JP2024028725A - Indicator for potty training, use thereof, and absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an indicator for potty training which allows understanding of rough staring timing for potty training according to a growth state especially of an infant.

SOLUTION: An indicator for potty training for an absorbent article which responds to urine differently depending on a growth state of an infant and shows starting timing for potty training allows understanding of the rough starting timing for potty training. Preferably, a response to the urine is a color reaction, and the response is a reaction to a positive ion in the urine. Preferably, the indicator for potty training includes a substance responding to the positive ion.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a potty training indicator and its use, as well as an absorbent article comprising a potty training indicator.

BACKGROUND ART Absorbent articles that can detect urine excretion and changes in the wearer's health condition have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article that receives and stores excrement and includes a sensor that detects the health condition of an infant and a window that allows the sensor to be viewed. .

Special Publication No. 2009-543652

Toilet training, which refers to children from the age of one year until they reach the start of elementary school, is toilet training that is carried out from the state of regularly using diapers to the state of being able to relieve themselves in a regular toilet of their own accord. This is done at the discretion of the guardian, depending on the infant's walking ability, conversation ability, urination interval, etc. However, the age at which infants should begin toilet training differs depending on the infant, and it may not be easy for parents to keep track of the infant's urinary intervals if the infant regularly uses diapers.

Here, since the sensor included in the absorbent article of Patent Document 1 does not respond differently to urine depending on the growth condition of a healthy infant, it is difficult to grasp the approximate time to start toilet training. Not available for use.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toilet training indicator that can determine the approximate time to start toilet training, especially a toilet training indicator that can determine the approximate time to start toilet training according to the child's growth condition. purpose.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention provide a toilet training indicator for an absorbent article that indicates the time to start toilet training based on the infant's response to urine depending on the growth state.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet training indicator that can determine the approximate time to start toilet training, and in particular, can determine the approximate time to start toilet training according to the child's growth condition. can.

1 is a plan view of a toilet training indicator material 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention will be described below.

[Aspect 1]
(composition)
Toilet training indicator for absorbent articles that responds differently to urine depending on the infant's developmental state and indicates when to start toilet training.

(effect)
To begin toilet training, it is necessary for an infant to reach a certain level of mental and physical development, including brain function and urinary function, but this is difficult to ascertain because the level of mental and physical development varies from person to person. . According to the first aspect of the present invention, the toilet training indicator for an absorbent article responds to urine, and the response of the toilet training indicator to urine differs depending on the growth condition of the infant. When the training indicator is used, for example, in an absorbent article, it is possible to grasp the approximate time to start toilet training for the infant.

[Aspect 2]
(composition)
A toilet training indicator according to the first aspect, wherein the response to urine is a color reaction.

(effect)
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually grasp the approximate time to start toilet training.

[Aspect 3]
The toilet training indicator according to the first or second aspect, which shows different responses depending on the value of urine specific gravity.

(effect)
During the mental and physical development process of infants, bladder and other functions develop as well as kidney functions, so urine specific gravity changes with changes in urine concentrating function. Therefore, by using the toilet training indicator according to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, in an absorbent article, it is possible to grasp the approximate timing for starting toilet training in an infant.

[Aspect 4]
(composition)
A toilet training indicator according to the third aspect, comprising a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant.

(effect)
According to the toilet training indicator according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, urine specific gravity can be measured with relatively high sensitivity by color reaction. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually grasp the approximate time to start toilet training relatively easily, with relatively high sensitivity, and visually.

[Aspect 5]
(composition)
A toilet training indicator according to the third aspect, comprising a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator.

(effect)
According to the toilet training indicator according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, urine specific gravity can be measured relatively easily by color reaction. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually grasp the approximate time to start toilet training.

[Aspect 6]
(composition)
Materials constituting the absorbent article;
The toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, applied to the material;
Indicator materials for potty training, including:

(effect)
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned toilet training indicator is applied to a material constituting an absorbent article. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it becomes easy to store and transport the indicator material for toilet training, and it is possible to omit the step of applying the indicator material for toilet training in the manufacturing process of the absorbent article. The manufacturing process of the article is further simplified.

