BODY WASTE DETECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM AND INFORMATION TRANSMISSION METHOD OF AN ABSORBENT ARTIC

专利摘要:
a system for the detection and monitoring of body waste that includes an absorbent product and at least one gas-emitting substance, incorporated inside the absorbent product, capable of emitting a gas after the release of body fluid. after the occurrence of body fluid, a device incorporating a gas-sensitive compound can detect the gas and signal the occurrence. the gas can also be detected by a non-contact sensor, connected to a controller and a signaling device, which can send visual, audible and / or vibrating signals. alerts may be noticeable outside the user's clothing or in a remote location, such as on a wristwatch, radio, computer and / or smartphone. the system is also able to determine the level of repletion of the absorbent product and to monitor the time during which the product remained dry. the system can be used to educate the use of the toilet or to care for children, people with disabilities, young people with incontinence problems or people with advanced age.
公开号:BR112014008842B1
申请号:R112014008842-0
申请日:2012-09-24
公开日:2020-12-15
发明作者:Kathy Geralyn Richardson；John Gavin Macdonald；Jose K. Abraham
申请人:Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

HISTORIC
[001] Children generally use absorbent items such as diapers, underwear or training panties and the like, until they are able to use the toilet alone. Adults can also wear or use absorbent products, whether due to incontinence problems, for female care or other applications. In addition, caregivers can use absorbent products, such as bedding, while children are still learning how to use the toilet, or in caring for the sick or elderly. Normally, absorbent products contain a permeable layer on the side that is in contact with the body, an impermeable outer cover and an absorbent core. Generally, the absorbent core is located between the outer cover and the layer that receives and retains the waste excreted by the user. The absorbent core may be composed of, for example, superabsorbent particles.
[002] In a type of use of an absorbent product, to learn how to use the toilet alone, a child must first learn to recognize when a body residue leaves his body, so that he can learn to use the toilet, instead of counting with an absorbent product to retain body fluids. As the excrement exit can often occur during an activity that keeps the child distracted, to the point of making him / her not to notice, this recognition can represent a considerable obstacle in the learning process. In addition, a child's ability to recognize when an accident occurs may be impaired by the better performance of disposable absorbent underwear, capable of, for example, removing and keeping urine away from the user's skin after an accident has occurred.
[003] The constant monitoring of a child by a caregiver can reinforce and improve the process of learning to use the toilet. Therefore, it would be beneficial to give the caregiver an immediate warning and / or verification that excreta has been released, which may include urine or faeces, so that the parent or caregiver can reinforce the child's learning expectations while the occurrence of the fluid is still fresh, to help the child learn to stay dry. Several attempts have already been made to improve the capabilities of training panties and panties. For example, training panties or panties with temperature change and / or dimensional change devices, which offer a sensation of change in temperature or pressure, to alert the child wearing it that he or she has urinated. Other training aids were used to alert the caregiver and / or the child that he or she urinated. Such training aids include images that disappear from the outer clothing cover, audible alarms, vibration sensors and light indicators that can provide visual cues or other sensory cues that the child has urinated.
[004] Existing panties / panties that have one or more ways to alert only those who wear them, or only the caregiver, that an accident has occurred, generate long debates between the child and the caregiver about whether there was an accident. In addition, it may take some time for the accident to be detected, and this delay may result in missing the opportunity to effectively educate the child about the use of the toilet. One of the first obstacles to be overcome, in providing an educational experience of using the toilet, is to help the child to recognize when the waste leaves his body, putting an end to the child's denial about the accident occurring. There is a need, therefore, to offer a suitable absorbent product, which reinforces the experience of education in the use of the toilet, for both the child and the caregiver.
[005] Thus, several types of indicators of humidity, presence of liquid or feces have been suggested for use in absorbent products, to detect the presence of urine or feces inside the product, to assist in education. These indicators can include alarm or signaling devices designed to assist parents and caregivers in quickly identifying a wet or dirty diaper condition. The indicating devices produce visual or audible signals.
[006] In some configurations, a moisture indicator was added to an absorbent product to detect urine and, in other configurations, an odor sensor was added to detect the presence of feces. In these configurations, conductive materials were incorporated into the absorbent product, where the excrement should come into contact with the conductive materials for the indicator to detect the accident. For example, conductive materials serve as conductive terminals for a signaling device and form an open circuit in the product, which can be closed when a body fluid, such as urine closes it. However, problems were found in the design of absorbent products with conductive materials, where the waste has sufficient contact with the conductive materials, closing the open circuit to immediately alert the user or the caregiver about what happened. Therefore, there is a need for a method of rapid detection of the occurrence of liquid waste within the absorbent product, without the use of conductive terminals, to offer a more efficient interactive education experience for using the toilet.
[007] In addition, the indicators that have been used to indicate the occurrence of accidents, inside absorbent products, are mostly graphical indications on the absorbent product itself, which can make it difficult for parents or caregivers to see the signs without undressing the child or the user, and such signs can also be difficult for the child or the user to perceive. Therefore, there is a need for a better absorbent product and an improved method to alert caregivers and / or users that there has been an accident, to allow constant monitoring and the ability to react and / or reinforce behavior appropriately. In addition, there is a need for a system capable of continuously monitoring the time spent in the dry state of the absorbent, providing this information to parents, caregivers and / or the user, allowing them to reward the child / user for keeping the product dry. RESUME
[008] In general, the object of this publication is a system containing an absorbent product, at least one gas-emitting substance and at least one device formed by a gas-sensitive compound, as well as a method of transmitting information for a caregiver, user and / or anyone using the absorbent product.
[009] The body secretion detection and monitoring system may contain an absorbent article, at least one gas-emitting substance within the absorbent product and at least one device associated with the absorbent product. The gas-emitting substance will be able to emit at least one gas when the absorbent product comes into contact with a liquid substance. The gas can be emanated when any bodily secretion, such as urine, feces, menstrual flow or sweat, comes into contact with a gas-emitting substance inside an absorbent product. The device associated with the absorbent product, which can be formed by at least one gas-sensitive compound, can change its appearance when the device comes in contact with at least one gas. According to the present description, the device associated with the absorbent product is not necessarily located inside the absorbent product itself, as long as the device is close enough to the absorbent product, so that the gas emanating from the absorbent product, in the event of an accident , cause a change in the appearance of the product, such as a change in color.
[010] In another configuration, the system may be formed, for example, by a gas-emitting substance, in which the first gas-emitting substance will emanate a first gas when the absorbent product first comes into contact with a liquid, and a second gas-emitting substance will emanate a second gas when the absorbent product is approaching its maximum absorption capacity. The system may also contain at least one device associated with the absorbent product, made up of at least two gas-sensitive compounds. The appearance of a device may then change in one way when the device comes in contact with the first gas, and may change in a second different way when it comes in contact with the second gas.
[011] The gas-emitting substance of the absorbent product may be formed by aldehydes, benzyl ester, phenols, ISO ROSE, sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate. The gas emitted by one of the gas-emitting substances may be carbon dioxide. The gas-emitting substance can be formed by sodium bicarbonate and citric acid and can come in the form of powders, particles, flakes, fibers, agglomerates, granules, spheres, tablets, capsules, coatings or lotions.
[012] In one configuration, the device associated with the absorbent product may be close enough to the absorbent product to detect at least one gas. The gas-sensitive compound can be formed by a pH indicator, a humectant, a basic compound, a short-chain alcohol and water. The pH indicator may contain phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alpha-naphtholphthalein or o-chrysophthalein. The humectant includes ethanolamine, (poly) alkylene glycols or glycerol. The basic compound includes sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or sodium acetate. Short-chain alcohol includes methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol.
[013] The body fluid detection and monitoring system may also involve a non-contact gas sensor, in which the sensor monitors the gas concentration level.
[014] The system can also contain a controller device and a flag. The controller can be configured to detect a change above a threshold in the gas concentration level, when the absorbent product is in contact with body fluids. An increase in gas concentration may indicate the presence of body fluids. The control can also be configured to constantly monitor the time that the absorbent product remains dry. The signaling device can then alert the user, the caregiver or a combination of both, of the presence of body fluids within the absorbent product, the time the product remains dry, or both.
[015] In a later configuration, the signaling device can generate at least one alert, selected from an audible signal, a vibrating signal, a visual signal or a combination of these. The alert can be transmitted to a wristwatch, radio, smartphone or computer at a remote location. The computer, smartphone or a combination of both, can be adapted to receive data from the signaling device, generate a report using a part of the data and give the user access to the data and a report. The signaling device can also be disabled on the absorbent product, close to it or remotely. The system may also contain a protective unit, containing the non-contact gas sensor, controller and signaling device, so that the protection unit is close enough to the absorber to detect the gas.
[016] In yet another configuration, this publication describes a signaling device composed of a gas-sensitive substance, a non-contact gas sensor and a controller. The gas-sensitive compound allows the signaling device to change when the signaling device is in contact with the gas emitted by the gas-emitting substance, inside the absorbent product, when it is in contact with body fluids. The non-contact gas sensor can monitor gas concentration levels. The controller can be configured to detect changes above a threshold in the gas concentration level, when the absorbent product is in contact with body fluids. In addition, the controller can be configured to constantly monitor the time that the absorbent product remains dry. The signaling device can then alert the user, the caregiver or a combination of both, of the presence of body fluids within the absorbent product, that the product is full and for how long the product remains dry.
[017] This publication also describes a method of transmitting information to the user of the absorbent product, caregiver or a combination of both. The method may involve monitoring a gas emanating from an emitting substance within the absorbent product. The gas-emitting substance will be able to emit at least one gas when the absorbent product comes into contact with a liquid substance. The method may also involve alerting the user, caregiver or a combination of both about the presence of body fluid.
[018] In another configuration, the method may involve monitoring the presence of a first gas, where the substance emitting the first gas can emit the gas when the absorbent first comes into contact with a body fluid, and monitoring the presence a second gas, and a substance emitting a second gas, when the absorber's absorption capacity is approaching the limit. The method may also involve providing information to the user, caregiver, or both. The information can be provided by a device associated with the absorbent product, in which a device associated with the absorbent will have two gas sensitive compositions. The appearance of one of the devices can then change in one way when the device comes in contact with the first gas, and can change in a second different way when it comes in contact with the second gas.
[019] In another configuration of the information transmission method, a non-contact gas sensor can detect the presence of a gas when the absorbent comes into contact with a body fluid. A controller can be configured to detect a change above a threshold in the gas concentration level, and can be configured to constantly monitor the time that the absorbent product remains dry. A signaling device can also alert the user, the caregiver or both, about the presence of body fluids inside the absorbent product, how long the product has remained dry, or both. The signaling device can generate at least one alert, selected from an audible signal, a vibrating signal, a visual signal or a combination of these, and the alert can be transmitted to a wristwatch, radio, smartphone, computer or a combination of these from a remote location. The alert can be noticeable outside the absorbent product and even outside the user's clothing, and can be disabled on the absorbent, close to it or remotely.
[020] In a configuration, the computer or smartphone can be adapted to receive data from the signaling device, generate a report with a part of the data and give the user access to the data and a report. The user, caregiver or both can receive information from a report with the number of fluids present in the absorbent product. The user, caregiver or both, can also receive information from a report, indicating how full an absorbent is and can also provide information that indicates how long an absorbent has remained dry, in order to monitor and facilitate training on toilet use. .
[021] Other features and aspects of this publication are discussed in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[022] A complete and informative publication, including the best methods for people with common skills in the field, is presented in greater detail in the specification, including references to complementary figures, where:
[023] Figure 1 is a top view of the absorbent product, containing a gas-emitting substance inside the absorbent, in the fluid region, which emits a gas when the absorbent comes into contact with the fluid.
[024] Figure 2 is a top view of an absorber containing a gas-emitting substance around the perimeter of the absorber, inside the absorbent core, which emits a gas when the absorber indicates to be filled, with one or more fluids in the absorbent inside.
[025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an absorber containing a gas-emitting substance on the external surface of the absorber, which emits a gas when the absorber indicates to be filled, with one or more fluids inside the absorber.
