Absorbent articles comprising sensors

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 10932958
  • Patent Number
    10,932,958
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, April 26, 2017
    7 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, March 2, 2021
    3 years ago
Abstract
A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and a sensor. The absorbent article may comprise a garment-facing layer and an absorbent assembly. The sensor may be disposed in and/or on the absorbent article. The sensor may be separable from the absorbent article. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in condition within the absorbent article.
Description
FIELD

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensors for use with absorbent articles. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensors designed to lower the potential for accidental choking.


BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The art discloses many different types of sensors that are integral with an absorbent article (e.g., placed internal of the garment-facing layer or fixed to interior or exterior surfaces of the garment-facing layer). One of the problems with designs having an internal sensor is that most are throw away sensors, i.e. the sensor is a single-use design disposed within the absorbent article primarily because it is undesirable to reuse them once they become contaminated with fecal waste and urine. Such an approach can be expensive given the need to incorporate a sensor into every absorbent article, e.g. a diaper. In addition, products that rely on an electrical circuit as the means for indication on the inside of the product can also expose the wearer to low voltage electrical current.


Alternatively, the sensor may be placed external of the garment-facing layer, but still integral with the absorbent article. One of the problems with a sensor fixed to the external surface of the garment-facing layer is creating a means for locating the sensor appropriately and then holding or attaching the sensor to the garment-facing layer.


Another problem with a sensor fixed to the external surface of the garment-facing layer is the potential of the sensor to present potential for accidental choking. This is also a challenge of sensors designed to be reusable, whether disposed internally of the absorbent article or externally due to their removable/reusable nature.


It is a goal to overcome the challenges mentioned above. Particularly, one goal of the present disclosure is to locate the sensor in or on an absorbent article, either internally or externally, or on an auxiliary article, such that the potential for creating a choking hazard is greatly reduced. It is also a goal of the invention to size and/or shape the sensor to decrease the potential for creating a choking hazard.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1A illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a sensor in the front, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIG. 1B illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a sensor in the back, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIG. 1C illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a plurality of sensors, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIG. 2A illustrates a front-fastenable absorbent article with a sensor in the front, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIG. 2B illustrates a front-fastenable absorbent article with a sensor in the back, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIG. 2C illustrates a front-fastenable absorbent article with a plurality of sensors, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of an absorbent article with a sensor having a first sensing area and a second sensing area, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIG. 4 illustrates a pant-type absorbent article with a plurality of sensors, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIGS. 5A-C illustrate an inductive-type sensor, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIGS. 6A-D illustrate a capacitive-type sensor, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.



FIGS. 7A-C illustrate an ultrasonic-type sensor, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate various absorbent articles comprising various sensors and/or auxiliary articles comprising various sensors that may be used with various absorbent articles to make a sensor system. And, as described above, the sensors of the present disclosure are located on or in an article and/or designed to prevent or reduce the risk of choking.


Absorbent Article


The absorbent article may be one for personal wear, including but not limited to diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other personal care or health care garments, and the like. Various materials and methods for constructing absorbent articles such as diapers and pants are disclosed in U.S. Pub. Nos. 2011-0041999, 2010-0228211, 2008-0208155, and 2009-0312734.


The sensor may be discrete from or integral with the absorbent article. The absorbent article may comprise sensors that can sense various aspects of the absorbent article associated with insults of bodily exudates such as urine and/or BM (e.g., the sensor may sense variations in temperature, humidity, presence of ammonia or urea, various vapor components of the exudates (urine and feces), changes in moisture vapor transmission through the absorbent articles garment-facing layer, changes in translucence of the garment-facing layer, color changes through the garment-facing layer, etc.). Additionally, the sensors my sense components of urine, such as ammonia or urea and/or byproducts resulting from reactions of these components with the absorbent article. The sensor may sense byproducts that are produced when urine mixes with other components of the absorbent article (e.g., adhesives, agm, etc.). The components or byproducts being sensed may be present as vapors that may pass through the garment-facing layer. It may also be desirable to place reactants in the diaper that change state (e.g. color, temperature, etc.) or create a measurable byproduct when mixed with urine. The sensor may also sense changes in pH, pressure, odor, the presence of gas, blood, a chemical marker or a biological marker or combinations thereof.


The sensor may be removably integrated with the absorbent article with hook and loops fasteners, adhesives, thermal bonds, mating fasteners like snaps or buttons, or may be disposed in pockets, recesses or void spaces built into the absorbent article, or combinations thereof. Many of these integration means enable removal of and/or attachment of the sensor from or to the absorbent article. The absorbent article may further comprise graphics for the purpose of properly locating the sensor. The graphics may appear as an outline of the sensor, may symbolize a target, may be a different color than the surrounding area of the article, may state, “Place sensor here,” may correspond with instructions from a manual, or may be combination of one or more of these approaches.


Regarding pockets, it may be desirable to form a pocket with or adjacent to the wearer-facing layer or garment-facing layer. In some embodiments, a pocket may be formed by joining an additional material (e.g., a nonwoven strip) to the interior or exterior surface of the garment-facing layer. When joined to the interior surface of the garment facing layer, it may be desirable to position an open edge (to be the pocket opening) of the sheet to be coterminous or adjacent to an edge of the waist opening such that there is no need to make a cut in the garment facing layer for inserting the sensor into the pocket opening.


When joined to the exterior surface of the garment-facing layer, the non-open edges of the sheet may be permanently joined, while an open edge (to be the pocket opening) may be refastenably joined to the garment-facing layer.



FIGS. 1A-2C illustrate acceptable absorbent articles, each with one or more sensors. For clarity, FIGS. 1A-2C do not illustrate all details of the sensors or of the absorbent articles. Each sensor and/or absorbent article in FIGS. 1A-2C can be any embodiment of the present disclosure.



FIG. 1A illustrates an outside perspective view of a front 101 and a side 103 of a pant-type absorbent article 100A formed for wearing. The pant-type absorbent article 100A may include a waist opening 107, a leg opening 108, an exterior surface (garment-facing) 106 formed by a garment-facing layer 150A sometimes referred to as the garment-facing layer, and an interior surface (wearer-facing) 109 formed by a wearer-facing layer 152A sometimes referred to as the wearer-facing layer. The absorbent article 100A may include a longitudinally oriented sensor 131 disposed in the front 101.


The wearer-facing layer 152A may be a layer of one or more materials that forms at least a portion of the inside of the front-fastenable wearable absorbent article and faces a wearer when the absorbent article 100A is worn by the wearer. In FIG. 1A, a portion of the wearer-facing layer 152A is illustrated as broken-away, in order to show the garment-facing layer 150A. A wearer-facing layer is sometimes referred to as a topsheet. The wearer-facing layer 152A is configured to be liquid permeable, such that bodily fluids received by the absorbent article 100A can pass through the wearer-facing layer 152A to the absorbent material 154A. In various embodiments, a wearer-facing layer can include a nonwoven material and/or other materials as long as the materials are liquid permeable over all or part of the wearer-facing layer.


The absorbent material 154A may be disposed subjacent to the wearer-facing layer 152A and superjacent to the garment-facing layer 150A, in at least a portion of the absorbent article 100A. In some embodiments, an absorbent material of an absorbent article is part of a structure referred to as an absorbent core. The absorbent material 154A may be configured to be liquid absorbent, such that the absorbent material 154A can absorb bodily fluids received by the absorbent article 100A. In various embodiments, an absorbent material can include cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, foams, binder materials, adhesives, surfactants, selected hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The absorbent structure may comprise one or more storage layers and one or more surge management layers. A pair of containment flaps, elasticated leg cuffs, may form a portion of the interior surface of the absorbent assembly for inhibiting the lateral flow of body exudates.


The garment-facing layer 150A may be a layer formed of one or more materials that form at least a portion of an outside of the front-fastenable wearable absorbent article and may face a wearer's garments when the absorbent article 100A is worn by the wearer. A garment-facing layer is sometimes referred to as a backsheet. The garment-facing layer 150A may be configured to be liquid impermeable, such that bodily fluids received by the absorbent article 100A cannot pass through the garment-facing layer 150A. In various embodiments, a garment-facing layer can include a nonporous film, a porous film, a woven material, a non-woven fibrous material or combinations thereof. The outer cover may also be stretchable, extensible, and in some embodiments it may be elastically extensible or elastomeric. The garment-facing layer 150A may also be vapor permeable and yet liquid impervious.


Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a pant-type absorbent article can refer to an embodiment that is side-fastenable or to an embodiment without fasteners. A reference to a pant-type absorbent article refers to an article having preformed waist and/or leg openings. Thus, each embodiment of an absorbent article of the present disclosure that is described as pant-type can be configured in any of these ways, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.



FIG. 1B illustrates an outside perspective view of a side 103 and a back 105 of a pant-type absorbent article 100B formed for wearing. The pant-type absorbent article 100B may include a waist opening 107 and a leg opening 108. Absorbent article 100B may include a longitudinally oriented sensor 135 in the back 105.



FIG. 1C illustrates an outside plan view of a pant-type absorbent article 100C laid out flat. The absorbent article 100C may include a front 101 and a back 105, separated by a lateral centerline 116.


In FIG. 1C, a longitudinal centerline 113 and the lateral centerline 116 provide lines of reference for referring to relative locations of the absorbent article 100C. When a first location 112 is nearer to the longitudinal centerline 113 than a second location 111, the first location 112 can be considered laterally inboard to the second location 111. Similarly, the second location 111 can be considered laterally outboard from the first location 112. When a third location 115 is nearer to the lateral centerline 116 than a fourth location 114, the third location 115 can be considered longitudinally inboard to the fourth location 114. Also, the fourth location 114 can be considered longitudinally outboard from the third location 115.


A reference to an inboard location, without a lateral or longitudinal limitation, refers to a location of the absorbent article 100C that is laterally inboard and/or longitudinally inboard to another location. In the same way, a reference to an outboard location, without a lateral or longitudinal limitation, refers to a location of the absorbent article 100C that is laterally outboard and/or longitudinally outboard from another location.


Inboard and outboard can also be understood with reference to a center of an absorbent article. The longitudinal centerline 113 and the lateral centerline 116 cross at a center 119 of the absorbent article 100C. When one location is nearer to the center 119 than another location, the one location can be considered inboard to the other location. The one location can be inboard laterally, or longitudinally, or both laterally and longitudinally. The other location can be considered outboard from the one location. The other location can be outboard laterally, or longitudinally, or both laterally and longitudinally.



FIG. 1C includes arrows indicating relative directions for laterally outboard 111 relative to 112, laterally inboard 112 relative to 111, longitudinally outboard 114 relative to 115, and longitudinally inboard 115 relative to 114, each with respect to the absorbent article 100C. Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a longitudinal dimension, measurement, line, or direction refers to a dimension, measurement, line, or direction that is substantially or completely parallel to the longitudinal centerline 113 and a reference to a lateral dimension, measurement, line, or direction refers to a dimension, measurement, line, or direction that is substantially or completely parallel to the lateral centerline 116. The terminology for describing relative locations, as discussed above, is used for absorbent articles throughout the present disclosure. This terminology can also be similarly applied to various other absorbent articles, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.


The absorbent article 100C may include a number of sensors in various exemplary locations and orientations. The absorbent article 100C may include a longitudinally oriented sensor such as sensor 131 and 135, along the longitudinal centerline 113 in the front 101 and/or back 105. The front 101 and/or back 105 may include at least one angled sensor such as sensors 132, 134, 136 and 138 oriented at an angle between the longitudinal centerline 113 and the lateral centerline 116. The absorbent article 100C may include one or more laterally oriented sensors such as sensors 133 and 137 along the lateral centerline 116.


In the absorbent article 100C, the sensors may be oriented substantially radially out from the center 119. However, in addition to the locations and orientations illustrated in FIG. 1C, a sensor of the present disclosure can be disposed in various alternate locations and orientations relative to an absorbent article. As an example, a sensor can be disposed in a pant-type absorbent article at a location relative to a pee point for a wearer of the absorbent article.



FIG. 2A illustrates an outside perspective view of a front 201 and a side 203 of a front-fastenable absorbent article 200A formed for wearing. The front-fastenable absorbent article 200A may include a waist opening 207 and a leg opening 208. The absorbent article 200A may include a longitudinally oriented sensor 231 disposed in the front 201.


While the present disclosure refers to front-fastenable absorbent articles, the present disclosure also contemplates alternate embodiments of absorbent articles wherein the absorbent articles are rear-fastenable. Thus, each embodiment of an absorbent article of the present disclosure that is described as front-fastenable can also be configured to be rear-fastenable.



FIG. 2B illustrates an outside perspective view of a side 203 and a back 205 of a front-fastenable absorbent article 200B formed for wearing. The front-fastenable absorbent article 200B may include a waist opening 207 and a leg opening 208. The absorbent article 200B may include a longitudinally oriented sensor 235 in the back 205.



FIG. 2C illustrates an outside plan view of a front-fastenable absorbent article 200C laid out flat. The absorbent article 200C may include a front 201, a back 205, a longitudinal centerline 213, and a lateral centerline 216, an exterior surface 206, and an interior (wearer-facing) surface 209.


The absorbent article 200C may include a number of sensors in various exemplary locations and orientations. The absorbent article 200C may include longitudinally oriented sensors such as sensors 231 and 235, along the longitudinal centerline 213 in the front 201 and/or back 205. The front 201 and/or back 205 may include angled sensors such as sensors 232, 234, 236 and 238 oriented at an angle between the longitudinal centerline 213 and the lateral centerline 216. The absorbent article 200C may include laterally oriented sensors such as sensors 233 and 237 along the lateral centerline 216.


In the absorbent article 200C, the sensors may be oriented substantially radially out from the center 219. However, in addition to the locations and orientations illustrated in FIG. 2C, a sensor of the present disclosure can be disposed in various alternate locations and orientations in an absorbent article. As an example, a sensor can be disposed in a front-fastenable absorbent article at a location relative to a pee point of a wearer of the article.



FIG. 3 illustrates an outside plan view of a portion 308 of an absorbent article 300 laid out flat. In various embodiments, the absorbent article 300 can be an absorbent article, such as a pant-type absorbent article or a front-fastenable absorbent article. In FIG. 3, outside edges of the portion 308 are broken lines, since the portion 308 is illustrated as separate from the rest of the absorbent article 300. For reference, FIG. 3 illustrates a center 319 of the absorbent article 300 and arrows indicating relative directions for outboard 317 and inboard 318 for the absorbent article 300.


The portion 308 of the absorbent article 300 may include a sensor 320. The sensor 320 may be disposed offset from the center 319. In various embodiments, one or more parts of a sensor can be disposed near, at, or overlapping a center of an absorbent article. For example, a single sensing area can extend from a front of an absorbent article, through the center of the absorbent article, to the back of the absorbent article. In such an embodiment, a farthest inboard point along the sensing area can be considered an inboard end of two sensors.


The sensor 320 may include an inboard end 322 and an outboard end 323. The sensor 320 has an overall sensor length 321, measured along the sensor 320 from the inboard end 322 to the outboard end 323. The sensor 320 may have an overall shape that is substantially elongated and substantially rectangular. The sensor 320 may have a substantially uniform width along the entire overall sensor length 321. It may be desirable that the sensor, or a portion of the sensor, has a bending stiffness of less than about 1000 N/m, 600 N/m, or 400 N/m (as determined by ASTM D 790-03) to keep it from irritating the wearer. It may alternatively or additionally be desirable to design the sensor, or a portion of the sensor, to have a bending modulus (N/m2) of less than 2.0E+09, 1.0E+08, or 1.0E+06.


In various embodiments a sensor can have an overall shape that is more or less elongated. In some embodiments, all or part of a sensor may be linear, curved, angled, segmented, or any regular or irregular geometric shape (such as a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, octagon, hexagon, star, half circle, a quarter circle, a half oval, a quarter oval, a radial pattern, etc.), a recognizable image (such as a letter, number, word, character, face of an animal, face of a person, etc.), or another recognizable image (such as a plant, a car, etc.), another shape, or combinations of any of these shapes. Also, in various embodiments, an indicator can have varying widths over all or part of its length.