[Aspect 7]
Materials constituting the absorbent article;
An indicator material for toilet training, comprising: a carrier containing the indicator for toilet training according to any one of the first to fifth aspects applied to the above material.

(effect)
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the above-described toilet training indicator is applied to a material constituting an absorbent article in a form contained in a carrier containing the indicator. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more easily and accurately apply a toilet training indicator to materials.

[Aspect 8]
(composition)
According to the sixth or seventh aspect, the material constituting the absorbent article is a sheet-like base material, and the sheet-like base material has a visible light transmittance of 30% or more and 80% or less in the visible spectrum region. Indicator materials for potty training.

(effect)
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the material constituting the absorbent article is a sheet-like base material, and this sheet-like base material has a visible light transmittance of 30% or more and 80% or less in the visible spectrum region. Therefore, it is possible to configure a structure in which changes in the indicator applied to the sheet-like base material can be detected through the sheet-like base material, while feces and urine cannot be visually recognized through the sheet-like base material.

[Aspect 9]
(composition)
comprising at least an absorbent body;
An absorbent material comprising the toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects. Goods.

(effect)
According to the aspect described in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the absorbent article is provided with the above-described toilet training indicator or the above-mentioned toilet training indicator material, so that by using this absorbent article, toilet training can be carried out. You can get an idea of when to start.

[Aspect 10]
(composition)
The above response to urine is a color reaction,
According to the ninth aspect, further comprising a color sample indicating that the wearer is in a growth condition suitable for toilet training, and/or a color sample indicating that the wearer is not in a growth condition suitable for toilet training. absorbent articles.

(effect)
According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the response to urine is a color reaction, and/or a color swatch indicating that the wearer is in a state of development suitable for toilet training; Since the absorbent article includes a color sample indicating that the child is not in a normal growth state, the guardian can quickly determine when it is time to start toilet training.

[Aspect 11]
(composition)
accommodating a plurality of absorbent articles according to the ninth or tenth aspect,
A package displaying a color sample indicating that the wearer is fit for toilet training and/or a color sample indicating that the wearer is not fit for toilet training.

(effect)
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of absorbent articles each having a toilet training indicator are provided, so that a rough estimate of when to start toilet training can be more accurately grasped without depending on day-to-day fluctuations. In addition, the package includes a color sample indicating that the wearer is in a growth condition suitable for toilet training and/or a color sample indicating that the wearer is not in a growth condition suitable for toilet training. , the guardian can quickly determine when to start toilet training.

[Aspect 12]
(composition)
An absorbent article made of the toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects. Use for.

(effect)
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned toilet training indicator or the above-mentioned toilet training indicator material is used in the production of an absorbent article, thereby providing an absorbent article capable of displaying an indication of when to start toilet training. can do.

[Aspect 13]
(composition)
The toilet training indicator of the toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects. Used to get an idea of when to start.

(effect)
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned toilet training indicator or the above-mentioned toilet training indicator material is used to grasp the approximate time to start toilet training. You can get an idea of when to start training.

《Toilet training indicator》
The toilet training indicator of the present invention is a toilet training indicator for an absorbent article, which responds differently to urine depending on the child's growth condition and indicates the time to start toilet training.

<Color reaction>
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the potty training indicator exhibits different color responses to urine depending on the infant's developmental status. In this aspect, for example, a carrier containing a toilet training indicator is applied to the material constituting the absorbent article, and the indicator contained in the carrier exhibits a different color tone depending on the growth state of the infant. The degree of coloration may be determined visually or may be measured optically by reflectance. When determining the degree of coloration with the naked eye, for example, the naked eye determination may be performed by comparing the color tone with a standard color tone table (color sample) prepared in advance. Alternatively, when measuring the degree of coloration, the degree of coloration of the indicator may be determined by processing an image of the indicator taken with a smartphone or the like using an image processing program installed on the smartphone or the like. .

<Urine specific gravity>

A toilet training indicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is an indicator that shows different responses depending on the value of urine specific gravity.

Urine specific gravity may be measured using a reagent (detection compound or detection composition) that exhibits a different color reaction depending on the value of urine specific gravity (test strip method, etc.), or urine refractometer can be used to measure urine refractivity using a refractometer. It may be measured by measuring the rate or by a method using osmotic pressure.