[026] Figure 4 is a comparative view of a device, which the user of an absorbent can use to determine if there has been an accident with body fluid and / or to determine whether the absorbent is full.
[027] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a configuration in this publication, including the configuration of a protective unit with a non-contact gas sensor, a controller and a signaling device that a user of the absorbent product can use to determine if there was the occurrence of body fluid, or to constantly monitor and determine how long an absorbent product remained dry.
[028] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a protection unit configuration, which can contain a carbon dioxide sensor, a controller and a signaling device, which can be located at the waist opening or on the edge of an absorbent, or they can transmit a signal to a radio, a computer, a smartphone or a visual indicator / screen, which are in or near the protection unit.
[029] Figure 7 is a block diagram, showing how a signaling device configuration can transmit data to a computer or smartphone, which can then signal the user and / or caregiver about the presence of fluid and generate reports that can be accessed by the user or caregiver.
[030] Figure 8 is a configuration of a mechanism for attaching a protection unit to an absorbent product, in accordance with this publication.
[031] Figure 9 is another configuration of a mechanism for attaching a signaling device to an absorbent product, in accordance with the present publication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[032] The references will now be presented in detail on several and alternative examples of configurations and on the complementary drawings, with values representing considerably identical structural elements. All examples are presented for purposes of explanation, not as limitations. In fact, it will be evident to experts in the field that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the configuration and claims. For example, features described as part of a configuration can be used in another configuration to generate a new configuration. Thus, the intention is that the present publication includes modifications and variations, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.
[033] In general, this publication addresses a system and method of providing information about an absorbent product to a caregiver or user. The information can be linked to the occurrence of body fluids within an absorbent product, such as a diaper or training underwear / panties, used by a child, or by another person, as bed liners. Although many of the figures show the configuration of a children's training underwear, it should be understood that other absorbent products, such as bed liners and products for incontinence problems for adults or young people, can be used. The absorbent product can also be, for example, a feminine hygiene product, an item of medical clothing, bandages and the like. Although this publication discusses the use of the system and method for the interactive education of the use of the toilet as one of its applications, the configurations may have applications outside the context of education, such as monitoring excessive clothing, fever, or humidity in any environment. The present publication can also have multiple applications in the toilet use training context itself, and in one configuration it can be used on the toilet seat or on the floor around the toilet, to detect when a child misses the toilet when urinating, while learning to use the toilet.
[034] The absorbent product for interactive training in the use of the vessel may contain a gas-emitting compound, which works in conjunction with a device that may contain a gas-sensitive ink, in order to alert the caregiver or the user of the occurrence of body fluid. In another configuration, it may include an electronic gas sensor that can be configured to indicate the presence of body fluid, through the use of audible, vibrating and / or visual signals, in addition to the ink. You can also send wireless alerts to a radio, computer or smartphone. It is also possible that the device contains a gas-sensitive ink and that the electronic sensor is used together to alert the user and / or the caregiver when they are not close to notice the change in the device that uses gas-sensitive ink. The electronic sensor can be packaged, together with a controller and a signaling device, inside a protective unit with fastening means, for example, at the opening or close to the opening at the waist of a training underwear / panties or a product for incontinence, or on the edge of bed linings. However, depending on the degree of sensitivity of the sensors that can be used, it will not be necessary to attach it to the absorbent product itself to detect the presence of fluid. For example, the user of the pad can wear a badge, wristwatch, sticker, tattoo, or other device that may contain gas-sensitive ink. The electronic sensor and the device that incorporates a gas sensitive compound, instead of an electronic sensor, may not need to be very close to the product, as long as it is close enough to detect the gases emanating from one or more gas emitting substances, inside of the absorbent product. For example, the electronic gas sensor and / or device with a gas sensitive compound can be positioned within a 12-inch radius of the absorbent product, or it can be positioned even further away from the absorbent product. It should be noted that the device that incorporates gas sensitive ink can be used in combination with the electronic sensor, to provide different types of alerts, as described above. Typically, the absorbent product itself can be disposable, meaning that it is designed to be disposed of after a limited time of use, rather than being washed or otherwise restored for use. In addition, the device containing the gas sensitive ink can be disposable or reusable, and the electronic gas sensor can be designed to be reusable.
[035] In one configuration, an absorbent product may contain a gas-emitting substance, which will emit a gas when any body fluid is present, such as urine or faeces, and the device containing gas-sensitive paint / compound or the sensor gas monitor can monitor the gas emitted from the gas emitting substance. An advantage of adding a gas-emitting substance is that the volume of the gas produced, immediately after the fluid occurs, can be so high that the fluid can be detected more quickly than if only the gases associated with the fluid are present. Gases associated with urine or faeces may not be present in quantities as high as gases associated with gas-emitting substances, which can cause the detection of fluids to take longer. On the other hand, the gas associated with the gas-emitting substance can form when the liquid comes into contact with the absorbent product, even in small quantities. Large quantities of gases can be produced, and they can spread quickly and reach the device that contains a gas-sensitive compound, or an electronic gas sensor nearby.
[036] For example, the mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, or another substance that may emanate a gas, may be placed in the absorbent product during the manufacturing process, or at some point before the absorbent product is used by the consumer . The substances that can be included in the absorbent product may come in the form of powders, particles, flakes, fibers, agglomerates, granules, spheres, tablets, capsules, coatings or lotions, and may or may not be encapsulated. For example, to obtain a reaction, a powder or particles of the gas-emitting substance can be placed inside a material composed of the absorbent product, or in a separate material that can be introduced into the absorbent product, such as a lining of the pants. The contact of body fluids with dust or particles will cause a reaction that will produce a gas.
[037] To obtain a longer reaction, which can be used to detect the amount of fluid inside an absorbent product, a micro-encapsulated film or a capsule containing the gas-emitting substance can be placed inside the absorbent product. Optionally, a gas-emitting substance can be placed directly in the fluid region, such as in the groin region, while another gas-emitting substance can be placed on the outside of the absorbent material or around the edges of the absorbent material, inside the product. The gas-emitting substances can also be placed in concentric rings, and each can produce a gas to trigger a different reaction, such as color changes. Thus, compounds sensitive to various gases can be placed in one or more devices, to indicate how full the interior of the absorbent product is. In this way, the user and / or the caregiver can distinguish between the presence of a fluid and the fact that the absorbent is close to its maximum capacity. In addition, several gas sensors linked to different audible, vibrating and / or visual alerts can be used to determine the occurrence of fluid or whether the product is close to its maximum capacity.
[038] In some respects, the gas-emitting substance can be encapsulated in a water-soluble protective material. For example, if the gas-emitting substance contains an acid and a base, the acid and the base can be encapsulated separately in a soluble encapsulating material, to keep the components separate until they are wet. Optionally, the acid and base components can be encapsulated together, if reactivity between the acid and the base in the absence of an aqueous liquid is not a problem. An optional surfactant can also be encapsulated separately, or it can be encapsulated with the acid and / or the base in this example. The protective material used for encapsulation can be correctly constructed from a material that will release the gas-emitting substance, in contact with liquids such as urine, complex fluids or other body fluids. Aqueous liquids can cause the protective material to dissolve, disperse, swell or disintegrate, or the protective material can be permeable, so that it will disintegrate or discharge the encapsulated material in contact with liquids.
[039] Suitable protective materials include cellulose-based polymers (such as ethyl cellulose), carbohydrate-based materials (such as starches and sugars) and materials derived therefrom (such as dextrin and cyclodextrin), as well as other materials compatible with human tissues. Water-soluble films, such as polyvinyl alcohol and polysaccharide film, available from MonoSol, LLC in Merrillville, Indiana, can be used to encapsulate the gas-emitting substance. The thickness of the shield or film can vary, depending on the substance that is encapsulated, and is generally manufactured to allow the encapsulated substance to be covered by a thin layer of encapsulation material, which may be a mono-layer laminate or more thick, or it may be a composite layer. The layer must be thick enough to be resistant against cracking or breakage of the protection during handling, transport of the product, or during use, which would result in the breaking of the packaging material. The protective material must also be constructed in such a way that moisture from the atmosphere during storage, transport or use does not cause the micro-encapsulation layer to break. In some aspects, at least one of the stimulus layers can be formed by a beneficial additive, which provides additional benefit to the user. Examples of additional benefits include surfactants, ion exchange resin particles, humectants, emollients, perfumes, fluid modifiers, odor control additives, pH skin buffers, vaginal care additives, skin protective materials, vitamins , medicines and the like.
[040] The gas-emitting compound can also be placed on the surface of the absorbent product, to facilitate faster notification of the occurrence of the fluid, because the less layers the gas has to pass through the absorbent product, the faster the gas can reach the ink sensitive or sensor, to alert the child or caregiver to the occurrence.
[041] As already mentioned, although the gas-emitting substance can be incorporated into the absorbent product itself, being spread or otherwise introduced into the absorbent core, it can also be incorporated into a material such as a trouser liner, which can be added to the absorbent product later, regardless of the shape of the gas-emitting substance (powder, particle, flakes, fibers, agglomerates, granules, spheres, tablets, capsules, coatings, lotions, etc.). Faced with the occurrence of body fluid, the gas-emitting substance, which can be a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, for example, can emit a gas that is not present in the urine or feces. This gas can be carbon dioxide or other, and when the gas is generated and spread, it can then be detected by reacting with a gas-sensitive compound or a non-contact gas sensor for the specific gas, such as carbon dioxide . The gas can be produced after a reaction between acid and base. This requires an acid and a base, although it can also include amphoteric substances that can react as an acid or base.
[042] For example, sodium bicarbonate is an amphoteric compound that causes aqueous solutions to become slightly alkaline. The reaction of sodium bicarbonate with citric acid results in a salt and carbonic acid, which decomposes quickly into carbon dioxide and water. For example, when one gram of a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid was applied to an absorbent product and 10 milliliters of deionized water were introduced, the resulting carbon dioxide had a volume of 130 milliliters. The reaction will be the same and will produce the same amount of carbon dioxide with the urine, instead of also producing deionized water. The large volume of carbon dioxide produced can offer the advantage that the device with the gas sensitive ink, or the electronic gas sensor, can be positioned on the external clothes of the absorbent user, due to the amount of gas generated and its ability to spread over long distances, which means that it may be easier for the user or caregiver to notice the occurrence of fluid. In other words, a small volume of fluid can cause the generation of a large amount of gas, which can lead to almost immediate detection, even if the device with the gas sensitive ink, or the electronic gas sensor, are not connected to the absorbent product containing the gas-emitting substance. Note that although the gas produced by the reaction of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid with a fluid may be carbon dioxide, this publication is not limited to the use of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid only to produce carbon dioxide. Other substances can be used, such as aldehydes, benzyl ester, phenol, ISO ROSE, other flavored ingredients, etc., which can be encapsulated in a water-soluble membrane, such as polyvinyl alcohol and polysaccharide film. In addition, bicarbonates such as sodium, calcium, potassium, etc., can be used to generate a gas, such as carbon dioxide, that can be detected by a gas-sensitive compound, although the gas emitted does not have to be carbon dioxide.
[043] A process by which the gas-emitting substance can be incorporated into an absorbent article is described in US patent application 2011 / 0152806A1 published on June 23, 2011 by Zhou, et al., Incorporated herein by reference, although other processes known to experts in the field can be used. Also, check the text below in the discussion of Figure 1 for a description of how the gas-emitting substance can be incorporated into the absorbent product.
[044] When a liquid comes into contact with the gas-emitting substance, which can be but is not limited to the mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, the gas produced can then be detected, for example, by a compound or a paint gas sensitive. Any non-toxic substance can be used, as long as the gas produced in the presence of fluid is different from the gases produced by the fluid itself. In this way, the detection device, such as a device that incorporates a gas-sensitive ink, or other device, does not function as a chemical detector for a particular type of fluid, but instead detects a different gas, which is produced as a result of a reaction between a fluid and a different substance within the absorbent product.