The sensor 320 may include one or more sensing areas for example, a first sensing area 340 and a second sensing area 360. In various embodiments, a sensor can include three or more sensing areas.


The first sensing area 340 may include a first area inboard end 342, a first area outboard end 343, and a first area overall length 341 measured along the first sensing area 340 from the first area inboard end 342 to the first area outboard end 343. The first sensing area 340 may have an overall shape that is substantially elongated and substantially rectangular. The first sensing area 340 may have a substantially uniform width along the entire first area overall length 341. However, in some embodiments, an sensing area can have various shapes and various widths over all or part of its length, as described above in connection with the sensor.


In addition to the first sensing area 340, the sensor 320 may include a second sensing area 360. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second sensing area 360 is outboard 317 from the first sensing area 340. The second sensing area 360 may include a second area inboard end 362, a second area outboard end 363, and a second area overall length 361 measured along the second sensing area 360 from the second area inboard end 362 to the second area outboard end 363. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second area overall length 361 is less than the first area overall length 341. In some embodiments, a second area overall length can be equal to a first area overall length or greater than a first area overall length.


The second sensing area 360 may have an overall shape that is substantially elongated and substantially rectangular. The second visual fullness sensing area 360 may have a substantially uniform width along the entire second area overall length 361.


Auxiliary Article Structure


One or more sensors may be used with an auxiliary article. The auxiliary article may be a durable, washable, reusable garment designed to fit over an absorbent article. The auxiliary article may be made of various materials, including rayon, nylon, polyester, various polyolefins, spandex, cotton, wool, flax, or combinations thereof.


The auxiliary article may comprise the sensor between two of its layers. A pocket may be formed in or on the inner or outer surface of the auxiliary article. A window may be formed through one or more of the layers of the auxiliary article to provide for better communication between the sensor and the absorbent article.


The sensor may be discrete or integral with the auxiliary article. Integral embodiment may comprise a sensor that can be washed.


The sensor may be removably integrated with the auxiliary article with hook and loops fasteners, adhesives, thermal bonds, mating fasteners like snaps or buttons, or may be disposed in pockets, recesses or void spaces built into the auxiliary article, or combinations thereof. Many of these integration means enable removal of and/or attachment of the sensor from or to the auxiliary article. The auxiliary article may be designed to receive an absorbent article for example an insert. Examples of such auxiliary article chassis that may be desired are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,324 and U.S. Pub. Nos. 2010-0179500, 2010-0179496, 2010-0179501, 2010-0179502, and 2010-0179499.


The auxiliary article may be in the form of a pant-like garment for example children's underwear. The sensors may be adapted to work collaboratively with other forms of children's clothing for example jeans, shorts, overalls, etc. For example, the sensor may be part of an iron-on kit, such that the sensor may be ironed onto a pair of regular underpants or panties. Alternatively, the kit may comprise a patch (or several patches) that can be ironed on or otherwise adhered to the underwear so that the sensor could be removably be attached to the patch. In this embodiment, the sensor could be used from garment to garment.


The sensor disposition and/or patterns disclosed above for the absorbent article can also apply to the auxiliary article.


Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a pant-type auxiliary article can refer to an embodiment that is side-fastenable or to an embodiment without fasteners. A reference to a pant-type auxiliary article refers to an article having preformed waist and/or leg openings. Thus, each embodiment of an auxiliary article of the present disclosure that is described as pant-type can be configured in any of these ways, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.


The auxiliary article may also come in the form of a front-fastenable auxiliary article. While the present disclosure refers to front-fastenable auxiliary articles, the present disclosure also contemplates alternate embodiments of absorbent articles, as described herein, wherein the auxiliary articles are rear-fastenable. Thus, each embodiment of an absorbent article of the present disclosure that is described as front-fastenable can also be configured to be rear-fastenable.


The auxiliary article (whether front or rear-fastenable or pant-type) may comprise stretchable materials, extensible materials, elastically extensible materials or combinations thereof disposed at or adjacent the waist and leg openings to provide the extension necessary for application and body conforming fit in use. The front fastening auxiliary article may further comprise and overall stretchable, extensible or elastically extensible layer forming that provides a snug fit of the auxiliary article to the absorbent article.


Sensor Structure


As used in this application, the term “sensor” (e.g., 435) refers not only to the elements (e.g., 470, 471, and 472) responsible for detecting a stimulus and signaling such detection (via impulse), but also includes the housing or carrier layer or substrate (e.g., 473) around such element(s). A “sensor” may include a carrier layer (e.g., 473) with multiple elements (e.g., 470, 471, and 472) capable of detecting one or more stimuli; and, the multiple elements may create multiple locations capable of detecting one or more stimuli. The sensors of the present disclosure may form a part of a sensor system capable of monitoring urine and/or fecal insults. The system that may take on a variety of configurations which are determined by the means in which the presence of urine and/or feces is detected. After detection of urine and/or feces, the system may inform a caregiver and/or a child by generating a notification. The notification may be and auditory signal, an olfactory signal, a tactile signal or a visual signal. It is understood that the system may comprise a device for sending a wireless signal to a remote receiver which may in turn result in an auditory signal, visual signal, tactile signal or other sensory signal and/or combinations thereof.


Manufacturing the sensor independent of the primary disposable absorbent article enables utilization of more expensive components and delivery of more sophisticated sensor technology. For example, internal sensors and/or sensors that are part of the absorbent article may require a built in power source that needs to last through the storage, shelf-life and usage of the absorbent article it is incorporated into. Not to mention, that integrated sensors can introduce significant cost. To offset cost, more simple sensors may be utilized but the functionality and reliability of such cheap sensors would suffer. Stand alone sensors disposed exteriorly of the absorbent article do not have these limitations and could include a means for replacing the power supply or could be rechargeable.


The sensor may be washable and thus created in a water-tight casing or coating capable of withstanding temperatures of greater than about 185° F., or greater than about 200° F.


Various sensors may be used, including inductive, capacitive, ultra sonic, optical, moisture, humidity, chemical, temperature, electromagnetic and combinations thereof.


Sensor Size/Dimension


Whether the sensor is used with an absorbent article (e.g., such that it is joined to the garment-facing layer or wearer-facing layer or placed in a pocket formed by a portion of the absorbent article) or the sensor is used with an auxiliary article (e.g., such that it is joined to an interior or exterior surface or placed in a pocket formed by a portion of the auxiliary article), there may be a desire to design the sensor such that it does not present a potential physical hazard challenge in the event the child were to detach the sensor from the article. A typical physical hazard that such an event could present is choking.


To minimize the choking potential the width of the sensor (which includes its carrier layer) may be designed to be greater than 1.25 inches. If the width of the sensor apparatus is less than 1.25 inches it may be desirable to design it to have a length of greater than 2.25 inches. Other desirable embodiments may be as sensor having a width greater than 1.5 inches and/or a length greater than 3 inches.


Furthermore, it may be desirable that the ends of the sensor (at the narrowest portion) are not curved (convex) because such a curve can open the airway and allow the device to slide further into the windpipe. If a curve is desired, however, it may be desired that it have a radius of curvature greater than 0.25 inches.


An alternative to the width and length dimensions above is to design the sensor with an airway sufficient to enable airflow even if the device gets lodged in the throat of the wearer


A contributor to choking may be the wearer's ability to separate the sensor device from the exterior surface of the absorbent or auxiliary article being worn (without regard to whether the sensor is designed to be separable). Removal force is the force to separate two layers of a device or article and/or to separate the device from the article. This separation force can be controlled by limiting the ability of the wearer to grasp the device, for example between their finger tips or alternatively by hooking their finger between the device and the article.


To minimize the fingertip grasping of the device to promote separation the graspable areas around the sensor may be limited to less than 10 mm or less than 5 mm.


To prevent the wearer from getting their fingers between the sensor and article to separate it the bonds, areas of attachment, between the device and article may desirably have a spacing of no more than 20 mm, less than 15 mm or less than 11 mm. A pocket would help minimize both of these factors especially if the pocket is deeper than the device is long and/or the pocket can be closed (e.g., with hooks and loops). Furthermore if the width of the pocket may desirably be less than 20 mm or less than 15 mm to prevent the wearer from accessing the sensor. In addition, if the sensor is disposed at a depth of at least 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm from the end of the pocket the wearer will likely not be able to reach the sensor for inadvertent removal. In such designs it may be beneficial to provide a means for the caregiver to open the pocket adequately to remove the sensor and/or to provide the caregiver with a means for extracting the sensor from the pocket.