In order to grasp the approximate time to start toilet training using a toilet training indicator that shows different reactions depending on the value of urine specific gravity, it is preferable to set a specific urine specific gravity value as a threshold value. For example, the fact that the urine specific gravity value has exceeded the threshold value can be used as a guideline for when to start toilet training. For example, when the detection range of the urine specific gravity value is 1.0000 to 1.0400, the urine specific gravity value is 1.0250 or more, 1.0260 or more, 1.0270 or more, 1.0280 or more, 1.0290 or more, A value of 1.0300 or more, 1.0310 or more, 1.0320 or more, 1.0330 or more, 1.0340 or more, or 1.0350 or more may be set as a guideline for when to start toilet training. The value of urine specific gravity may vary depending on factors such as the infant's health condition, water intake, dietary restrictions, exercise load, sweating, and season. Therefore, it is preferable to set a threshold value in consideration of such fluctuations in urine specific gravity. In particular, it is preferable to set a plurality of threshold values depending on the case, taking into account fluctuations in urine specific gravity, and/or Alternatively, it is preferable to correct the threshold according to changes in urine specific gravity. Note that the same applies to indicators using principles other than urine specific gravity.

<<Detection composition composed of a combination of a buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant>>
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, an indicator that responds differently depending on the value of urine specific gravity includes a detection composition comprised of a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant. Regarding the detection composition containing a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant, reference can be made to the description in JP-A-05-196616.

Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that in indicators containing such detection compositions, the surfactant not only exhibits a solubilizing, wetting effect, but also inhibits the dissociation of the pH indicator, which is typically facilitated by the addition of salt. On the contrary, since it also exhibits a suppressing effect, it is thought that as a result, the change in absorbance (OD) of the pH indicator increases as the pH of the buffer changes due to the addition of salt.

A detection composition composed of a combination of a buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant can be prepared by, for example, dissolving the buffer, pH indicator, and surfactant in a solvent such as distilled water to prepare a solution; This solution may be used by applying it to the materials that make up the absorbent article.

(pH buffer)
The pH buffering agent is usually used in the pH range of 3.0 to 10.0, preferably in the pH range of 4.0 to 9.0, and includes chlorides such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride, sulfates, etc. It is possible to use a material whose pH changes due to a change in concentration due to the addition of a strong electrolyte. Examples of the pH buffer include phosphate buffer, borate buffer, citrate buffer, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-maleate buffer [tris-maleate buffer], and bis(2-hydroxy ethyl)iminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane buffer [bistris buffer].

In addition, when a phosphate, bis-tris buffer, etc. containing a weak acid such as boric acid or citric acid or a salt thereof is used in combination as a pH buffer according to the present invention, salts such as NaCl may be generated during pH adjustment. This is preferable because it can prevent.

As a pH buffer, MES (2-morpholinoethanesulfonic acid), ADA (N-2 (acetamido)iminodiacetic acid), PIPES (piperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)), ACES (N- (2-acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), BES (N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), TES (N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-2-amino ethanesulfonic acid), HEPES (2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethanesulfonic acid), colamine hydrochloride, acetamidoglycine, tricine, glycinamide, or bicine, or mixtures thereof. You can also do it. Among these, TES, BES and ACES are more preferred as pH buffers.

(pH indicator)
The pH indicator is not particularly limited as long as it has a color change range within the pH fluctuation range of the pH buffer used. Specific examples of pH indicators include gentian violet, malachite green, thymol blue, methyl yellow, bromophenol blue, Congo red, methyl orange, bromocresol green, methyl red, litmus, bromocresol purple, bromothymol blue, and phenol. Examples include red, neutral red, naphtholphthalein, cresol red, cresol phthalein, phenolphthalein, thymol phthalein, and alizarin yellow R.

Preferred pH indicators include bromothymol blue, bromcresol purple, thymol blue, phenol red, chlorphenol red, bromcresol green, etc. These pH indicators are preferable because dissociation is promoted by enhancement of ionic strength. . Moreover, methyl red can be mentioned as another preferable pH indicator. Note that these indicators may be used alone or in combination. For example, when bromothymol blue is used in combination with another pH indicator, the change in color tone can be increased and the range of color change can also be expanded, which is more practical and preferred. Preferred examples of other pH indicators that can be used in combination with bromothymol blue include thymol blue, phenol red, and methyl red.