[045] The device that contains the gas-sensitive ink can be a badge, a wristwatch, a sticker, or other device that the child can wear on the outside. Normally, an image such as a star, a flower, a rainbow or another image that is pleasant for children, can be present on the device, as long as there is no fluid in the absorbent product. However, when the fluid is present, the image may fade, disappear or become another image that is not pleasant for children, such as a black or brown circle, although not limited to this example, since the ink used in the image will react with the gas of the emitted substance. On the other hand, an image may appear where there was no image before to indicate the presence of fluid. For example, a badge or sticker displaying a star or a smiling face could be used, so in the event of fluid the star would disappear or the face could change to a sad expression. The sad expression could arise when a gas is emitted after contacting the fluid with a gas-sensitive paint or compound. In addition, the images on the device, containing a gas-sensitive compound, may change as different levels of repletion are reached within the absorbent product, and different gases could be used to cause different color changes to distinguish between a fluid and a level of repletion. Combinations of paints that appear and disappear can thus be used alone or combined, to alert the caregiver or user about the presence of body fluid or the levels of repletion inside the absorbent. The various manifestations of the device, based on the presence or absence of a fluid or a level of repletion, can be used in educating the use of the toilet as positive or negative reinforcements. In addition, the device can be used on the outside of the user's or child's clothing, as the gas generated will be sufficient to reach the area outside the absorbent, such as an object located 12 inches or possibly further away. For example, the child can wear a badge on a shirt or pants, or a watch on the wrist, or the badge or other device can be placed next to the child on a bed liner. This can allow the parents, caregiver or user, as well as the child, to monitor the presence of fluids and, similarly, the level of repletion inside the absorbent product.
[046] In one configuration, the components or inks used in the device may be sensitive to carbon dioxide when a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid is used as a gas-emitting substance, although other compounds that react with other gases emitted by several other substances can also be used, alone or in combination with each other. The main components of paints that can react with carbon dioxide are alkaline salts, water, weaker alcohols and pH indicators with color changes, with color transitions ranging from 8 to 10. When the surface paint is exposed to dioxide of carbon at levels higher than atmospheric, alkaline salts may react with carbon dioxide, which will lead to the production of acids. The generation of acids may result in a change in pH and thus a change in color on the device, such as a badge, wristwatch or sticker. This paint technology is inexpensive and commercially available, and there may be a varied selection of compounds available for use with the paint. In addition, the color can be quite adjustable if the correct pH indicator is incorporated into the ink.
[047] For example, an ink based on carbon dioxide, the color of which disappears or fades as the ink reacts with carbon dioxide, may contain the following components: appropriate pH indicators, anti-drying agents or wetting agents, basic compounds appropriate, short-chain alcohols and water. Appropriate pH indicators may include phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alpha-naphtholphthalein or o-chrysophthalein and the like. Possible humectants can be ethanolamine, (poly) alkylene glycols, glycerol and the like. Suitable basic compounds include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium acetate, among others. In addition, suitable short chain alcohols can include methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, etc.
[048] For paints capable of disappearing or fading when there is a reaction with carbon dioxide, a pH indicator may be necessary, which shows a light color change between the basic to neutral transition from pH. For example, phthalin-based indicators can be used, as they produce noticeable color transitions at pH reductions from 10 to about 7. For example, alpha-naphtholphthalein has a pH range of 7.3 to 8.7 and a color transition from reddish brown to blue / green pair. O-chrysophthalein has a pH range of about 8.2 to 9.8 and a color variation from colorless to purple. Phenolphthalein has a pH range of about 8.3 to 10 and a color variation from colorless to violet. Thymolphthalein has a pH range of about 9.3 to 10.5 and a color variation from colorless to blue. In addition, other indicators can be used as inks that disappear, as long as they exhibit noticeable color changes during the transition from basic to neutral pH. The ink compositions can be prepared with ethanolamine, triethanolamine, n-methylethylamine, N- (beta-aminoethyl) ethanolamine, diethylethanolamine, glycerol, ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof, as respective anti-drying agents.
[049] An advantage of this publication is that the gas emitted from a gas-emitting substance, which can be located in or on the absorbent product, will be emitted in very high concentrations and will react with the gas-sensitive compound, so that there will be less chance of false readings caused by low levels of humidity or flatulence, which would not necessarily indicate the presence of a fluid inside an absorbent product. In addition, for the gas to be detected to be generated, there must be body fluid, thereby reducing the risk of false positives that can occur in other devices. The United States patent application entry entitled “Absorbent Articles with Multiple Active Graphics” by Ruman, et al. and which received the serial number 12 / 976.734, describes the various inks that can also be used with absorbent products, and is hereby incorporated by reference. The compounds described in Ruman, et al. they may initially be colorless and manifest colors from an originally colorless state, or they may initially appear colored and disappear when fluid occurs. These compounds or paints can be used alone or combined with the disappearing compositions, described above, in the design of the images or drawings that may appear on the absorbent product itself, as well as on a device such as a badge, a wristwatch or a sticker, in the presence of fluid. The pigment technology that can be used is best described in the publication of United States patent application number 2010/0030173 by Song, et al., Entitled “Absorbent Products with Wetness Sensors,” incorporated herein by reference.
[050] In addition to using a device containing ink or a gas-sensitive compound to signal the presence of fluid, this publication may also use a non-contact gas sensor, isolated or combined with the device, which uses the ink or compound sensitive to gases. The gas sensor may be able to detect gases that can be emitted by at least one gas-emitting substance, when the fluid comes in contact with that substance. For example, a gas that can be emitted is carbon dioxide. The gas sensor can be configured to also detect gases associated with the fluid.
[051] A child, a user or caregiver, can monitor conditions within an absorbent product, through the use of a non-contact gas sensor, a controller, a signaling device, a transmitter and a receiver. The controller can be a microprocessor, such as a multicomponent data analyzer. The non-contact gas sensor, controller and signaling device can be arranged in a single protection unit. In another configuration, the non-contact gas sensor, controller and transmitter can be separated from each other (ie, not contained in a single protection unit). The non-contact gas sensor can monitor a gas emitted by a gas emitting substance, after the occurrence of body fluid inside the absorbent product. The gas that will be monitored is different from the gases emitted by volatile compounds (CVs), such as short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid), ammonia, methane, hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, unions such as mercaptans, skaters and indoles, which are present in liquid fluids like urine and feces. As used here, the term "volatile compound" includes both organic and inorganic metabolic gases and compounds produced by microorganisms present in excreta.
[052] Certain CVs may be associated with one or more types of body fluids, including but not limited to urine and faeces. CVs commonly associated with urine include, for example, ammonia compounds (such as ammonium hydroxide), short chain acids (C1-C2) (such as acetic acid), medium length aldehydes (C8-C10) (such as nonanal), ketones (such as methyl ethyl ketone), cresol (such as methylphenol), dimethyl disulfide, trimethylamine, limonene, (4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexane), acetic acid, methyl benzoate, benzamide, benzaldehyde and triethylamine, among others. The CVs commonly associated with faeces include, for example, eschatol (such as 3-methyl-1H-indole, 3-methylindole, etc.), triols such as mercaptans (such as 2-mercaptoethanol), hydrogen sulfide, short-chain fatty acids ( as tetradecanoic acid), methanethiol (as 2-mercaptoethanol) and dimethylsulfide, among others. Some of the most common intestinal CVs include short-chain fatty acids, indole and thiools, such as mercaptans. Other intestinal VCs include but are not limited to 4-methylphenol, valeric acid, 2- or 3-methylfuran, carbon disulfide, butanoic acid, acetic acid, sulcatone, 2-pentanone, 2-butanone, 2,3-butanedione, acetaldehyde , acetone, 2-heptanone, propanal, hexanal and 3-methyl. This publication can monitor gases emitted from a substance emitting a gas different from the gases emanated by the mentioned volatile compounds, in the occurrence of body fluid, although it can also monitor gases associated with the mentioned CVs. The gas that can be monitored is present in much greater concentration than the gases associated with the CVs of body fluids and, therefore, allow the non-contact gas sensor to be positioned at much greater distances from the absorbent product, in a larger detection area. , such as 12 inches or more, although it can be positioned close to the waist opening of an absorbent product, such as underwear or training panties, or on the edge of an absorbent product, such as a bed liner.
[053] A combination of a non-contact gas sensor and a controller can monitor the gas emitted from substances emitting gas, in the occurrence of body fluid inside the absorbent product. The non-contact sensor is able to detect a particular gas, such as carbon dioxide, and then a controller, such as a microprocessor, can use pattern recognition or some other means to identify the specific gas. When the gas generated by the reaction of the gas-emitting substance with the body fluid, inside the absorbent product, comes into contact with the gas sensor without contacts, the sensor must be able to identify the gas associated with the specific substance. The non-contact gas sensor is commercially available and can be a conductivity sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an optical sensor or a sensor with metal oxide semiconductor (MOS). MOS sensors are widely used due to their high sensitivity to a wide variety of compounds and gases. However, there are also other types of sensors available commercially, including but not limited to those mentioned above, as well as sensors containing NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) technology, organic thin film transistors, chemical resistors, etc.
[054] One of the ways in which a sensor works is when a sample of a particular gas comes into contact with a sensor designed to monitor the gas, and the sensor undergoes a physical or chemical change. This causes a change in an electrical signal, which can be detected by a controller. The controller can be preconditioned to recognize certain patterns associated with certain gases, and thus will be able to detect a gas emitted by a given gas-emitting substance incorporated into the absorbent product, after a reaction between a body fluid and a gas-emitting substance .
[055] The determination of which sensor to use as a non-contact gas sensor depends on the gas to be detected. Specific sensors can be selected to measure concentration levels of gases associated with a given gas. The suitability of a particular sensor material for monitoring a gas emitted by a substance can be easily determined by experts in the field, in part based on this publication.
[056] In one configuration, a controller associated with the non-contact gas sensor can make a decision about the presence of gas, after analyzing the signals or data from a non-contact sensor. The non-contact gas sensor and the controller can initially measure ambient conditions, in which any deviations from the predetermined value of the gas to be measured will be recorded on the controller. For example, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be predetermined and recorded as a threshold level for carbon dioxide, if that is the gas to be measured. The controller can then send a signal to a signaling device, indicating that the fluid has occurred, if the measured carbon dioxide level exceeds the predetermined threshold level of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.
[057] The controller can be “trained” to detect a certain level of gas and associate that level of gas concentration with the presence of body fluid, such as urine or feces, inside the absorbent product. From the pure signal measured by the non-contact gas sensor, the controller will be able to analyze the signal data coming from the sensor, which will later serve as a basis for determining the presence and identification of body fluid. For example, by retaining the signal values over time, you can determine the peak or value of the pre-processed signal (such as moving average, gradient or other combination of pre-processed steps) to obtain an estimate of the strength of the signal. signal. From the same or other pre-processed signals, it is also possible to determine a point estimate on the signal curve, including, but not limited to, the maximum, minimum, average, quantile or other measure. An additional measure may include the integrated area of the pre-processed signal. Still other quantities are also possible, and it should be noted that the strength, the curve and the signal area serve only as examples of point estimation features.
[058] In another configuration, several classifiers can be developed from the primary and secondary resources, in order to determine the number of fluid occurrences over time, or the time elapsed between occurrences. In addition, other possible indicators of child or user health can also be developed from primary or secondary resources. The training data can be used to develop the pattern classifier, inside the controller, in order to distinguish between environmental conditions and when a fluid occurs. Model variables corresponding to the features can be added to maximize the variance between classes and minimize the residual sum of squares predicted for the test or hidden data. Classifiers include, but are not limited to, linear / non-linear discriminatory analysis techniques, neural networks, regression and classification trees and other techniques that create a continuous or discrete signal for the user.
[059] In another configuration, the controller can continuously monitor the time that the absorbent remains dry. From the information provided by the non-contact gas sensor and the controller, which can be sent to a signaling device, the caregiver can monitor closely, or from a remote location, the length of time the user has used the pad without the occurrence of body fluid, either from urine or feces. From information entered by the caregiver, the signaling device can transmit an alert to the child when the absorbent product remains dry for predetermined periods of time. The alert can be in the form of a song and / or a pleasant visual signal for the child. This alert can be transmitted from the signaling device itself. In another configuration, the caregiver and / or the user could receive an alert informing how long the pad remains continuously dry.
[060] The information transmitted to a computer or smartphone related to the continuously dry period of time can be communicated to the caregiver in different ways. The time elapsed without accidents can be defined in hours, days, weeks or months. In another configuration, the time elapsed without occurrences can be segmented according to a child's typical behavior. For example, the time period without accidents can be calculated for different times of the day, such as morning, afternoon and night. It is also possible to calculate a separate period without occurrences while the child is sleeping.