Beyond removal force, it may be desirable to have a shear force between the article and the sensor of from about 10 to about 70 N, 20 to about 60 N, or 30 to about 60 N. The pulling force to separate the sensor from the article may be from about 25 to about 500 N, or 50 to about 250 N.


Thermal Sensor


The sensor of the present disclosure may sense incontinent events by measuring changes associated with the incontinent event. One of the properties of the absorbent article that may be sensed is temperature change of the article associated with introduction of urine or feces associated with an incontinence event. Typical diaper temperatures before urine loading range from about 80 to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A urine or fecal insult introduces exudates that are at body temperature, typically 98.6 Fahrenheit, which can be detected through the garment-facing layer of the article. It has been shown that diaper temperature will over time equilibrate into the range of from about 90 to about 92 degrees Fahrenheit after some period of time. Measuring the incontinent event thermally can not only provide an indication of the event itself, but the temperature profile may be used to determine core capacity, and/or size of the insult itself, i.e., amount of urine. The sensor system of the present disclosure may also use the incontinent event as a trigger to review the properties of the wearer and/or the article being monitored before and during the incontinent event. Changes in these properties may show a pattern that can then be used to predict when subsequent incontinent events are likely to occur.


Inductive Sensor


An inductive sensor may be used. Referring generally to FIGS. 5A-C, the inductive sensor may work with a LC-oscillator. This sensor can work by the conductive fluid (urine) damping the oscillating circuit such that the output voltage decreases. Measured data may be gathered from an attached device that detects an change of voltage during urination.


The LC-oscillator may generate a sine wave oscillation at a resonance frequency and an electromagnetic field outside the coil, wherein resonance frequency is f0=(2π*√(LC))−1. A conductive material within this field will dampen the oscillating circuit by inducing eddy currents inside the material. Conductive material could be metal, carbon, electrically conductive plastics or electrically conductive fluids like saltwater or urine. The damping of the oscillating circuit decreases the output voltage, this change will be detected and evaluation electronics generate an output signal indicative of the change.


Frequency range of the inductive sensor may be from about 10 kHz to about 100 MHz depending on frequency, coil size and distance. Detection distance may be from about 1 to about 20 mm. Coil dimensions may have a diameter from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. Coil geometry may be a solenoid, copper wire coil with or without a core, or may be a flat, pancake coil made of copper wires or may be printed copper coil on PCB (Printed Circuit Board), or as conductive ink or color printed on paper or plastic foil.


Capacitive Sensor


A capacitive sensor may be used. Referring generally to FIGS. 6A-D, a capacitive sensor may work with an RC-oscillator. The sensor works by fluid changing the dielectric and thus increases the capacity of the electrode arrangement. Dependent on the sensor capacity the frequency and the amplitude of the RC-oscillator changes. Measured data may be gathered from an attached device that detects a change of frequency and amplitude during urination.


The capacitive sensor defines the active sensor area. A change of the dielectric medium decreases or increases the capacity of the electrode arrangement and changes the output signal of the oscillation unit.


Capacitive sensors are able to detect solid materials and fluids, independent of the conductivity of the material. The sensitivity and also the detection distance of the capacitive sensor is related to size of the active sensor area and the material and size of the body that should be detected.


Ultra Sonic Sensor


An ultra sonic sensor may be used. Referring generally to FIGS. 7A-C, ultrasonic sensors generate high frequency sound waves in a frequency range from 20 kHz up to 1 GHz.


For distance measurement and object detection they measure the signal run time between transmitted pulse and the echo which is received back by the sensor. Some ultra sonic sensors use separate transmitter and receiver components while others combine both in a single piezoelectric transceiver.


Ultra sonic sensors will work with most of surfaces and also with boundary surfaces between different fluids or gases. The technology is limited by the shapes of surfaces and the density or consistency of the material, but with adapted frequencies and output power is it possible to detect difficult surfaces or materials. Another way to increase the sensor density is to apply variable scan frequencies.


Inside a medium with known density and/or sonic velocity the distance can be calculated as following:


calculation of the distance x based on run time measurement

v=x/t t=signal run time
x=v*t x=distance

    • v=inside the medium (in air 346 m/sec)


travel distance of the signal=2 times distance to the object:

2x=v*t
x=(v*t)/2


In case of a single piezoelectric transducer is used the minimum detectable distance is limited by the recovery time of the piezo. The recovery time depends on piezo size, frequency and on electronics.


The measured time difference between transmitted pulse and received pulse is proportional to the distance to the next boundary surface. The emitted power and the transmitter frequency must be configured to penetrate the dry absorbing material and also the garment-facing layer.


Optical Sensor


An alternative sensor approach of the present disclosure senses incontinent events by measuring optical change of the absorbent article associated with a urine or fecal incontinence event. The sensor may simply measure optical changes as urine or feces contact the garment-facing layer of the absorbent article, e.g., change in color associated with the yellow urine or brown feces. Alternatively, the article may comprise a material placed adjacent the garment-facing layer that reacts with the urine of feces insult to change color and provide the optical indication necessary for sensing. In yet another alternative of an optical sensing system the outer cover may comprise a material that changes in translucency when wet, thereby allowing an inner layer to show through creating the optically measurable change. It should be appreciated that these optical changes are desirably reversible after the insult, for example, once the liquid has been absorbed by the absorbent core. Alternatively, it may be desirable that the optical properties change to a measurable degree with each subsequent incontinent event. Measuring the incontinent event optically can not only provide an indication of the event itself, but the duration of the optical change particularly in a reversible change structure can provide an indication of core capacity, product dryness and/or size of the insult itself, e.g. amount of urine. Sensor systems of the present disclosure may also use the incontinent event as a trigger to review the properties of the wearer and/or the article monitored before and during the incontinent event. Changes in these properties may show a pattern that can then be used to predict when subsequent incontinent events are likely.


In an alternative embodiment, a simple absorbent sheet may become darker when liquid is introduced and as liquid is absorbed back into the absorbent core the simple absorbent sheet may become lighter in color. As stated above, it is preferred that the optical changes are either cyclic in nature, i.e., on and off or are progressive in nature, i.e. changing from one level of intensity to another with each loading. These approaches, cyclic and progressive will enable to sensors to distinguish when a loading has occurred and provide reliable indication.


Chemicals and Properties Sensed


In yet another alternative embodiment, sensors of the present disclosure monitor incontinent events by measuring changes associated with an incontinent event. One of the properties of the absorbent article that may be monitored is transmission of a specific gas or vapor through the article outer cover. The creation of the gas or vapor may be associated with a urine and/or fecal incontinence event. Microporous, breathable outer covers have the ability to pass gases and/or vapors through the pores of the outer cover itself. The monitoring involves one or more reactants that create or generate a gas or vapor when contacted by urine and/or feces. It should be appreciated that the selective gas and/or vapor transmission through the outer cover is desirably cyclic, i.e., lower once the liquid has been absorbed and high when free liquid is present. The magnitude of the cyclic nature of the reactant needs only be sufficient for reliable sensing of the event. Measuring the incontinent event via moisture vapor transmission can not only provide an indication of the event itself, but the moisture vapor transmission profile or threshold values may be used to determine core capacity, product dryness and/or size of the insult itself, e.g., amount of urine. Further, the incontinent event may act as a trigger to review the properties of the wearer and/or the article being monitored before and during the incontinent event. Changes in these properties may show patterns which can then be used to predict when subsequent incontinent events are likely.


Communication


There are a number of acceptable orientations for placing sensors in or on the auxiliary article to ensure the desired sensing of the environment within the absorbent article. For instance, an aperture or absorbent free zone may be created in the core of the absorbent article so that fecal waste or urine are more readily disposed against the garment-facing layer and thereby provide a strong enough stimulus (e.g., chemical, visual, etc.) that is detectable by the sensor. For this purpose, use of a substantially air felt free core may be desirable. Examples of acceptable air felt free cores are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,562,646, 7,750,203, 7,744,576 and U.S. Pub. Nos. 2008/0312617A1, 2008/0312619A1, 2004/0097895A1.