(surfactant)
As the surfactant, those having the effect of suppressing the dissociation of the pH indicator promoted by increasing ionic strength can be used, such as anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and Mention may be made of nonionic surfactants.

Examples of anionic surfactants include, for example, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), lithium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), sodium 1-dodecane sulfonate, sodium diisooctylsulfosuccinate (SDOSS), Examples include higher alcohol sulfate ester salts such as sodium octyl sulfate. These anionic surfactants are preferably used in conjunction with a neutral to alkaline (pH 6-10) pH buffer.

Examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts having one or more alkyl groups having 7 or more carbon atoms, specifically myristyltrimethylammonium bromide (MTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. (CTAB), octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and lauryltrimethylammonium chloride. In addition, as a cationic surfactant, in particular, quaternary ammonium salts having a phenyl group, such as benzalkonium chloride, tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, lauryldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, etc., and a pyridyl group Examples of quaternary ammonium salts having the following formula include laurylpyridinium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, stearylamidemethylpyridinium chloride, and the like. These quaternary ammonium salts can be used over a relatively wide pH range.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants include alkyl betaines such as lauryl dimethyl betaine and stearyl betaine, and 2-lauryl-N-carboxylmethyl-N-hydroxylethylimidazolinium betaine, which are preferably used in the neutral region. (pH 6-8) with a pH buffer.

Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene (8) octylphenyl ether and polyoxyethylene (10) octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate. Polyoxyethylene alkyl esters such as ethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan triolate, and sorbitan monolaurate can be mentioned. These nonionic surfactants are preferably used together with a pH buffer in the neutral range (pH 6-8).

The amount and concentration of each component contained in the detection composition according to the present disclosure are not particularly limited, but can be appropriately set in consideration of the visibility of the color reaction and the like. Regarding the amount and concentration of each component contained in the detection composition, for example, the description in JP-A-05-196616 can be referred to.

When the detection composition of the present invention is applied to materials in the form of a solution, the concentration of the pH indicator in the solution is, for example, 0.01 w/v% to 5.0 w/v% or 0.01 w/v % to 2.5 w/v%, 0.05 w/v% to 2.0 w/v%, or 0.1 w/v% to 1.0 w/v%. When the concentration of the pH indicator is within this range, good visibility of the response of the indicator in the absorbent article can be ensured.

For example, when bromothymol blue is used as a pH indicator, the amount of pH indicator applied per 1 cm ² of the toilet training indicator can be 5.0 μg or more. By applying the pH indicator in an amount of 5.0 μg or more, the visibility of the response of the toilet training indicator may be further improved.

When the detection composition of the present invention is applied to materials etc. in the form of a solution, the concentration of the pH buffer in the solution may be, for example, 1 to 900 mM, preferably 5 to 300 mM.

When the detection composition of the present invention is applied to materials in the form of a solution, the concentration of the surfactant in the solution is, for example, 0.01 w/v% to 5.0 w/v% or 0.01 w/v%. v% to 2.5 w/v%, may be 0.05 w/v% to 2.0 w/v%, or may be 0.1 w/v% to 1.0 w/v%. .

<Detection composition composed of a combination of a polymer electrolyte and a pH indicator>
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an indicator that exhibits different color reactions depending on the value of urine specific gravity includes a detection composition that includes a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that when the detection composition is used as an indicator, cations contained in urine are exchanged with protons by the polyelectrolyte, and these protons cause the pH indicator to change color. Conceivable. Since the concentration of cations contained in urine is considered to be proportional to urine specific gravity, urine specific gravity can be measured by a color reaction obtained by a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator.

(polymer electrolyte)
As the polymer electrolyte, it is preferable to use a water-soluble polymer compound having an acid group, such as methoxyethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, polystyrene sulfonic acid, and polyvinyl sulfuric acid.

(pH indicator)
Regarding the pH indicator, reference can be made to the above description.