[061] In a configuration, the period without occurrences can be recorded and stored, through communication with an electronic communication medium, such as an interactive website, which can be accessed over the Internet, through a smartphone or computer. This allows the monitoring of accident-free periods during a specific period, to determine if progress has been made since the caregiver started training the toilet with the child.
[062] The controller will be able to read the gas levels monitored by the non-contact gas sensor, and will then be able to analyze the data to identify a body fluid, based on the presence of a gas emitted by a gas-emitting substance, in the presence of fluid inside the absorbent. The controller can read the initial gas concentration levels, monitored or detected by the contactless gas sensor. These levels can then be calibrated, to set a null or zero value, and then any changes from those calibrated values can be monitored. If there is a change in the concentration level above a certain threshold, the controller can trigger an alarm via a signaling device.
[063] The signaling device, alone, or added to the device containing the gas sensitive ink discussed above, may supply the controller with electrical power, and may also include the audible, visual and / or vibrating signal or alert, which will indicate to the user or caregiver about the occurrence of body fluid. Any alerts from the signaling device can also be enabled or viewed remotely on smartphones or computers. In another configuration, the alert can also be sent to a wireless radio. In another configuration, the alert can be sent to an indicator or panel on the protective unit, or in another area close to the absorbent product, so that the user or other person nearby, such as a caregiver, can be alerted to the occurrence. When the alert is received by the user or caregiver about the occurrence of the fluid, the process of educating the use of the vessel can be initiated. In addition, alerts about continuous periods without accidents may also initiate the toilet use education process, through positive reinforcements, or allowing parents or caregivers to determine next steps based on the length of the period without occurrences. Alerts can be deactivated remotely, on or near the signaling device. The alerts can also be turned off if the child or the user needs to rest from the education process, or removed completely from the absorbent product. As alerts can be visual, audible and / or vibrating and / or sent remotely by radio, computer or smartphone, the caregiver can modify the type of alarm based on the desired level of discretion. For example, if the caregiver is at home with the user of the product, it may be more appropriate to have an audible alert, whereas if the caregiver and the user are in a public place, a remote alert sent to a smartphone or a silent alert, such as visual alert, may be more appropriate.
[064] Although the absorbent product itself is disposable, the non-contact gas sensor, controller and signaling device or other devices used to alert the child or the user, the parents or caregiver may be reusable, being passed from a product to another. In this respect, the present publication is particularly directed to the use of a contactless gas sensor, a controller, a signaling device and fixation mechanisms, which allow the rapid and accurate detection of the presence of body fluids, to create opportunities for the education of the use of toilet bowl as soon as it occurs. Whether gas sensitive ink or a non-contact gas sensor, controller and signaling device is used, fluid detection can be almost immediate, due to the rapid diffusion of gas through the air, based on the large amount of gas produced by gas-emitting substance when in contact with only a small amount of the liquid.
[065] If a contactless gas sensor is used, a controller and signaling device can be housed in a protective unit. The protective unit may be connected to the opening of the absorbent product at or near the waist by means of a clamp on the device or other means of fixation, or the unit may be positioned in the vicinity, such as at a distance of up to 12 inches or more. If the contactless gas sensor is part of a configuration that includes a protective unit, there may be small holes in the unit, so that the holes are exposed to an area close to the absorbent product, to allow sufficient gas to be detected by the gas sensor without contacts. Optionally, the protection unit can be connected to the absorbent product by other means, as long as the non-contact gas sensor is close enough to the absorbent product, so that it is possible to detect the gas generated by the gas emitting substance. The non-contact gas sensor, the controller and the signaling device, all can be housed in a single protection unit, which will be attached to the waist opening of a diaper or training underwear / panties, or to the edge of a liner. bed, using a clamp or other device. The protection unit can also be fixed on the outside of the perimeter of the absorbent product, as on the user's clothing.
[066] As previously described, the non-contact gas sensor, combined with the signaling device, can be configured to indicate the presence of fluid and the number of occurrences in an absorbent product, and these indications can be used as part of education of using the toilet. However, the specific type of liquid to be detected may vary, depending on the particular type of use of the absorbent and its desired application. For example, in one configuration, the absorbent product will be a diaper, underwear or training panties or the like, and the signaling device will be configured to indicate the presence of urine. In addition, the signaling device can be configured to indicate the presence of other user's body fluids.
[067] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the disposable absorbent product 20 of this publication also contains a gas-emitting substance 88, positioned and adapted within the absorbent product 20 to come into contact with a fluid within the absorbent product. The gas-emitting substance can be selectively positioned, where the fluid is expected to be present, such as in the groin area of the absorbent product. Note that although Fig. 1 shows that the gas-emitting substance is manufactured as part of the absorbent product, it can be attached to the absorbent in the form of a liner. In addition, the gas-emitting substance may be in the form of a coating or lotion on the surface of the absorbent product, closest to the user, in order to provide a faster reaction to the occurrence of the fluid. The gas-emitting substance 88 can have a longitudinal and a transverse direction, which together form a plane when arranged horizontally, identified here as "x-y plane". The gas-emitting substance 88 can be placed in the absorbent product, so that it can form a body-facing surface 87 aimed at the user (ie an inner surface) and a clothing surface (not shown) , to stay away from the user, on the side opposite the inner surface (ie an outer surface).
[068] The gas-emitting substance 88 can be placed inside the absorbent product, with any desired shape, and if an absorbent product such as a diaper or training underwear / panties is used, it can be placed directly in the region where the fluid occurs , such as the groin region, in order to detect the fluid as shown in Fig. 1. For example, it can have a bi or three-dimensional configuration and can be rectangular, triangular, circular, oval, strip-shaped, shaped of I, being that it generally takes the shape of an hourglass, a T and similar shapes. In some respects, the gas-emitting substance 88 may not have any defined shape, but a random shape. Thus, the dimensions of the x-y plane can vary as desired. The gas-emitting substance 88 can also be thick in the direction of the z axis, if desired. In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, a gas-emitting substance 88 that may contain a substance emitting a different gas, to react with a substance sensitive to another gas to produce a different color, can be positioned at a certain distance from the center of the absorbent product, such as around the perimeter of the absorbent core 44. This can be used to indicate the replenishment of an absorbent product. Optionally, the compound could be arranged in concentric rings (not shown in the illustration) instead of being arranged around the perimeter. In addition to determining repletion, the use of the gas-emitting substance around the perimeter of the absorbent core 44 or in concentric rings can be used to determine a child's ability to retain a certain volume of fluid in the bladder before letting go, which can be useful during different stages of education for using the potty. In some desired aspects, signaling compound 88 will have approximately the same flexibility as the total flexibility of product 20. The gas-emitting substance in Figs. 1 and 2 may be in the form of powders, particles, flakes, fibers, agglomerates, granules, spheres, tablets, capsules, coatings or lotions, and may or may not be encapsulated. In other configurations, the gas-emitting substance can be added to the absorbent product in the form of a separate coating or material, such as a trouser liner.
[069] As a large volume of gases is produced by the gas-emitting substance contained in the compound, the caregiver or user's ability to recognize that there has been (or is occurring) the occurrence of fluid will be increased due to the speed with which the color whether it will change or with which the alert will be given (visual, audible or vibrating). The compound of the gas-emitting substance 88 can be positioned inside the product 20 in any operating location, so that a body fluid can reach the compound of the gas-emitting substance 88, whose reaction will cause the generation of a large volume of gas. For example, in some cases, the compound of the gas-emitting substance 88 may be disposed in an adjacent position and in contact with the surface of the absorbent core 44 which faces the body. In other possibilities, the compound of the gas-emitting substance 88 can be disposed adjacent to the surface facing the clothing and / or the surface of an upper position sheet 42 facing the body. In yet other examples, the compound of the gas-emitting substance 88 can be disposed in an adjacent position and in contact with the surface of the fluid receiving layer that faces the body or the clothing, for example. There are other possible configurations for the invention, as should be obvious to experts in the field, as long as the fluid accident can come into contact with the compound of the gas-emitting substance.
[070] The gas-emitting substance compound 88 of this publication can be a laminate formed by a carrier substrate layer (not shown). The carrier substrate layer is formed by an independent web, of a material that can be partially or totally permeable to liquids. The gas-emitting substance can be placed inside the substrate layer. Suitable liquid-permeable materials include layers of fabric; non-woven materials such as meltblown type, high-performance absorbents (coform), thermosolded continuous filaments, (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond - SMS), bonded-carded-web - BCW, fabrics, films perforated, foam layers and the like.
[071] In some possibilities, the gas-emitting substance 88 compound may contain a mixture of sodium bicarbonate / citric acid powder particles, which can be used to generate carbon dioxide in the occurrence of liquid in the absorbent product, although they may other non-toxic gas generating particles or powders may be used. In one embodiment, the gas-emitting substance contains at least one acid and at least one base. The acid and base react when they are wet and produce a gas, which could be, for example, carbon dioxide. The type of gas to be produced by the system is not critical, as long as it is considerably non-harmful to the user's skin and there is a gas sensitive ink and a non-contact gas sensor, which can work with the generated gas. Note, however, that it is not necessary to use powder or particles in the mixture, and that mixture can be included in a lotion or other substance, which will be applied as a coating on the surface of a nonwoven that will be in contact with the body. In general, the compound of the gas-emitting substance 88 will be sensitive to contact with body fluids such as urine, complex fluids or other exudates, to generate a gas such as carbon dioxide, for example.
[072] Fig. 3 shows an absorbent product containing a gas-emitting substance 88 on the outer surface of the absorbent product, which emits gas when the liquid in the absorbent product reaches the outside, such as a side edge 36 or edge at the waist 38 for indicate the replenishment related to one or more types of fluids inside the absorbent product. The outer-facing surface 89 is illustrated, although there is also a laundry-facing surface (not shown) that will first contact the fluid when the absorbent product is full and the fluid begins to leak into the absorbent product. This will cause the gas-emitting substance to emit a gas that will be detected by a device that contains a gas-sensitive compound. The gas-sensitive compound may be different from other gas-sensitive compounds in the device, or from other nearby gases, in order to distinguish between the occurrence of body fluid and the state of near-repletion of the absorbent product. The compound can be placed on the outside of the absorbent product, as shown, in addition to being placed directly on the fluid region, as in Fig. 1 or on the perimeter of the absorbent core 44, as in Fig. 2. The ability to distinguish between the occurrence of fluids and the near-fullness of the absorbent depends on the gas-emitting substances used in each compound, the gas emitted by the emitting substance and the gas-sensitive ink used in a device, such as a badge. As long as different signals, colors and images are emitted or presented in the event of fluid or repletion, through the use of different paints or compounds, it is possible to distinguish between the events.
[073] Referring to Fig. 4, an illustration of a device configuration incorporating a gas sensitive ink, attached to a child or other user of the absorbent product. Note, however, that the device does not need to be used by the child or other user in order to detect the presence of fluid or the replenishment of the absorbent product, as long as the device containing the gas sensitive ink comes into contact with the gas emitted by the gas-emitting substance. Also note that more than one device may be used and that the device may contain more than one gas-sensitive substance or ink, in order to detect the occurrence of fluid or the repletion of the absorbent product. The illustrated device is a badge or pin, but it can also be a wristwatch, sticker, tattoo or other device, as long as it contains one or more gas sensitive substances or inks. The device containing the gas-sensitive ink is illustrated in Figs. 4A-4C, where at one end Fig. 4A shows a badge where no fluid or any generation of carbon dioxide gas has occurred, and at the other end, Fig. 4C shows a badge where fluid has occurred , resulting in the generation of a large amount of gas, which causes a change in the color of the device containing the gas-sensitive substance. In Fig. 4A, the gas-sensitive ink is deposited in the form of a star, and has a strong and dark initial color, while the absorbent product is dry and free of fluids. Fig. 4B shows changes in color intensity in the same gas-sensitive substance, immediately after coming into contact with the gas emitted by the absorbent product, due to the occurrence of fluid. Fig. 4C shows the rapid disappearance of a gas-sensitive substance, after being exposed to the gas emitted by the absorbent product, after the occurrence of fluid. As shown in Fig. 4, the color of the gas-sensitive substance can disappear almost immediately after the absorbent product containing the gas-emitting substance comes in contact with a small volume of liquid. Even with a relatively small amount of liquid, the gas-sensitive substance can communicate a visually observable signal, due to the high volume of gas produced when a small volume of liquid comes into contact with the substance inside the absorbent product. Although this setting shows an image that quickly disappears when a fluid occurs, an image can appear instead of the occurrence, or a combination, or a gradient of images can disappear and appear to indicate the presence of fluid, depending on the type. the gas-sensitive substances used, known to experts in the field. In addition, several gas-emitting and gas-sensitive substances can be used, combined with one or more devices, to result in different color changes, when there is the presence of fluids inside the absorbent product or when it is close to its capacity maximum.