Alternatively, the sensor may comprise a mechanical fastener, e.g., a hook-like material that can engage with the outer surface of the product, nonwoven or loop material to hold the sensor in place. In an alternative approach the sensor may comprise a magnet designed to pull the sensor into contact with the external surface of the absorbent article. In such a design the article may comprise a thin piece of magnetically compatible material.


Sensors of the present disclosure may be designed to predict when an incontinent event may happen. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor may monitor a property of an absorbent article while the article is being worn. The sensor may determine a change in the property of the absorbent article wherein the change is indicative of an incontinent event of the wearer. Further, the sensor may predict conditions indicative of a subsequent incontinent event based on the change in a property. The sensor may make predictions by comparing a series of incontinent events and conditions present at, during or before the incontinent events, and by determining patterns in the conditions present at, during or before the incontinent events. Further, the sensor may provide an insult notification to inform a caregiver and/or the wearer of the presence of an insult in the absorbent article.


Moisture Vapor Transmission


In yet another alternative embodiment, the sensors of the present disclosure may sense incontinent events by measuring changes in moisture vapor transmission through the absorbent article garment-facing layer. Microporous, breathable garment-facing layers have the ability to pass moisture vapor through the pores of the layer itself. The rate of transmission is highly dependent on the distance the liquid is from the surface of the microporous material. Typical microporous materials exhibit significantly higher “wet cup” moisture vapor transmission rates (liquid directly on the surface of the material) than “dry cup” moisture vapor transmission rates (high humidity on one side low humidity on the other). Therefore, such microporous materials will have a higher moisture vapor transmission rate during and immediately after the incontinence event, especially for urine and watery feces, than during the remainder of the wearing time, when the diaper is dry or once the absorbent materials have contained all of the free liquid. It may be desirable to use a breathable garment-facing layer for the purpose of measuring WVTR. WVTRs of garment-facing layers of the present disclosure may range from about 500 to about 8,000, from about 1,000 to about 6,000, or from about 2,000 to about 4,000 g/m2/24 hours (as determined by ASTM E96).


The sensor system of the present disclosure may monitor a second property which is indicative of an intake of a substance by the wearer such a liquid, a solid, or a drug. For example this property may be data the wearer or caregiver may enter via a wireless handheld device or computer comprising a keyboard, mouse or touchpad indicating that the wearer has consumed food and/or liquids or has been given a drug. A pattern may show that at a given time after eating and/or drinking an incontinent event may occur.


The sensor system may predict conditions indicative of a subsequent incontinent event a number of ways. The sensor system may compare the changes in the first and the second properties that are being monitored and compare them with known patterns predictive of incontinent events. Alternatively the sensor system may look for individual incontinent events as indicated by the first property and then looked to changes in the second property which preceded the incontinent event. Upon finding an instance of a change in the second property followed by an incontinent event, the sensor system may then compare other incontinent events for a similar cause and effect relationship. Multiple second properties may be compared to find more complex relationships and patterns.


Sustainability


There is a growing desire to utilize more sustainable absorbent articles. It is too costly and too wasteful to incorporate a sensor into each article, and to throw it away with each absorbent article change. Instead of throwing away hundreds or thousands of disposable sensors per wearer, a single external sensor in an auxiliary article may be reused. The sensor may be oriented in a washable, reusable auxiliary article.


Another advantage of using a single sensor outside the absorbent article is that the sensor may be used with any absorbent article, including brand, type (taped, pull-on diapers, training pants, etc.), size (e.g., infant to adult).


Internal sensors and/or sensors that are part of the absorbent article may require a built in power source that needs to last through the storage and shelf-life of the absorbent article it is incorporated into. Sensors that are removable from the absorbent article and/or auxiliary article may be set in a recharging base or may have replaceable batteries. Alternatively, especially for auxiliary articles, a battery that is integral with the article may be recharged via a port in the article capable of receiving a charging wire that may be plugged into an outlet.


The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”


Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.


While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims
  • 1. A system for detecting a property associated with an absorbent article, the system comprising: a. an absorbent article comprising a garment-facing layer, a front region disposed on one side of a lateral centerline of the absorbent article, and a back region disposed on an opposite side of the lateral centerline of the absorbent article;b. a first reusable sensor for detecting a property associated with the absorbent article and being configured for temporary attachment to and removal from the absorbent article, the first reusable sensor comprising an optical sensor and being disposed on the garment-facing layer in the front region, wherein the first reusable sensor is disposed along a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article; andc. a second reusable sensor configured for temporary attachment to and removal from the absorbent article, the second reusable sensor disposed on the garment-facing layer in the back region, wherein the second reusable sensor comprises a different type of sensor from the first reusable sensor.
  • 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second reusable sensor is disposed along the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.
  • 3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first reusable sensor and the second reusable sensor comprises hooks for attaching to the garment-facing layer.
  • 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is a taped diaper.
  • 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first reusable sensor or the second reusable sensor detects optical changes to indicate a number of incontinent events and/or a size of an incontinent event.
  • 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the optical changes comprise color lightness and intensity.
  • 7. The system of claim 5, wherein a duration of an optical change event indicates a size of an incontinent event.
  • 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the optical changes comprise changing from one level of color intensity for one incontinent event and changing to another level of color intensity for a subsequent incontinent event.
  • 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the second reusable sensor is disposed along the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article, wherein the first reusable sensor comprises a first longitudinally inboard end spaced from the lateral centerline of the absorbent article by a first distance, and wherein the second reusable sensor comprises a second longitudinally inboard end spaced from the lateral centerline of the absorbent article by a second distance that is different from the first distance.
  • 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second reusable sensor comprises an angled sensor oriented at an angle between the longitudinal and lateral centerlines of the absorbent article.
  • 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional reusable sensor configured for temporary attachment to and removal from the absorbent article.
  • 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one additional reusable sensor comprises at least one angled sensor oriented at an angle between the longitudinal and lateral centerlines of the absorbent article.
  • 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one angled sensor comprises first and second angled sensors disposed on one of the front region or the back region of the absorbent article.
  • 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one angled sensor further comprises third and fourth angled sensors disposed on the other of the front region or the back region of the absorbent article.
  • 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one additional reusable sensor comprises at least one laterally-oriented sensor disposed along the lateral centerline of the absorbent article.
  • 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one laterally-oriented sensor comprises a first laterally-oriented sensor disposed on one side of the longitudinal centerline and a second laterally-oriented sensor disposed on an opposite side of the longitudinal centerline.
  • 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the longitudinal and lateral centerlines cross at a center of the absorbent article, wherein the second reusable sensor is disposed along the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article, and wherein the at least one additional reusable sensor comprises: first and second angled sensors disposed on the front region of the absorbent article;third and fourth angled sensors disposed on the back region of the absorbent article;a first laterally-oriented sensor disposed on one side of the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article; anda second laterally-oriented sensor disposed on an opposite side of the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article,wherein the first reusable sensor, the second reusable sensor, the angled sensors, and the laterally-oriented sensors are oriented in a substantially radial pattern extending out from the center of the absorbent article.
  • 18. A system for detecting a property associated with an absorbent article, the system comprising: a. an absorbent article comprising a garment-facing layer, a front region disposed on one side of a lateral centerline of the absorbent article, and a back region disposed on an opposite side of the lateral centerline of the absorbent article;b. a first reusable sensor for detecting a property associated with the absorbent article and being configured for temporary attachment to and removal from the absorbent article, the first reusable sensor comprising an optical sensor and being disposed on the garment-facing layer in the front region, wherein the first reusable sensor is disposed along a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article; andc. a second reusable sensor configured for temporary attachment to and removal from the absorbent article, the second reusable sensor disposed on the garment-facing layer in the back region, wherein at least one of the first reusable sensor or the second reusable sensor detects optical changes to indicate a number of incontinent events and/or a size of an incontinent event, wherein the optical changes to indicate the number of incontinent events comprise, for each incontinent event, detecting a darker color when a liquid of the incontinent event is first introduced and detecting a lighter color after the liquid of the incontinent event has been absorbed by the absorbent article.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/483,456, filed May 30, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/493,092, 61/493,095, and 61/493,100, each filed on Jun. 3, 2011, and each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