<Cation>
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, cations in urine can also be detected. In infants, the concentration of cations in the urine changes as kidney function develops, so by using cations as the detection target, it is possible to determine when to start toilet training. Further, by using a color reaction as a response to the detection target substance of the toilet training indicator, it is possible to visually grasp the approximate time to start toilet training.

Here, the cations detected by the toilet training indicator of this embodiment include mainly monovalent cations such as sodium ions and potassium ions. A method for measuring the concentration of cations in urine is not particularly limited, but includes a method of measuring by a color reaction using a reagent composition containing a combination of the above-mentioned polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator.

In the toilet training indicator according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the type and amount of the detection compound or detection composition etc. be adjusted so as to respond to a urine substance of a predetermined concentration or higher.

<SAP>
In addition to the detection composition described above, for example, an injector that utilizes the disintegration of super absorbent polymer (SAP) used in the absorber may be used to determine the approximate time to start toilet training. For example, taking advantage of the fact that ascorbic acid and iron cause SAP to disintegrate more easily, and that ascorbic acid and iron increase as infants get older, ascorbic acid and iron in urine can be adjusted to a specified level. By using SAP, which disintegrates when the value is higher than the above value, as an indicator reagent, it is possible to determine when to start toilet training.

Such indicators include, for example, certain SAPs such as sodium polyacrylate. When sodium polyacrylate comes into contact with the urine of an infant whose development has progressed to a certain extent, its gel-like structure becomes unstable and at least partially liquefies. Therefore, by using sodium polyacrylate as a toilet training indicator, it is possible to know the approximate time to start toilet training.

Additionally, since SAP can be used as an absorbent article in infant diapers, the use of SAP as a toilet training indicator is particularly advantageous since there is no need to separately prepare a dedicated indicator. be.

Although not intended to be limited by theory, it is believed that the mechanism by which the above-mentioned SAP reacts differently to urine depending on the infant's developmental state is related to changes in the amounts of ascorbic acid and iron in urine. In other words, in young children (infants), iron excretion is suppressed due to the low iron content in breast milk and active hematopoiesis, while in older children, It is thought that iron excretion increases with changes in the quality and quantity of food intake. Regarding ascorbic acid, which is involved in the absorption of non-heme iron, it is thought that the excretion amount is similarly low in younger children and higher in older children. Therefore, the structure of the above-mentioned SAP hardly changes when it comes into contact with the urine of young children, but the gel structure is thought to be destabilized by ascorbic acid and iron, which are contained in relatively large amounts in the urine of older children. It will be done.

<Toilet training indicator containing a detection reaction substance that interacts with other detection target substances>
The toilet training indicator of the present invention may be a detection reagent (detection compound or detection composition) other than those described above. Examples of such detection reagents include pH indicators (which respond to hydrogen ions and proteins in urine), sulfanilamide (which responds to nitrites in urine), and sodium nitrobruside hydrate (which responds to ketone bodies in urine). (responses to glucose in urine), a combination of glucose oxidase, peroxidase and reducing chromogen (responses to glucose in urine), diazonium salt (responses to bilirubin in urine), etc. Potty training indicators containing such detection reagents are also included within the scope of the present invention.

≪Indicator materials for toilet training≫
The present disclosure also relates to potty training indicator materials. The toilet training indicator material includes a material constituting an absorbent article and a toilet training indicator applied to the material.

If the toilet training indicator is applied to the material constituting the absorbent article, it becomes easier to store and transport the toilet training indicator material, and the toilet training indicator can be applied when manufacturing the absorbent article. Since the step can be omitted, the manufacturing process of the absorbent article is further simplified.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a toilet training indicator material 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the potty training indicator material 1 includes a backsheet 3 and a potty training indicator 2 applied to the backsheet 3. The toilet training indicator 2 is, for example, one coated with a solution of a detection composition, and is preferably kept in a dry/solidified state. In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, the toilet training indicator material 1 may include a back sheet 3 and a carrier 2' containing a toilet training indicator applied to the back sheet 3. .

In the embodiment of the present invention, the sheet-like base material represented by the above-mentioned backsheet 3 preferably has a light transmittance of 30% to 80% in the visible spectrum range. Since the sheet-like base material has the above-mentioned light transmittance, the color reaction of the toilet training indicator applied to the sheet-like base material can be easily recognized even through the sheet-like base material. At the same time, the color of feces and urine can be made difficult to see from the opposite side. Note that the light transmittance in the visible spectrum range can be measured with a transmittance measuring device.

