plastic or other suitable material. The fastening material 160, 170 can be an adhesive material, cohesive material, hook material or any other suitable fastening material.
    [0056] Various fastening mechanisms include those described in co-pending, co-signed US Patent Application No. 2007/0142797 to Long, et al., entitled "Garments With Easy-To-Use Signaling Device"; United States Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0244614 to Long and entitled "Connection Mechanisms"; and US Patent Application No. 2007/0024457 to Long, et al. and entitled "Connection Mechanisms In Absorbent Articles For Body Fluid Signaling Devices", which are incorporated herein by reference insofar as they are consistent (i.e., not in conflict) with this document.
    [0057] The fixture 150 may be designed to be disposable with the article 20 to which it is attached, if disposable materials are chosen for the fixture 150. Providing a fixture 150 that is disposable with the article 20 can provide better cleaning and ease of use, and may benefit from not having to be removed from a used article 20. A fixture 150 may also not be easy to replace if used more than once. In these respects, the materials of manufacture of the fixture 150 should be relatively inexpensive.
    [0058] The fixture 150 can be designed to be reused if durable materials are chosen for the fixture 150. Providing a reusable fixture 150 increases durability, is more easily washed, and can be positioned more easily adjusted, if a mechanical fastener such as hook material is used instead of an adhesive.
    [0059] The signaling device 120 may emit any signal suitable to indicate to the user that the absorbent article 20 has been wetted. The signal, for example, may include an audible, tactile, electromagnetic, wireless, visual or any other suitable signal, or any combination thereof. The beep, for example, can be as simple as a beep or it can include a musical melody. In yet another aspect, the signaling device can emit a wireless signal that activates a remote device such as a telephone or pager.
    [0060] Other aspects of the signaling device 120 can be found in copending US Patent Application Serial No. 12/347,539 entitled "Remote Detection Systems For Absorbent Articles", which is incorporated herein by reference insofar as does not conflict with this document.
    [0061] In an alternative aspect, the signaling device 120 may be configured to be removed from the absorbent article 20 to be discarded and placed over a new absorbent article 20. Indeed, in one aspect, the signaling device 120 may include various configurations , depending on the absorbent article 20 to which it is attached. In this way, the signaling system can be modified based on the particular specifications of the product. The product purchased may provide information to the consumer about which configuration to use. These and other modifications and variations of the present publication may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it must be understood that the elements of the various aspects can be exchanged with each other, both as a whole and in part. In addition, persons of ordinary skill in the field will note that the foregoing description is for the purpose of example only, and should not be construed as a limitation of the invention, described in more detail in the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [0001]
    1. A moisture sensing system (110) for use with an absorbent article (20) having an outer surface (40), the system characterized in that it has a weight and comprises: a fastening device (150) adapted to be secured to the outer surface of the absorbent article by a consumer, the securing device (150) including a first securing arm (185) having an article-contacting side including a first securing material (170) secured thereto. it, and a sensor strip (130) including a sensor and having an article-contacting side including a second attachment material (160) affixed thereto, wherein the second attachment material (160) has an area and demonstrates a peel strength to outer surface of at least 4.2 N/m (11 gf/inch) or is at an area to system weight ratio (110) of at least 0.13 m/kg (0.2 pol2/g); and wherein a sensor strip (130) has a flexural stiffness of less than 30 N cm 2 /cm; and a signaling device (120) associated with the fixture (50) and in electrical communication with the sensor, where the system (110) is adapted to detect moisture within the article (20), without the use of conductors within the absorbent article (20.
    [0002]
    2. The system (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second fastening material (160) is a microhook material.
    [0003]
    3. The system (110) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second fastening material (160) demonstrates a peel strength with respect to the outer surface (40) of at least 4.2 N/m (11 gf/inch) and is in an area to system weight ratio (110) of at least 0.13 m2/Kg 0.12 in2/g.
    [0004]
    4. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second attachment arm (185) having an article-contacting side that includes a first attachment material (170) affixed to him.
    [0005]
    5. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each clamping arm (185, 185) has a centerline (187) of clamping arm, the sensor strip (130) has a sensor strip centerline (133), and wherein each clamp arm centerline (187) is at an obtuse angle with the sensor strip centerline (133).
    [0006]
    6. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centerline (133) of the sensor strip and the centerlines (187, 187) of the clamping arm that form a "Y" .
    [0007]
    7. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping arm (185) has a centerline (187) of clamping arm, the sensor strip (130) has a centerline (133) of sensor strip, and wherein the centerline (187) of each clamping arm is at an obtuse angle with the centerline (133) of the sensor strip.
    [0008]
    8. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device (120) is integrally formed with the fastening device (150).
    [0009]
    9. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening material (170) is the same material as the second fastening material (160).
    [0010]
    10. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fastening material (170) completely covers the article-contact side of the sensor strip (130).
    [0011]
    11. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening material (170) completely covers the article-contacting side of the first fastening arm (185).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2014102663A1|2014-07-03|
    AU2013368940B2|2015-12-17|
    EP2938305A4|2016-08-03|
    CN104837451A|2015-08-12|
    US20140188063A1|2014-07-03|
    CN104837451B|2017-03-08|
    KR20150102060A|2015-09-04|
    MX2015007630A|2015-09-23|
    KR101586618B1|2016-01-18|
    BR112015013754A2|2017-07-11|
    US9138354B2|2015-09-22|
    EP2938305A1|2015-11-04|
    RU2602046C1|2016-11-10|
    MX339284B|2016-05-18|
    EP2938305B1|2017-11-08|
    AU2013368940A1|2015-07-23|
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    法律状态:
    2018-11-21| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-11-12| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-05-18| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-06-29| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 17/12/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/727,844|US9138354B2|2012-12-27|2012-12-27|Attachment for a conductorless wetness detector for an absorbent article|
    US13/727,844|2012-12-27|
    PCT/IB2013/061039|WO2014102663A1|2012-12-27|2013-12-17|Attachment for a conductorless wetness detector for an absorbent article|
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