US Referenced Citations (460)
Number Name Date Kind
3848594 Buell Nov 1974 A
3860003 Buell Jan 1975 A
3911173 Sprague Oct 1975 A
4022210 Glassman May 1977 A
4038973 Moore Aug 1977 A
4265245 Glassman May 1981 A
4286331 Anderson Aug 1981 A
4515595 Kievit et al. May 1985 A
4554662 Suzuki Nov 1985 A
4573986 Minetola et al. Mar 1986 A
4662875 Hirotsu et al. May 1987 A
4681793 Linman et al. Jul 1987 A
4695278 Lawson Sep 1987 A
4699622 Toussant et al. Oct 1987 A
4710189 Lash Dec 1987 A
4785996 Ziecker et al. Nov 1988 A
4795454 Dragoo Jan 1989 A
4808178 Aziz et al. Feb 1989 A
4842666 Werenicz Jun 1989 A
4846815 Scripps Jul 1989 A
4894060 Nestegard Jan 1990 A
4908803 Aziz et al. Mar 1990 A
4909803 Aziz et al. Mar 1990 A
4940464 Van Gompel et al. Jul 1990 A
4946527 Battrell Aug 1990 A
4963140 Robertson et al. Oct 1990 A
4977906 Di Scipio Dec 1990 A
5036859 Brown Aug 1991 A
5137537 Herron et al. Aug 1992 A
5151092 Buell et al. Sep 1992 A
5221274 Buell et al. Jun 1993 A
5242436 Weil et al. Sep 1993 A
5264830 Kline et al. Nov 1993 A
5354289 Mitchell et al. Oct 1994 A
5415649 Watanabe et al. May 1995 A
5433715 Tanzer et al. Jul 1995 A
5469145 Johnson Nov 1995 A
5499978 Buell et al. Mar 1996 A
5507736 Clear et al. Apr 1996 A
5554145 Roe et al. Sep 1996 A
5569234 Buell et al. Oct 1996 A
5571096 Dobrin et al. Nov 1996 A
5580411 Nease et al. Dec 1996 A
5590152 Nakajima et al. Dec 1996 A
5591152 Buell et al. Jan 1997 A
5607414 Richards et al. Mar 1997 A
5628097 Benson et al. May 1997 A
5700254 McDowall et al. Dec 1997 A
5709222 Davallou Jan 1998 A
5714156 Schmidt et al. Feb 1998 A
5760694 Nissim et al. Jun 1998 A
5817087 Takabayashi et al. Oct 1998 A
5838240 Johnson Nov 1998 A
5865823 Curro Feb 1999 A
5902222 Wessman May 1999 A
5938648 LaVon et al. Aug 1999 A
5947943 Lee Sep 1999 A
5959535 Remsburg Sep 1999 A
6004306 Robles et al. Dec 1999 A
6160198 Roe et al. Mar 2000 A
6093869 Roe et al. Jul 2000 A
6121509 Ashraf et al. Sep 2000 A
6149636 Roe et al. Nov 2000 A
6179820 Fernfors Jan 2001 B1
6203496 Gael et al. Mar 2001 B1
6246330 Nielsen Jun 2001 B1
6264643 Toyoda Jul 2001 B1
6306122 Narawa et al. Oct 2001 B1
6372951 Ovanesyan et al. Apr 2002 B1
6384296 Roe et al. May 2002 B1
6432098 Kline et al. Aug 2002 B1
6501002 Roe et al. Dec 2002 B1
6534149 Daley et al. Mar 2003 B1
6583722 Jeutter et al. Jun 2003 B2
6603403 Jeutter et al. Aug 2003 B2
6609068 Cranley et al. Aug 2003 B2
6617488 Springer et al. Sep 2003 B1
6632504 Gillespie et al. Oct 2003 B1
6645190 Olson et al. Nov 2003 B1
6645569 Cramer et al. Nov 2003 B2
6761711 Fletcher et al. Jul 2004 B1
6817994 Popp et al. Nov 2004 B2
6840928 Datta et al. Jan 2005 B2
6849067 Fletcher et al. Feb 2005 B2
6863933 Cramer et al. Mar 2005 B2
6893426 Popp et al. May 2005 B1
6946585 London Brown Sep 2005 B2
6953452 Popp et al. Oct 2005 B2
6969377 Koele et al. Nov 2005 B2
7002054 Allen et al. Feb 2006 B2
7049969 Tamai May 2006 B2
7112621 Rohrbaugh et al. Sep 2006 B2
7145053 Emenike et al. Dec 2006 B1
7156833 Courure-Dorschner et al. Jan 2007 B2
7174774 Pawar Feb 2007 B2
7201744 Van Gompel et al. Apr 2007 B2
7241627 Wilhelm et al. Jul 2007 B2
7250547 Hofmeister et al. Jul 2007 B1
7295125 Gabriel Nov 2007 B2
7355090 Alex et al. Apr 2008 B2
7394391 Long Jul 2008 B2
7410479 Hoshino et al. Aug 2008 B2
7449614 Alex Nov 2008 B2
7477156 Long et al. Jan 2009 B2
7489252 Long et al. Feb 2009 B2
7497851 Koele et al. Mar 2009 B2
7498478 Long et al. Mar 2009 B2
7504550 Tippey et al. Mar 2009 B2
7524195 Alex et al. Apr 2009 B2
7527615 Roe et al. May 2009 B2
7537832 Carlucci et al. May 2009 B2
7569039 Matsuda et al. Aug 2009 B2
7595734 Long et al. Sep 2009 B2
7642396 Alex et al. Jan 2010 B2
7649125 Ales et al. Jan 2010 B2
7659815 Cohen et al. Feb 2010 B2
7667806 Ales et al. Feb 2010 B2
7682349 Popp et al. Mar 2010 B2
7700820 Tippey et al. Apr 2010 B2
7700821 Alex et al. Apr 2010 B2
7737322 Alex et al. Jun 2010 B2
7744579 Langdon et al. Jun 2010 B2
7753691 Ales et al. Jul 2010 B2
7760101 Alex et al. Jul 2010 B2
7786341 Schneider et al. Aug 2010 B2
7789869 Berland et al. Sep 2010 B2
7803319 Yang et al. Sep 2010 B2
7812731 Benza et al. Oct 2010 B2
7834235 Long et al. Nov 2010 B2
7835925 Roe et al. Nov 2010 B2
7846383 Song Dec 2010 B2
7850470 Ales et al. Dec 2010 B2
7855653 Rondoni et al. Dec 2010 B2
7862550 Koele et al. Jan 2011 B2
7879392 Wenzel et al. Feb 2011 B2
7956754 Long Apr 2011 B2
7946869 Ales et al. May 2011 B2
7973210 Long et al. Jul 2011 B2
7977529 Berman et al. Jul 2011 B2
8007485 Popp et al. Aug 2011 B2
8044258 Hietpas Oct 2011 B2
8053624 Nhan et al. Nov 2011 B2
8053625 Nhan et al. Nov 2011 B2
8057454 Long et al. Nov 2011 B2
8058194 Nhan et al. Nov 2011 B2
8080704 Uchida et al. Dec 2011 B2
8101813 Ales et al. Jan 2012 B2
8111165 Ortega et al. Feb 2012 B2
8115643 Wada et al. Feb 2012 B2
8134042 Song et al. Mar 2012 B2
8172982 Ales et al. May 2012 B2
8173380 Yang et al. May 2012 B2
8183876 Wada et al. May 2012 B2
8196270 Mandzsu Jun 2012 B2
8196809 Thorstensson Jun 2012 B2
8207394 Feldkamp et al. Jun 2012 B2
8215973 Ales et al. Jul 2012 B2
8222476 Song et al. Jul 2012 B2
8237572 Clement et al. Aug 2012 B2
8248249 Clement et al. Aug 2012 B2
8264362 Ales et al. Sep 2012 B2
8274393 Ales et al. Sep 2012 B2
8278497 Klofta Oct 2012 B2
8299317 Tippey et al. Oct 2012 B2
8304598 Masbacher et al. Nov 2012 B2
8314284 Novello Nov 2012 B1
8334226 Nhan et al. Dec 2012 B2
8334425 Ales et al. Dec 2012 B2
8338659 Collins et al. Dec 2012 B2
8350694 Trundle Jan 2013 B1
8361048 Kuen et al. Jan 2013 B2
8372052 Popp et al. Feb 2013 B2
8372242 Ales et al. Feb 2013 B2
8372766 Nhan et al. Feb 2013 B2
8378167 Allen et al. Feb 2013 B2
8381536 Nhan et al. Feb 2013 B2
8384378 Feldkamp et al. Feb 2013 B2
8395014 Helmer et al. Mar 2013 B2
8416088 Ortega et al. Apr 2013 B2
8431766 Lonero Apr 2013 B1
8440877 Collins et al. May 2013 B2
8452388 Feldkamp et al. May 2013 B2
8471715 Solazzo et al. Jun 2013 B2
8507746 Ong et al. Aug 2013 B2
8518009 Saito et al. Aug 2013 B2
8518010 Kuwano et al. Aug 2013 B2
8546639 Wada et al. Oct 2013 B2
8563801 Berland et al. Oct 2013 B2
8570175 Rahimi Oct 2013 B2
8579876 Popp et al. Nov 2013 B2
8604268 Cohen et al. Dec 2013 B2
8623292 Song et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628506 Alex, III et al. Jan 2014 B2
8882731 Suzuki et al. Jan 2014 B2
8642832 Ales et al. Feb 2014 B2
8697933 Alex et al. Apr 2014 B2
8697934 Nhan et al. Apr 2014 B2
8697935 Daanen Apr 2014 B2
8698641 Abrham et al. Apr 2014 B2
8742198 Wei et al. Jun 2014 B2
8747379 Fletcher et al. Jun 2014 B2
D710004 Elkasas Jul 2014 S
8773117 Feldkamp et al. Jul 2014 B2
8779785 Wada et al. Jul 2014 B2
8785716 Schafer et al. Jul 2014 B2
8816149 Richardson et al. Aug 2014 B2
8866052 Nhan et al. Oct 2014 B2
8866624 Ales et al. Oct 2014 B2
8884769 Novak Nov 2014 B2
8889944 Abraham et al. Nov 2014 B2
8920731 Nhan et al. Dec 2014 B2
8933291 Wei et al. Jan 2015 B2
8933292 Abraham et al. Jan 2015 B2
8962909 Groosman et al. Feb 2015 B2
8975465 Hong et al. Mar 2015 B2
8978452 Johnson et al. Mar 2015 B2
8988231 Chen Mar 2015 B2
9018434 Ruman et al. Apr 2015 B2
9018435 Kawashima Apr 2015 B2
9034593 Martin et al. May 2015 B2
9070060 Forster Jun 2015 B2
9072632 LaVon et al. Jul 2015 B2
9072634 Hundorf et al. Jul 2015 B2
9168185 Berland et al. Oct 2015 B2
9211218 Rinnert et al. Dec 2015 B2
9295593 Van Malderen Mar 2016 B2
9301884 Shah et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314381 Curran et al. Apr 2016 B2
9317913 Carney Apr 2016 B2
9380977 Abir Jul 2016 B2
9402771 Carney et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421137 LaVon et al. Aug 2016 B2
9545342 Cretu-Petra Jan 2017 B2
9585795 Boaseus et al. Mar 2017 B2
9907707 Lavon et al. Mar 2018 B2
10271998 Lavon Apr 2019 B2
20020021220 Dreyer Feb 2002 A1
20020070864 Jeutter et al. Jun 2002 A1
20020145526 Friedman Oct 2002 A1