Because it is relatively easy to handle and can be easily applied to materials constituting absorbent articles, for example, the toilet training indicator is made by impregnating a nonwoven fabric with the solution-like detection composition according to the present disclosure. Preferably, it is applied to the material as a dried indicator-containing carrier.

(Materials)
Materials constituting the absorbent article include, for example, sheet-like materials (e.g., non-woven fabric, film, etc.) constituting the liquid-permeable top sheet, and sheet-like materials (e.g., non-woven fabric, etc.) constituting the liquid-impermeable back sheet. , films, etc.), materials constituting the absorbent layer (pulp fibers, superabsorbent polymers, core wrap sheets, etc.), second sheets, carrier sheets, intermediate sheets, exterior sheets, etc., and combinations thereof. Note that the top sheet is a material that is located closer to the skin than the back sheet when the absorbent article is worn. As the backsheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet-like base material with at least a portion of its surface made hydrophilic may be used.

When using a nonwoven fabric as the top sheet and/or backsheet, the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric include natural fibers, chemical fibers, etc. More specifically, pulverized pulp, cellulose fibers such as cotton; rayon, fibrillar rayon, etc. regenerated cellulose such as; semi-synthetic cellulose such as acetate and triacetate; thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fiber; thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fiber subjected to hydrophilic treatment. Examples of thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers include single fibers made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., and fibers made of graft polymers of PE and PP.

Examples of nonwoven fabrics include air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, point bonded nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, needle punched nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, and combinations thereof (eg, SMS, etc.).

The nonwoven fabric may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. Methods for this hydrophilic treatment include, but are not particularly limited to, a method of coating the surface of the nonwoven fabric with a hydrophilic agent, a method of coating the surface of the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric with a hydrophilic agent, and a raw material for the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric. Examples include a method of incorporating a hydrophilic agent into a synthetic resin.

The absorbent material that can be used in the absorbent layer is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb and retain excretory fluids such as urine, and any known absorbent material can be used. Examples of the absorbent body include one in which an absorbent core made of an absorbent material is covered with a core wrap sheet such as a hydrophilic tissue. Examples of absorbent materials constituting the absorbent core include hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent polymers, and more specifically, pulverized pulp, cotton, rayon, cellulose fibers such as acetate, and sodium acrylate. Examples include superabsorbent polymers such as copolymers, and mixtures of these.

Liquid-impermeable backsheets include films containing PE, PP, etc., breathable resin films, laminates made by bonding breathable resin films to nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond or spunlace, SMS, etc. Examples include multilayer nonwoven fabric.

<Carrier containing indicator for toilet training>
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the potty training indicator is applied to the potty training material in the form of a carrier. That is, the indicator material for toilet training includes a material constituting the absorbent article and a carrier containing the indicator for toilet training (indicator-containing carrier) applied to this material.

When the toilet training indicator is contained in a carrier, the toilet training indicator can be more easily and accurately applied to the material.

In a preferred embodiment of the indicator material for potty training, the indicator-containing carrier described above is applied to the backsheet.

(Carrier containing indicator for toilet training)
The carrier containing the toilet training indicator according to the present disclosure can be prepared by coating, printing, dipping, kneading, injecting, dispersing, spraying, or applying the above-described detection compound or detection composition to a carrier such as an absorbent carrier. It may be a coating, a film, a mixture, a dispersion, or a laminate obtained by laminating. A carrier containing a toilet training indicator according to the present disclosure is a solution, a dispersion, an adhesive composition, a hot melt adhesive, etc. containing the above-mentioned detection compound or detection composition, and an absorbent carrier or a carrier film. It may also be produced by applying it to a carrier such as and drying/solidifying it.

For example, a reagent solution is prepared by dissolving the detection compound or detection composition and binder according to the present invention in a solvent, and this reagent solution is impregnated into an absorbent carrier one to several times, or is applied onto a carrier film. A test piece may be prepared by coating or applying one to several times and then dried, and this may be used as an indicator-containing carrier. Binders include polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, gum arabic, gelatin, and ethylcellulose. Examples of the above-mentioned solvents include water, organic solvents, and mixed solvents thereof.

