GB2183160A

GB2183160A - Improvements in disposable nappies

Info

Publication number: GB2183160A
Application number: GB08627075A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-11-21
Filing date: 1986-11-12
Publication date: 1987-06-03
Also published as: GB2183160B; GB8627075D0; GB8528720D0

Abstract

Disposable nappy comprising absorbent material covered by an external water-impermeable non- transparent layer whose exterior means sealed thereto, the indicator surface has visible wetness indicator means being in communication with the absorbent material by a part thereof passing through a gap in the outer layer. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in disposable nappies This invention concerns improvements in disposabie nappies.

Disposable nappies generally comprise a layer of absorbent material in the nature of wadding for soaking up urine, an external layer of water-impermeable opaque material such as white plastics sheeting and an internal covering over the wadding of semi-absorbent material through which urine may pass but which restricts back flow of urine to the skin.

Disposable nappies are popular; their convenience to use lies in the disposability after soiling. They incorporate usually self adherent means for attaching the nappy to the body of a wearer. Certain disposable nappies currently available have a sealing mechanism, which when made is substantially permanent. Attempts to remove and reuse the seal may not be effective and therefore once the seal is broken the nappy is usually spent.

When a child is wearing a disposable nappy it can be very difficult to determine when the internal absorbent material has been soiled thus requiring a nappy change, chiefly because the outer layer of water-impermeable material is not transparent or translucent. It would not be practicable to use such 'see through' material.

If the parents or guardians suspect the nappy is soiled this usually requires dismantling of the seal or other handling of the wearer and therefore rendering the nappy ineffective for further use or possibly disturbing the wearer.

It is therefore desirable to produce an improved disposable nappy wherein wetness detection is by visible indication not requiring breakage of the seal, complete removal or other disturbance to the wearer.

It is from a consideration of the drawbacks of known disposable nappy arrangements that has led to the development of the present invention.

According to this invention there is provided a disposable nappy comprising absorbent material covered by an external water-impermeable layer, wherein the exterior surface of the layer is provided with visible wetness indicator means, sealed to the layer preferably so as to reduce, minimize or prevent seepage of moisture from the absorbent material. The indicator means may include or simply consist of a patch containing a substance whose colour can change in the presence of moisture, for example, silica gel or anhydrous copper sulphate. In addition the indicator means may contain one or more chemical agents for diagnostic purposes, e.g. to indicate acidity/alkalinity of urine.

The indicator means communicates (for the purpose of liquid flow) with the absorbent material. This may be directly or otherwise through an intermediate absorbent member such as, for example, an absorbent wick, layer or strip.

In embodiments of the invention the indicator means (or intermediate member) preferably communicates for the purpose of liquid flow with the absorbent material of the nappy through a slit in the water-impermeable resistant layer. Most preferably, the slit and intermediate absorbent member, when present, and the indicator patch are all covered by a translucent or transparent film or tape to restrict seepage of urine from the absorbent material through the slit whilst ensuring that the indicator means are readily visible. For example, this may be achieved by covering the slit, intermediate absorbent member and indicator with an adhesive clear tape.

In order that the invention may be further illustrated and readily carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing illustrating an embodiment by way of example only and in which: Figure 1 is a view of a disposable nappy according to the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, a disposable nappy la shown in folded-up form, comprises an interior 2 of absorbent material behind an opaque white water-impermeable layer 1 of plastics film and of which the exterior is shown 1. The nappy is provided with conventional adhesive tapes (not shown) for securing to a wearer.

The layer 1 is provided with a narrow slit 3 through which an intermediate member 4 in the form of an absorbent strip passes whereby part of the member 5 is in contact with the absorbent material 2 (shown in dotted lines) and part of the member 4 which projects above the slit 3 is in contact with an indicator patch 6. In order to minimize, reduce or prevent seepage of urine from the interior absorbent material 2 onto the exterior surface of the layer 1 (and consequently prevent such seepage from soiling any clothes that may be worn over the disposable nappy) the indicator, slot and intermediate member are all covered by means of an adhesive clear tape 7. This ensures that the indicator patch remains visible at-a-glance and simultaneously restricting any unwanted seepage of moisture from the absorbent material 2.

The indicator patch 6 may be made from absorbent paper and initially soaked in a solution of e.g. copper sulphate providing a blue colour. When the soaked absorbent paper is heated to remove moisture the absorbent paper changes colour from blue to white or a light blue. When the dried absorbent material is contacted by urine it changes back to blue or dark blue. Only a very small patch of indicator in the form of paper may be needed and this may be positioned not in direct contact with the skin of the wearer and therefore there may be less risk of soak-back of any potentially irritant chemical on to wet skin. Allergic reaction may be avoided.

In use, the indicator patch in this embodiment will initially be white or light blue and the child's parents or guardians can see merely by looking at the exterior of the nappy whether the indicator patch has changed colour and therefore any nappy change is necessary.

This method of determining wetness of a nappy does not require breakage of adhesive seals on the nappy holding same in place or removal of the nappy for inspection purposes.

Consequently, this can lead to economies through less wastage since the seals need only be broken when absolutely necessary.

This may help alleviate the problem of nappy rash associated with infants who frequently wear disposable nappies.

Claims

1. Disposable nappy comprising absorbent material covered by an external water-impermeable non-transparent layer whose exterior surface has visible wetness indicator means sealed thereto, the indicator means being in communication with the absorbent material by a part thereof passing through a gap in the outer layer.

2. Nappy as claimed in claim 1, in which the indicator means comprises an indicating patch in contact with an intermediate communicating and absorbent member.

3. Nappy as claimed in either preceding claim, in which the gap is a slit.

4. Nappy as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the indicator means and gap are covered by a translucent or transparent tape or film.

5. Nappy as claimed in claim 4, using tape in which the tape is adhesive.

6. Nappy as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the indicator means includes one or more chemical diagnostic agents.

7. Nappy as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the indicator patch is smaller than the intermediate member and placed di rectiy upon it.

8. Disposable nappy substantially as herein described and illustrated.

9. Disposable nappy constructed according to Fig. 1.