[074] With reference to Fig. 5 for example, an absorbent product 20 is presented which can be used during monitoring the presence of fluids inside an absorbent product. The absorbent product 20 contains many of the same components as shown in Fig. 1, which can be associated with the reference numbers as described, but Fig. 5 also features the addition of a non-contact gas sensor, a controller and a flag, as described in more detail below. It is understood that this publication is suitable for several other absorbent products, indicated for personal use, including but not limited to diapers, underwear or training panties, bathing suits, feminine hygiene products, products for incontinence problems, clothing medical, absorbent and surgical bandages, bed linings, other items of clothing for personal and hospital care and similar items, without departing from the scope of this publication.
[075] For illustrative purposes only, various materials and methods of construction of absorbent products, such as the 20 of various possibilities covered by this publication, are described in Patent Application (PCT) WO 00/37009 published on June 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et al; U.S. Patent 4,940,464 issued by the U.S. on July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al; patent 5,766,389 issued by the USA on June 16, 1998 to Brandon et al., and patent 6,645,190 issued by the USA on November 11, 2003 to Olson et al., which are incorporated herein by reference, in the insofar as they are consistent (that is, they are not in conflict) with it.
[076] An absorbent product 20 is shown in a representative manner in Fig. 5 partially attached. The absorbent product 20 defines two regions of longitudinal ends, called here the frontal region 22 and the posterior region 24, and a central region, called here the groin region 26, extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the frontal and posterior regions 22, 24 The absorbent product 20 also defines an inner surface 28 adapted for use (eg positioned in relation to the other components of the product 20) to be arranged facing the user), and an outer surface 30 opposite the inner surface. The frontal and posterior regions 22, 24 are the parts of the absorbent product 20 that, when used, cover or surround, totally or partially, the user's waist or lower abdomen. The genital region 26 is usually the part of the absorbent product 20 which, when used, is positioned between the legs, covering the lower abdomen and the user's groin. The absorbent product 20 has two laterally opposite edges 36 and two longitudinally opposite waist edges, respectively called the front edge of the waist 38 and the rear edge of the waist 39.
[077] The illustrated absorbent product 20 contains a support 32 which, in this configuration, includes the frontal region 22, the posterior region 24 and the groin region 26. With reference to Fig. 5, the support 32 includes an external cover 40 and a side liner 42, which can be incorporated into the outer cover 40 in a superimposed manner with adhesives, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding or by means of other conventional techniques. With reference to Fig. 5, the lining 42 can be incorporated into the outer cover 40 along the perimeter of the support 32, forming a hem at the front and back of the waist. The lining 42 can be incorporated into the outer cover 40 forming two side sheaths in the front 22 and rear 24 regions. The lining 42 can be adapted, that is, positioned according to the other components of the product 20, so that it faces the user's skin when using the absorbent product. The support 32 can also include an absorbent structure between the outer cover 40 and the side lining 42 to absorb solid or liquid excrement from the user, it can also include two containment flaps 46 attached to the side lining 42 to prevent the excrement from leaking from the side.
[078] The elastic retaining flaps 46 as shown in Fig. 5 define a partially loose edge, which assumes a vertical configuration in the groin region 26 of the absorbent product 20 to form a seal against the user's body. The containment flaps 46 can extend longitudinally over the entire length of the support 32 or can extend only partially over the support. Suitable constructions and organizations for the containment flaps 46 are commonly known to those skilled in the art and are described in U.S. Patent 4,704,116 issued on November 3, 1987 to Enloe, incorporated herein by reference.
[079] In order to further improve the containment and / or absorption of body fluids, the absorbent product 20 may also contain elastic bands on the legs (not shown), as is known to experts in the field. The elastics on the legs can be attached to the outer cover 40 and / or to the side lining 42 and positioned in the groin area 26 of the absorbent product 20. Note that, although the absorbent product is presented in the form of underwear or training panties or diaper, other absorbent products, such as bed liners, can also be used.
[080] The elastics on the legs can be formed by any suitable elastic material. As is known to those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include sheets, cords or tapes of natural rubber, synthetic or thermoplastic elastomer polymers. The elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to a substrate, adhered to a concentrated substrate, or adhered to a substrate and then pulled or reduced, as by the application of heat, so that the reactive forces of the elastic are applied to the substrate . In one particular case, for example, the elastics on the legs may contain several dry-bonded, multi-strand elastomer elastomers, sold under the name LYCRA and available from Invista, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
[081] In some configurations, the absorbent product 20 may further include a fluid control layer (not shown) that can optionally be located adjacent to the absorbent structure 44 and attached to various components in the absorbent product 20, such as the absorbent structure 44 or the lining on the side of the body 42 by methods known to experts in the field, such as using adhesives. A fluid control layer helps to slow down and spread discharges or spurts of liquids or other debris, which can be launched quickly on the absorbent structure of the product. It is desirable that the spout control layer can quickly receive and temporarily retain the liquid, or other type of waste, before releasing the liquid or other type of waste into the storage or retention parts of the absorbent structure. There are examples of flow control layers described in U.S. patent no. 5,486,166; and U.S. patent no. 5,490,846. There are other suitable flow control materials, described in U.S. Patent 5,820,973. All the disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference, insofar as they are consistent (that is, they are not in conflict) with the material presented here.
[082] As shown in Fig. 5, the absorbent product 20 can further include a pair of opposing elastic side panels 34 attached to the rear region of the support 32. As shown particularly, side panels 34 can be stretched around the waist and / or user's hips to keep the garment in place. As shown in Fig. 5, the side elastic panels are attached to the support along a pair of opposite longitudinal edges 37. The side panels 34 can be fixed or glued to the support 32 by any suitable fastening technique. For example, side panels 34 can be joined to the support by adhesives, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding or other conventional techniques.
[083] In an alternative configuration, the elastic side panels can also be fully formed with the support 32. For example, the side panels 34 can form an extension of the side lining to the body 42, the outer cover 40, or both side lining to body 42 and outer cover 40.
[084] In the configurations shown in Fig. 5, the side panels 34 are connected to the back region of the absorbent product 20 and extend over the front region of the product when keeping the product in the correct location for the user. It should be understood, however, that the side panels 34 can optionally be connected to the front region of the product 20 and extend over the rear region when the product is put on.
[085] With the absorbent product 20 attached as partially illustrated in Fig. 5, the elastic side panels 34 can be connected by a fixing system to define a three-dimensional diaper configuration, with an opening in the waist 50 and two openings in the legs 52. The opening in the waist 50 of the product 20 is defined by the edges of the waist 38 and 39 that surrounds the user's waist.
[086] In the configurations shown in Fig. 5, the side panels are removably attached to the front region 22 of the product 20 by the fixing system. It should be understood, however, that in other configurations the side panels can be permanently attached to the support 32 at both ends. The side panels can be permanently joined, for example, to form a training underwear or panties or an absorbent swimsuit.
[087] Each of the side elastic panels 34 has a longitudinal side edge (not shown), an edge at the end of the leg 70 disposed towards the longitudinal center of the diaper 20, and with edges at the end of the waist 72 disposed towards the end longitudinal length of the absorbent product. The edges of the leg end 70 of the absorbent article 20 can be properly curved and / or angular in shape to provide better fixation around the user's legs. However, it is understood that only one edge of the leg end 70 can be curved or angled, so that the edge of the leg end of the posterior region 24, or optionally, neither the leg nor the edges can be curved or in angle, without departing from the scope of this publication. Ultimately, side panels 34 are generally aligned with the waist region 90 of support 32.
[088] The fastening system may contain the first laterally opposite fastening components 82 adapted for re-fastening the connection to the corresponding second fastening components (not shown). In the configuration shown in the figures, the first fastening component 82 is located on the side elastic panels 34, while the second fastening component can be located in the front region 22 of the support 32. In one configuration, the front or outer surface of each one of the fastening components contains several connecting elements. The connection elements of the first fasteners 82 are adapted to repeatedly connect and disconnect the corresponding connection elements of the second fasteners, to removably fix the product 20 in its three-dimensional configuration.
[089] The fastening components can be any retightenable fasteners suitable for absorbent products, such as adhesion, cohesive, mechanical or similar fasteners. In specific cases, the fastening components include mechanical fasteners for better performance. Mechanical fixing elements can be obtained with materials with geometric shapes, such as hooks, bulbs, rings, mushrooms, arrowheads, spheres on rods, male-female fitting components, buckles, pressure and the like.
[090] The first fasteners 82 can be fasteners, and the second fasteners can be complementary fasteners. Optionally, the first fasteners 82 can include fasteners and the second fasteners can be complementary fasteners. In another case, the fastening components may be elements by interlocking between similar surfaces, or elements by adhesion or cohesion, such as an adhesive fastener and an adhesive-receptive contact area or material, or the like. Experts in the field will recognize that the shape, density and polymer composition of the hooks and rings can be selected to obtain the desired level of fixation between the closing components. Suitable closure systems are also published in the previously incorporated patent application, PCT patent application WO 00/37009 of June 29, 2000, by A. Fletcher et al., And the previously incorporated US patent 6,645,190, issued on November 11, 2003 for Olson et al.
[091] In the configuration shown in the figures, the fastening components 82 are attached to the side panels 34 on the edges. In this configuration, the fasteners 82 are not elastic or expandable. In other configurations, however, the fasteners can be integrated with the side panels 34. For example, the fasteners can be directly connected to the side panels 34 on one of their surfaces.
[092] In addition to the possibility of having elastic side panels, the absorbent product 20 may contain several elastic members at the waist, to provide elasticity around the waist opening. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the absorbent product 20 may contain an elastic member at the front of the waist 54 and / or an elastic member at the back of the waist56.
[093] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, for purposes of example, the non-contact gas sensor 104, controller 106 and signaling device 110 that are part of the absorbent product system, can be housed in a protection unit 102, which is shown attached to the absorbent product 20. In this configuration, signaling device 110 typically includes a transmitter 112 that communicates with a receiver 114. The receiver may be a wristwatch, a computer or a smartphone. The transmitter 112 can be stored in the protection unit 102 with the non-contact gas sensor104 and the controller 106. If there is fluid in the absorbent product 20, the controller 106 will detect changes in the gas levels monitored by the non-contact gas sensor 104 which, in turn, will activate the signaling device 110. In one configuration, the non-contact gas sensor will be able to monitor gas levels through visible openings 108 in the protection unit 102. In another configuration, the protection unit it can be constructed with a porous material, so that a sufficient amount of gas can penetrate the protection unit, to allow the non-contact gas sensor to detect the presence of any gases associated with the gas emitting substance.
[094] In another configuration, transmitter 112 can send a signal or alert, wirelessly, to receiver 114 which will then indicate to the user that fluid is present in the absorbent product. The signaling device 110 can emit an audible, visual and / or vibratory signal, in order to indicate to the user that the presence of body fluid has been detected. Various combinations of alerts can be used to indicate that the absorbent product has remained dry for a certain period of time. The sound signal, for example, can be simple, such as one or more beeps, or even a melody. Likewise, the visual signal emitted by the signaling device 110 can be a few lights or an interactive panel. In another configuration, 114 the signaling device 110 can be configured to vibrate when fluids are present in the product.
[095] As described above, signaling device 110 can be configured to indicate the presence of fluid in the absorbent product 20. The fluid can be composed, for example, of urine and faeces. In the configuration shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the signaling device 110 contains a transmitter 112 combined with a receiver 114. It should also be understood, however, that the signaling device can be a single unit located in or near the absorbent product 20. For example, the signaling device can be attached to the absorbent product and emit a visual and / or audible signal from the product itself, so that the user and / or another person, such as a caregiver, who is nearby, can be warned about the presence of fluid. It should also be understood that the data from the signaling device can be transmitted to a wristwatch, radio, computer or smartphone, via wireless network or other means of communication. In addition, it should be understood that the signaling device can be deactivated or removed, to provide rest from training the use of the potty, or when it is not appropriate for the signaling device to warn the child, the user, the parents or the caregiver about the occurrence of body fluid. In addition, the signaling device 110 can be used in conjunction with a gas sensitive ink, as described above, which can also be easily removed if it is desired to provide a rest or if its use is not appropriate.