Among carriers containing indicators, examples of absorbent carriers include porous carriers such as cellulose fiber filter paper, cloth, nonwoven fabric, paper, and synthetic fiber filter paper. Furthermore, examples of the supporting film include synthetic paper, aluminum laminate film, and the like.

There are no particular limitations on the size, dimensions, etc. of the absorbent carrier and carrier film.

(Application of indicator-containing carrier to materials)
The method of applying the indicator-containing carrier to the material is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of an indicator-containing carrier in which a detection composition or the like is applied to an absorbent carrier or a carrier film, the indicator-containing carrier may be adhered to the material with an adhesive or an adhesive tape.

The potty training indicator may be applied directly to the potty training indicator material. Such toilet training materials can be manufactured, for example, by applying a detection composition in the form of a solution dissolved in a solvent such as distilled water to the material. Alternatively, the detection compound or detection composition described above may be applied to the toilet training material by coating, printing, dipping, kneading, pouring, dispersing, spraying, or laminating. In this case, the toilet training indicator may be in the form of a solution or dispersion of the detection compound or detection composition, and the detection compound or detection composition may be mixed with a liquid adhesive component to form a liquid. It may be an adhesive composition, in which the detection compound or detection composition is mixed with a thermoplastic resin (such as a hot melt adhesive) that is in a solid state at room temperature (for example, by kneading or powder/granule). (dispersed as bodies/pellets).

<<Absorbent article>>
The absorbent article of the present invention includes at least an absorbent body and also includes the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention. Since the absorbent article includes a toilet training indicator or a toilet training indicator material, by using the absorbent article, it is possible to know the approximate time to start toilet training. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises at least an absorbent body and also comprises a toilet training indicator material.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent body (absorbent layer) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. ), and the toilet training indicator of the present invention is applied to the back seat.

Such an absorbent article is made by, for example, applying a toilet training indicator to one side of a continuous sheet for the back sheet, placing an absorbent layer on this one side, and placing a continuous sheet for the top sheet on this absorbent layer. After forming a laminate and integrating the laminate using adhesive means such as a heat-sealing adhesive, the absorbent article is cut out and individualized from the integrated continuous laminate. can do.

Note that in the present invention, the toilet training indicator is not limited to being applied to the backsheet, but may be applied to an absorbent body, for example. In this case, when the guardian removes the absorbent article from the wearer, the guardian can visually check the color reaction of the toilet training indicator on the absorbent body through the top sheet.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absorbent article includes a color swatch indicating that the wearer is fit for potty training and/or that the wearer is not fit for potty training. It further includes a color sample showing the color. This allows the guardian to quickly determine when to start toilet training.

In another embodiment according to the present disclosure, when using bromothymol blue as a pH indicator, for example, a yellow color sample is used as a color sample indicating a growth state suitable for toilet training, and/or, A blue or green color sample can be used as a color sample to indicate that the growth state is not suitable for toilet training.

≪Packaging body》
Note that the present invention also relates to a package containing a plurality of absorbent articles. Since a plurality of absorbent articles equipped with toilet training indicators are provided, it is possible to more accurately know when to start toilet training without depending on day-to-day fluctuations.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article does not include a color sample indicating that the growth condition is suitable for toilet training and a color sample indicating that the growth condition is not suitable for toilet training, The package includes a color sample indicating that the growth condition is suitable for toilet training and/or a color sample indicating that the growth condition is not suitable for toilet training. According to such an embodiment, the guardian can quickly determine when to start toilet training. As a color sample, for example, a yellow color sample may be used as a color sample indicating that the growth condition is suitable for toilet training, and/or as a color sample indicating that the growth condition is not suitable for toilet training. A blue or green color sample may be mentioned.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the package may include a color indicating that the wearer is in a state of growth suitable for toilet training in the color reaction as a guideline for when to start toilet training of the wearer. You may also state the frequency with which this occurs.

≪How to know when to start toilet training using a toilet training indicator》
The present invention also relates to a method for determining when to start toilet training using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention.