20030105190 Diehl et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030130637 Intravartolo et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030148684 Cramer et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030208133 Mault Nov 2003 A1
20040036484 Tamai Feb 2004 A1
20040064114 David Apr 2004 A1
20040106202 Zainiev et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040127867 Odorzynski et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040127878 Olson et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040220538 Panopoulos Nov 2004 A1
20040236302 Wilhelm et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040254549 Olson et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050008839 Cramer et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050033250 Collette et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050065487 Graef et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050099294 Bogner May 2005 A1
20050107763 Matsuda et al. May 2005 A1
20050124947 Fernfors Jun 2005 A1
20050137542 Underhill et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050156744 Pires Jul 2005 A1
20050195085 Cretu-Petra Sep 2005 A1
20060036222 Cohen Feb 2006 A1
20060058745 Pires Mar 2006 A1
20060061477 Yeh Mar 2006 A1
20060069362 Odorzynski et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060195068 Lawando Aug 2006 A1
20060222675 Sabnis et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060224135 LaVon et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060229578 Roe Oct 2006 A1
20060264861 Lavon Nov 2006 A1
20070044805 Wedler et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070055210 Kao Mar 2007 A1
20070142797 Long et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070156106 Klofta Jul 2007 A1
20070185467 Klofta et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070233027 Roe et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070246992 Allseits Oct 2007 A1
20070252710 Long Nov 2007 A1
20070252711 Long et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070252713 Rondoni et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070255241 Weber et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070255242 Ales et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070270774 Bergman et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070282286 Collins et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070287975 Fujimoto et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080021423 Klofta et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080021428 Klofta et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080052030 Olson et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080054408 Tippey et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080057693 Tippey et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080058740 Sullivan et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080058741 Long et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080058742 Ales Mar 2008 A1
20080074274 Hu Mar 2008 A1
20080082062 Cohen et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080082063 Ales Apr 2008 A1
20080132859 Pires Jun 2008 A1
20080147031 Long et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080208155 Lavon Aug 2008 A1
20080218334 Pitchers et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080234644 Hansson et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080266117 Song et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080266122 Ales et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080266123 Ales Oct 2008 A1
20080269707 Song Oct 2008 A1
20080300559 Gustafson Dec 2008 A1
20080312622 Hundorf et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090058072 Weber et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090062756 Long et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090124990 Feldkamp et al. May 2009 A1
20090155753 Ales et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090198202 Nedestam Aug 2009 A1
20090275908 Song Nov 2009 A1
20090326409 Cohen et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090326504 Kaneda Dec 2009 A1
20100013778 Liu Jan 2010 A1
20100030173 Song et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100125949 Stebbing May 2010 A1
20100145294 Song et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100152688 Handwerker et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100159599 Song et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100159611 Song et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100160882 Lowe Jun 2010 A1
20100164733 Ales Jul 2010 A1
20100168694 Gakhar et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100168695 Robles Jul 2010 A1
20100168699 Robles Jul 2010 A1
20100168700 Schmidt Jul 2010 A1
20100168701 Schmidt Jul 2010 A1
20100168702 Ales et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100241094 Sherron Sep 2010 A1
20100242182 Chuang Sep 2010 A1
20100277324 Yeh Nov 2010 A1
20110004175 Veith Jan 2011 A1
20110152641 Fernfors Jun 2011 A1
20110166538 Wada Jul 2011 A1
20110251038 Lavon Oct 2011 A1
20110298597 Kaihori Dec 2011 A1
20120310191 LaVon et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120061016 LaVon Mar 2012 A1
20120109087 Abraham et al. May 2012 A1
20120116337 Ales May 2012 A1
20120116343 Yoshioka et al. May 2012 A1
20120130330 Wilson et al. May 2012 A1
20120157947 Nhan Jun 2012 A1
20120161960 Cheng Jun 2012 A1
20120172824 Khaknazarov Jul 2012 A1
20120190956 Connolly Jul 2012 A1
20120206265 Solazzo Aug 2012 A1
20120225200 Mandzsu Sep 2012 A1
20120245541 Suzuki et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120245542 Suzuki et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120256750 Novak Oct 2012 A1
20120282681 Teixeira et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120299721 Jones Nov 2012 A1
20120310190 LaVon et al. Dec 2012 A1
20120310192 Suzuki et al. Dec 2012 A1
20120323194 Suzuki et al. Dec 2012 A1
20130012896 Suzuki et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130018340 Abraham et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130023786 Mani et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130041334 Prioleau Feb 2013 A1
20130076509 Ahn Mar 2013 A1
20130110061 Abraham et al. May 2013 A1
20130110063 Abraham May 2013 A1
20130110075 Mukal et al. May 2013 A1
20130131618 Abraham et al. May 2013 A1
20130151186 Feldkamp Jun 2013 A1
20130161380 Joyce et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130162402 Amann et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130162403 Stiemer et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130162404 Stiemer et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130165809 Abir Jun 2013 A1
20130211363 LaVon et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130261409 Pathak Oct 2013 A1
20130303867 Elfstrom et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130307570 Bosaeus et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130310796 Zink et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130321007 Elfstrom et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130324955 Wong et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130338623 Kinoshita et al. Dec 2013 A1
20140005020 LaVon et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005622 Wirtz et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140014716 Joyce et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140015644 Amann et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140015645 Stiemer et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140022058 Stiemer et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140062663 Bourilkov et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140121487 Faybishenko et al. May 2014 A1
20140152442 Liu Jun 2014 A1