[096] In the configuration shown in Fig. 6, the protection unit 102 that can be attached to an absorbent product contains a non-contact gas sensor 104 that can contain at least one individual sensor 100, a controller 106 and a signaling device 110, which may contain a transmitter 112 and a receiver 114. In addition, there may be openings 108 in the signaling device, which allow the non-contact gas sensor 104 to be exposed to a gas sample sufficient to detect the presence of the generated gas by the reaction of the body fluid with a gas emitting substance, inside the absorbent product 20. In another configuration, a gas sample can reach the non-contact gas sensor 104, passing through the protective unit made of a porous material. And in yet another configuration of a protective unit, if the signal is being sent to the user, the receiver will be present or close to the protective unit itself. However, if the signal is being sent to another user, such as a caregiver, via wireless signals to a radio, computer or smartphone, the receiver can send a wireless signal to the transmitter located some distance from the receiver and the signaling device. If borderline levels of gas concentration are monitored and detected, controller 106 will be able to read and calculate the levels, to make the decision to signal a healthy user and / or caregiver alert, by means of an audible, visual or vibrating signal, which may or not be broadcast to a radio, smartphone, computer or other means of presentation.
[097] Fig. 7 is a block diagram that describes how a signaling device can connect to a computer or smartphone, which can generate data reports to be accessed by the user, parents or caregiver. In a configuration, after a non-contact gas sensor has monitored at least one gas level, and a controller has detected an increase above a threshold level, through pattern recognition and data analysis, to indicate the presence body fluid, a signaling device may transmit an alert to a location on or near the waist of an absorbent product to inform the user or caregiver who is nearby. In another configuration, the user or caregiver may wish to receive an alert at a remote location, via radio. In yet another configuration, the user and / or the caregiver may wish to have the alerts sent to a computer or smartphone. When sent to a computer or smartphone, the alert can be visual or audible, or it can be stored as information along with other previous and future alerts. In this way, the user or caregiver can consult the information on the computer or smartphone, to determine the number of fluids monitored within an absorbent product. The user and / or caregiver will have access to a report generated by the computer or smartphone, transmitted from the signaling device, and will be able to access the report for various uses.
[098] In one setting, the caregiver receives a report to determine how successful the progress of the user’s toilet use education has been, analyzing data for a large number of hours, days, weeks, months, or another appropriate time interval, such as time of day (night, bedtime, etc.). The user and / or caregiver can receive the data, to analyze if there were changes in the time that an absorbent product remained dry, to determine if the user is learning to use the potty or if he is ready to start this training, as this requires the ability to retain fluid in the bladder for longer. From this information provided through the method described, the caregiver can adjust his own training method.
[099] Several mechanisms for securing the protection unit, containing the non-contact gas sensor, the controller and the signaling device, at the waist opening of an absorbent product, will now be described in detail with respect to Figs. 8 and 9. It should be noted that, although the fixing mechanisms shown in the figure below generally incorporate two plates or sides, the non-contact gas sensor 104 must be positioned so that it is on a plate or side facing the inside absorbent product, so that it can detect gases and changes in humidity and temperature, depending on the presence of urine or faeces.
[100] With reference to Fig. 8, it illustrates a configuration of a clamping mechanism that can be used to clamp protection unit 102 around the waist opening of an absorbent product 20. Also note that the absorbent product may not have a opening at the waist, if it is a bed liner, for example, then the protection unit can be attached to another edge of the absorbent product. In this configuration, the protection unit 102 is formed by a first outer plate 130 away from a second inner plate 132. The first outer plate 130 must be positioned on the outside of the absorbent product 20. In one configuration, the second inner plate 132 can be placed inside the absorbent product 20 so that the gases emitted from the absorbent product 20 after the occurrence of fluids, can reach the openings 108. When the gases reach the openings 108 of the protection unit 102, the non-contact gas sensor 104 can monitor gas concentration levels and then controller 106 can detect any changes in gas concentration levels due to the occurrence of fluid. In addition, one end of the outer plate 130 can be connected, in the form of a branch, to one end of the second inner plate 132 next to a flexible fold 134. In this way, the protection unit 102 can be positioned securely close to an opening at the waist, or on another edge of an absorbent product, such as a bed liner, or can optionally be incorporated into the absorbent product. The protection unit 102 may also be positioned firmly on the child's or user's clothing, or elsewhere, as long as the non-contact gas sensor 104 is close enough to the product to detect any gases emitted by the gas-emitting substance.
[101] In order to attach the protection unit 102 to the absorbent product 20, the first outer plate 130 contains two rods that function as the first terminal 116 and the second terminal 118. As shown in the drawing, the plates 130 and 132 of the unit protection 102 are configured to be positioned on one edge of the support, as close to the waist opening, and joined so that the rods 116 and 118 pierce the support and secure in place.
[102] With reference to Fig. 9, it illustrates another configuration of a protection unit 102 connected to an absorbent product 20. In this configuration, protection unit 102 can contain a device formed by an outer plate130 away from a second inner plate 132. The plates 130 and 132 are integrally part of each other, and are made of flexible material, which allows the plates to be separated from each other, for positioning the signaling device on an edge of the absorbent product. However, once the plates are placed on the absorbent product, they will be facing each other, to keep the signaling device in place. In this way, the protective unit 102 will have a structure similar to a paper clip. In this way, the protection unit 102 can be positioned securely, close to an opening in the waist, or on another edge of an absorbent product, such as a bed liner, or it can optionally be incorporated into the absorbent product. The protection unit 102 may also be positioned firmly on the child's or user's clothing, or elsewhere, as long as the non-contact gas sensor 104 is close enough to the product to detect any gases emitted by the gas-emitting substance.
[103] In one configuration, the insertion of a second internal plate, 132 on the inside of the absorbent product, 20 will allow the gases emitted from the absorbent product, 20 after the occurrence of fluid, to reach the openings 108 of the protective unit 102. When the gases reach the openings 108, the non-contact gas sensor 104 will be able to monitor the gas concentration levels and then the controller 106 will be able to detect any changes in the gas concentration levels caused by the occurrence of fluid.
[104] In the configurations illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, the protective unit 102 can be made of any suitable material. For example, in a configuration, the protective unit can be made using a flexible plastic material. It must be understood, however, that elastomeric and metallic materials can also be used. In addition, at least part of the protection unit can be made of porous or woven material, to allow the non-contact gas sensor to receive enough gas samples to monitor gas levels above a threshold level.
[105] As described above, this publication is mainly dedicated to the interactive potty training method, in which a system for indicating the occurrence of body fluids must be able to detect the presence of liquids in an absorbent product 20 and discriminate between urine and feces. The other materials used to form the absorbent product 20 surrounding the elastic elements in the waist 54 and 56 may vary, depending on the specific application and the specific product to be produced.
[106] The outer cover 40, for example, can be breathable and / or waterproof. The outer cover 40 can be formed by a single layer, by several layers, by laminates, filament fabrics, films, meltblown fabrics, elastic wefts, microporous wefts, carding blankets or foams, formed by elastomeric or polymeric materials. The outer cover 40, for example, can be a single layer of waterproof material or, optionally, it can be a multilayer laminated structure, with at least one of the waterproof layers. In other configurations, however, it must be understood that the outer cover may be permeable. In this configuration, for example, the absorbent product may contain an inner layer as a barrier against liquids.
[107] For example, the outer cover 40 may contain a permeable outer layer and an impermeable inner layer, duly joined by a laminated adhesive, ultrasonic welds, thermal bonding and the like. Suitable laminate adhesives, which can be applied continuously or intermittently in the form of granules, spray, parallel spirals and the like, can be obtained from Bostik Findley Adhesives, Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA, or from National Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA. The permeable outer layer can be made of any suitable material and, preferably, it should provide a general fabric-like texture. An example of this material is a non-woven polypropylene weave bonded by expansion of 20 gsm (grams per square meter). The outer layer can be made of the same materials used in the permeable lining 42.
[108] The inner layer of outer cover 40 may be impermeable to liquids and vapors, or it may be impermeable to liquids and permeable to vapors. The inner layer can be made from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid-permeable materials can also be used. The inner layer, or the liquid-impermeable outer cover 40 when there is a single layer, prevents waste materials from wetting products, such as sheets and clothing, as well as the user and caregiver. A suitable waterproof film, to be used as a liquid-impermeable inner layer, or as a single liquid-impermeable outer layer 40, is the 0.02mm polyethylene film, marketed by Pliant Corporation of Schaumburg, Illinois, USA.
[109] The side lining to the body 42 is moldable, soft and does not irritate the user's skin. The lining lateral to the body 42 is sufficiently permeable to liquids to allow liquid bodily fluids to rapidly penetrate through its thickness of the absorbent structure (not shown). A suitable lining to the suitable body 42 can be manufactured with a wide variety of weft materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, woven and non-woven fabrics, or a combination of such materials. For example, the lining lateral to the body 42 may contain meltblown wefts, filament wefts, or a carding blanket composed of natural, synthetic fibers or a combination of both. The lining lateral to the body 42 can be composed of a very hydrophobic material, which can optionally be treated with a surfactant, or processed to transmit a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.
[110] The absorbent structure can be placed between the outer cover 40 and the side lining to the body 42. The absorbent structure can be any structure, or a combination of components that are generally compressible, adaptable, non-irritating to the user's skin, and capable of absorb and retain liquids and certain body wastes. For example, the absorbent structure may include absorbent wefts of cellulose fibers (such as wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or non-woven sheets, cotton fabrics or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent materials, fastening materials , surfactants, selected hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as the combination of these materials. In a particular case, the absorbent web material is a matrix of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. Cellulosic fluff may include a combination of wood pulp fluff. A preferred type of fluff is identified with the trade name CR 1654, available from Bowater, of Greenville, South Carolina, USA, and is a highly absorbent sulfate-bleached pulp, basically containing softwood fibers. Absorbent materials can be formed into a weft structure, using various conventional methods and techniques. For example, the absorbent web can be formed using a dry forming technique, an air forming technique, a wet forming technique, a foam forming technique and the like, as well as combinations of these techniques. The methods and devices used in the use of these techniques are well known to experts in the field. In addition, the absorbent structure itself may involve multiple layers in the direction of the Z axis. Such multiple layers can take advantage of differences in absorption capacity, such as applying a layer of a material with less absorbent capacity close to the lining 42 and a material with a higher absorbent capacity closer to the outer covering layer 40. Similarly, discrete parts of a single layer absorbent structure may involve higher capacity absorbers, and other discrete parts of the structure may involve lower capacity absorbers.
[111] As a general rule, superabsorbent material is present in the absorbent web in amounts ranging from 0 to approximately 100 weight percent, based on the total web weight. The weft can have an approximate density between 0.10 to 0.60 grams per cubic centimeter.
[112] Superabsorbent materials are known in the art and can be chosen from natural, synthetic and modified natural materials and polymers. Superabsorbent materials can be inorganic like silica gels, or organic compounds like cross-linked polymers. Typically, a superabsorbent material can absorb at least about 10 times its weight in liquid and, preferably, can absorb more than 25 times its weight in liquid. Suitable superabsorbent materials are available for prompt delivery from various suppliers. For example, there are several superabsorbent materials available from Evonik Industries, Germany.
[113] After being formed or cut to the desired size, the absorbent weft material can be wrapped or wrapped in a suitable fabric or meltblown weft, or by packaging that assists in maintaining the integrity and shape of the absorbent structure.
[114] The absorbent web material can also be a high performance absorbent material (coform). Usually the term “coform material” refers to composite materials, consisting of a mixture or a stabilized matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a second non-thermoplastic material. For example, it is possible to manufacture high-performance absorbent materials (coform) by means of a process in which at least one meltblown mold head is disposed near a chute, through which other materials are added to the mat as it forms. Such other materials may include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials such as woody or non-woody pulp, such as cotton, silk, recycled paper, pulp fluff and also superabsorbent particles, inorganic absorbent materials, treated polymeric cut fibers and the like. Any one of a variety of synthetic polymers can be used as the woven component by melting the high-performance absorbent material (coform). For example, in certain cases, thermoplastic polymers can be used. Some examples of suitable thermoplastics that can be used include polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and the like, polyamides and polyesters. In one case, the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene. Some examples of such coform materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,100,324 to Anderson, et al .; 5,284,703 to Everhart, et al .; and 5,350,624 for Georger, et al .; that have been incorporated into this document to the extent that they are consistent (ie, not in conflict) with it.
[115] These and other modifications and variations to this publication can be made by experts in the field, without departing from the spirit and scope of this publication, which is defined in more detail in the attached claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various configurations can be modified in whole or in part. In addition, experts in the field will note that the description presented is for the purpose of exemplification only, and should not be interpreted as a limitation of the publication, described in more detail in the attached claims.

权利要求:
Claims (11)
[0001]
1. Body waste detection and monitoring system, comprising: an absorbent article (20); a first gas-emitting substance (88) within the absorbent article, wherein at least the first gas-emitting substance emits a first gas, when the absorbent article comes into contact with a body fluid for the first time; characterized by the fact that the system comprises a second gas-emitting substance within the absorbent article; wherein the second gas-emitting substance emits a second gas when the absorbent article approaches its maximum absorption capacity; and a device associated with the absorbent article, which comprises at least two gas-sensitive compositions, in which the color of the device changes in the first way when the device comes into contact with the first gas, and in which the color of the device changes in a second way, when the device comes in contact with the second gas; where the device is a badge, wristwatch or sticker.
[0002]
2. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one gas-emitting substance involves aldehydes, benzyl ester, phenol, iso rose, sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate; and / or where the gas emitted from at least one gas-emitting substance is carbon dioxide; optionally wherein the at least one gas-emitting substance includes sodium bicarbonate and citric acid.
[0003]
System according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the at least one gas-emitting substance is in a form that includes powders, particles, flakes, fibers, agglomerates, grains, spheres, tablets, capsules , coatings or lotions.
[0004]
System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a gas-sensitive composition comprises a pH indicator, a humectant, a basic compound, a short-chain alcohol and water; optionally where the pH indicator includes phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, α-naphtholphthalema or o-chrysophthalein; the humectant includes ethanolamines, (poly) alkylene glycols or glycerol; the basic compound includes sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or sodium acetate; and short-chain alcohol includes methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol.
[0005]
System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it also comprises a non-contact gas sensor, in which the non-contact gas sensor monitors the gas concentration level of at least one gas.
[0006]
A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: a controller, in which the controller is configured to detect a change above a threshold level in the gas concentration level, when the absorbent article comes into contact with a body fluid; wherein an increase in the level of gas concentration indicates that the presence of body fluid has occurred; and wherein the controller is configured to constantly monitor the dry weather inside the absorbent article; and a signaling device, in which the device alerts the user, a user or a combination of both, of the presence of a body fluid inside the absorbent article, the length of time the absorbent article has been continuously dry, or both.
[0007]
7. System according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the signaling device generates an alert, selected from an audible signal, a vibrating signal, a visual signal or a combination of these, and in which at least one alert is transmitted to a wristwatch, radio, smartphone or computer device at a remote location, where the signaling device can be disabled on or near the absorbent article or remotely and / or on which a housing unit, which contains the sensor non-contact gas, controller and signaling device, is close enough to the absorbent article to detect at least one gas.
[0008]
8. System according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the computer, smartphone or a combination of both is adapted to receive data from the signaling device, generate at least one report using at least part of the data and provide a user access to data and at least one report.
[0009]
9. Method of transmitting information from an absorbent article (20) to a user, a caregiver or a combination of both, comprising: monitoring the presence of a first gas emitted from a first gas-emitting substance within the absorbent article , wherein the first gas-emitting substance emits the first gas when the absorbent article (20) first comes into contact with a body fluid; characterized by monitoring the presence of a second gas emitted from a second gas emitting substance within the absorbent article; wherein the second gas-emitting substance emits the second gas when the absorbent article approaches its maximum absorption capacity; and providing information to the user, caregiver or both, where the information is provided by a device associated with the absorbent article, where the at least device associated with the absorbent article comprises at least two gas sensitive compositions, where the color of the device is it changes in a first way, when the device comes in contact with the first gas, and in which the color of the device changes in a second way when the device comes in contact with the second gas; where the device is a badge, wristwatch or sticker.
[0010]
Method according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that a non-contact gas sensor detects the presence of at least one gas when the absorbent article comes into contact with a body fluid; wherein the controller is configured to detect a change above a threshold level in the concentration of at least one gas; wherein the controller is configured to continuously monitor dry time within the absorbent article; and where a signaling device alerts a wearer, wearer, or both about the presence of a body fluid in the absorbent article, the length of time the absorbent article has been continuously dry, or both.
[0011]
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the signaling device generates at least one alert, selected from an audible signal, a vibrating signal, a visual signal or a combination of these, and in which the alert is transmitted for a wristwatch, radio, smartphone, computer device, or a combination of these in a remote location, where at least one alert is perceived outside the wearer's clothing and where at least one alert is disabled on or close to the absorbent article, or remotely; optionally, in which the computer device or smartphone is adapted to receive data from the signaling device, generate at least one report that uses at least a portion of the data and provide the user with access to the data and at least one report, in which the user, caregiver or both are provided with information from at least one report, to indicate the number of occurrences of body fluids contained in an absorbent article, indicate the fullness of the absorbent article and / or indicate the time period in which the absorbent article was continuously dry.