20140155850 Shah et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140155851 Ales et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140163502 Arizti et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140188063 Nhan et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140198203 Vardi et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140200538 Euliano et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140241954 Phillips et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140242613 Takeuchi et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140242715 Nhan et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140244644 Maschinchi et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140266736 Cretu-Petra Sep 2014 A1
20140292520 Carney et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140306814 Ricci Oct 2014 A1
20140033442 Carney Nov 2014 A1
20140329212 Ruman et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140329213 Ruman et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140363354 Phillips et al. Dec 2014 A1
20140371702 Bosaeus et al. Dec 2014 A1
20150025347 Song Jan 2015 A1
20150042489 LaVon Feb 2015 A1
20150045608 Karp Feb 2015 A1
20150112202 Abir Apr 2015 A1
20150130637 Sengstaken, Jr. May 2015 A1
20150143881 Raut et al. May 2015 A1
20150150732 Abir Jun 2015 A1
20150157512 Abir Jun 2015 A1
20150206151 Carney et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150209193 Ying et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150223755 Abir Aug 2015 A1
20150317684 Abir Nov 2015 A1
20160008182 Prokopuk et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160051416 Vartiainen et al. Feb 2016 A1
20160051417 Chu Feb 2016 A1
20160067113 Vartiainen et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160078716 Olafsson-Ranta et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160080841 Bergstrom et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160113822 Vartiainen et al. Apr 2016 A1
20160134497 Hermansson et al. May 2016 A1
20160136014 Arora et al. May 2016 A1
20160170776 Bergstrom et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160235603 Ehrnsperger et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160374868 Ettrup Hansen Dec 2016 A1
20170108236 Guan et al. Apr 2017 A1
20170224543 LaVon Aug 2017 A1
20170224550 Lavon Aug 2017 A1
20170224551 LaVon Aug 2017 A1
20170224552 Lavon Aug 2017 A1
20170224553 Lavon Aug 2017 A1
20170224554 Lavon Aug 2017 A1
20170252225 Arizti et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170286977 Allen et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170312142 Lavon Nov 2017 A1
20180000660 Lavon Jan 2018 A1
20180053396 Greene Feb 2018 A1
20180096290 Awad et al. Apr 2018 A1
20180106664 Bottomly Apr 2018 A1
20180147096 Lavon et al. May 2018 A1
20180193202 Lavon Jul 2018 A1
20180193203 Lavon Jul 2018 A1
20190180341 Matra et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190290501 Lavon Sep 2019 A1
20190290502 Lavon Sep 2019 A1
20200069483 Lavon et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200141792 Bottomly May 2020 A1
20200170848 Dan-jumbo Jun 2020 A1
20200179185 Lavon et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200188193 Lavon et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200188194 Lavon et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200197236 Lavon et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200206044 Lavon et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200222252 Lavon et al. Jul 2020 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (53)
Number Date Country
0 149 880 May 1984 EP
1 216 673 Oct 2005 EP
1542635 Apr 2012 EP
2491899 Jul 2014 EP
09187431 Jul 1997 JP
2002-022687 Jan 2002 JP
2002143199 May 2002 JP
2003190209 Jul 2003 JP
2004041697 Feb 2004 JP
2004230135 Aug 2004 JP
2006296566 Nov 2006 JP
WO 1995-16746 Jun 1995 WO
WO 1999-34841 Jul 1999 WO
WO 0197466 Dec 2001 WO
WO 2010-123364 Oct 2010 WO
WO 2010-123425 Oct 2010 WO
WO 2011-013874 Feb 2011 WO
WO 2012-084925 Jun 2012 WO
WO 2012-126507 Sep 2012 WO
WO2012166765 Dec 2012 WO
WO2013-003905 Jan 2013 WO
WO 2013016765 Feb 2013 WO
WO2013016765 Feb 2013 WO
WO 2013-061963 May 2013 WO
WO2013-091728 Jun 2013 WO
WO2013-095226 Jun 2013 WO
WO2013-095230 Jun 2013 WO
WO2013091707 Jun 2013 WO
WO2013095222 Jun 2013 WO
WO2013095231 Jun 2013 WO
WO2013-097899 Jul 2013 WO
WO 2013-185419 Dec 2013 WO
WO 2013-189284 Dec 2013 WO
WO2013181436 Dec 2013 WO
WO2014035302 Mar 2014 WO
WO2014035340 Mar 2014 WO
WO 2014-122169 Aug 2014 WO
WO2014-137671 Sep 2014 WO
WO2014-146693 Sep 2014 WO
WO2014-146694 Sep 2014 WO
WO 2014-148957 Sep 2014 WO
WO2014-177200 Nov 2014 WO
WO2014-177203 Nov 2014 WO
WO2014-177204 Nov 2014 WO
WO2014-177205 Nov 2014 WO
WO2014-178763 Nov 2014 WO
WO 2014-192978 Dec 2014 WO
WO2015-003712 Jan 2015 WO
WO2015-068124 May 2015 WO
WO2015-102084 Jul 2015 WO
WO 2015-102084 Jul 2015 WO
WO 2015-102085 Jul 2015 WO
WO2015102085 Jul 2015 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (40)
Entry
All Office Actions, U.S. Appl. No. 15/656,217.
All Office Actions, U.S. Appl. No. 15/134,035.
PCT International Search Report and Written Opinion, PCT/US2012/039943 dated Aug. 23, 2012.
All Office Actions and Responses, U.S. Appl. No. 13/483,463.
Non-Final Rejection for U.S. Appl. No. 13/483,463 dated May 21, 2014.
Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 13/483,463 dated Aug. 21, 2014.
PCT International Search Report, PCT/US2012/039940 dated May 30, 2012.
16 C.F.R. Part 1501 and 1500.50-53, Jan. 2001.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No, 13/483,456.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/497,541.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/497,574.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/497,641.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/497,674.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/497,735.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/497,823.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No, 15/653,821.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/705,996.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/916,827.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 15/916,854.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No, 15/931,818.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/360,125.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/438,512.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/438,514.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/675,636.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/794,371.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/796,002.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No, 16/799,886.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/807,262.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/812,812.
All Office Actions U.S. Appl. No. 16/830,352.
All Office Actions and Responses, U.S. Appl. No. 14/455,088.
All Office Actions, U.S. Appl. No. 16/296,329.
All Office Actions, U.S. Appl. No. 16/360,477.
All Office Actions, U.S. Appl. No. 13/483,463.
All Office Actions, U.S. Appl. No. 14/455,088.
All Office Actions, U.S. Appl. No. 15/879,971.
International Search Report, PCT/US2014/050083, dated Oct. 28, 2014, 8 pages.
International Search Report, PCT/US2017/019826, dated Sep. 4, 2018, 6 pages.
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Small Parts for Toys and Children's Products Business Guidance”, https://www.cpsc.gov/Business-Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Small-Parts-for-Toys-and-Childrens-Products, 7 pages.
U.S. Appl. No. 15/931,818, filed May 14, 2020, Gary Dean LaVon et al.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20170224542 A1 Aug 2017 US
Provisional Applications (3)
Number Date Country
61493092 Jun 2011 US
61493095 Jun 2011 US
61493100 Jun 2011 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 13483456 May 2012 US
Child 15497367 US