类似技术:

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公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

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BR112014008842B1|2020-12-15|BODY WASTE DETECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM AND INFORMATION TRANSMISSION METHOD OF AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE

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AU2009334407B2|2015-10-22|Remote detection systems for absorbent articles

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KR20120104240A|2012-09-20|Infrared wetness detection system for an absorbent article

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WO2006038932A1|2006-04-13|Absorbent article with insult indicators

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AU2007245335B2|2012-09-13|Absorbent article with integrated themes

同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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US20130110064A1|2013-05-02|

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WO2013061180A1|2013-05-02|

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RU2614589C2|2017-03-28|

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CO6950465A2|2014-05-20|

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EP2770966A4|2015-06-10|

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AU2012328091A1|2014-04-10|

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CN103889381B|2016-08-24|

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CN103889381A|2014-06-25|

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AU2012328091B2|2016-10-27|

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EP2770966A1|2014-09-03|

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KR101973224B1|2019-04-26|

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US8816149B2|2014-08-26|

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BR112014008842A2|2017-04-25|

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RU2014119894A|2015-12-10|

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KR20140084058A|2014-07-04|

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EP2770966B1|2018-01-31|

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法律状态:
2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-10-15| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-10-06| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-12-15| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 24/09/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US13/283,669|US8816149B2|2011-10-28|2011-10-28|System for detection and monitoring of body exudates using a gas emitting substance for use in interactive toilet training|

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US13/283,669|2011-10-28|

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PCT/IB2012/055077|WO2013061180A1|2011-10-28|2012-09-24|A system for detection and monitoring of body exudates using a gas emitting substance for use in interactive toilet training|

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