The method of determining the approximate time to start toilet training according to the present disclosure is to detect a color reaction in the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material in an absorbent article that has come into contact with urine, and to determine the approximate time to start toilet training. Including the process of understanding.

In the method for determining the approximate time to start toilet training according to the present disclosure, in an absorbent article provided with a toilet training indicator or a toilet training indicator material, the toilet training indicator is the growth state of the infant who is the wearer of the absorbent article. Since different responses to urine are shown in different ways, guardians (mothers, family members, etc.) can get an idea of when to start toilet training.

In the method of determining the approximate time to start toilet training using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention, preferably within one minute after the wearer has excreted urine, the toilet training indicator The response of the toilet training indicator to urine preferably continues for 1 hour or more, more preferably for 3 hours or more, and even more preferably for 12 hours or more. Preferably, the supervisor changes the absorbent article worn by the wearer while the toilet training indicator is responsive to urine.

In the method of grasping the approximate time to start toilet training using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention, the toilet training indicator's urine is detected while the toilet training indicator continues to respond to urine. It is preferable that the response to be different depending on the growth condition of the infant who is the wearer. Therefore, in the method of determining the approximate time to start toilet training using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention, the period is preferably 1 hour or more, more preferably 3 hours or more. Preferably, the response of the toilet training indicator to urine for a period of 12 hours or more is different depending on the developmental state of the infant wearer.

Next, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following Examples and Comparative Examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.

≪Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5≫
As an indicator for toilet training, detection compositions showing different responses to urine specific gravity values were used to evaluate the response of the indicator to urine and the success or failure of toilet training.

<How to evaluate the success or failure of toilet training>
Success or failure of toilet training is determined if the child is able to go without diapers at least during the day as a result of toilet training (if the child is able to graduate from using diapers during the day), and if the child can go without diapers all day long, including at night. Toilet training was evaluated as successful if the condition was achieved (i.e., the child was able to graduate from diapers). In addition, the state in which the child has graduated from diapers indicates that the child is now able to defecate in a regular toilet of his/her own will.

<Diaper>
The diapers used in the Examples and Comparative Examples had an absorbent article, which consisted of a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and a top sheet and a back sheet. The indicator for toilet training according to the present disclosure was applied to a back sheet which has an absorbent layer as an absorbent body disposed between the sheets and serves as an indicator material for toilet training. Specifically, the potty training indicator was applied directly to the backsheet and dried and used as a potty training indicator material, or the potty training indicator was held on a carrier and glued to the backsheet. was used as an indicator material for toilet training.

<Evaluation method of response to urine>
An indicator capable of measuring urine specific gravity was used as the toilet training indicator. Specifically, a reagent composition containing bromothymol blue and methyl red as pH indicators, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) as a surfactant, and TES as a pH buffer was used. The specific gravity of the urine was measured by referring to the degree of coloration of the toilet training indicator on the absorbent article of the diaper that had absorbed the urine against a color sample. The specific gravity of urine was quantified in the range of 1.0000 to 1.0350, and the average value of the urine specific gravity measured during the evaluation period was taken as the average urine specific gravity value.

<Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5>
Urine specific gravity was measured for each infant between 2 years and 2 months (26 months old) to 3 years and 4 months (40 months old) wearing the above-mentioned diaper over an evaluation period of 2 to 4 days. At the same time, toilet training was performed and the success or failure of toilet training was evaluated.

The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 shows the infant's age in months, the average urine specific gravity value during the period of toilet training, and the results of toilet training. The results of the training are shown as "〇" if the training was successful (the child was able to graduate from using diapers), and as "×" if the training was unsuccessful (the child could not graduate from using diapers).

As seen in Table 1, in the cases of Examples 1 to 6 where the average urine specific gravity value was 1.0292 to 1.0333, the children were able to graduate from using diapers by toilet training. On the other hand, in the cases of Comparative Examples 1 to 5 in which the average urine specific gravity was 1.0258 to 1.0283, the children were unable to graduate from diapers even after toilet training.

In particular, Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 show results for the same infant. At the time when the average urine specific gravity was 1.0261 (Comparative Example 1), even if toilet training was performed, it was not possible to graduate from diapers, but at the time when the average urine specific gravity was 1.0306 (Example 1) ), you can see that you can graduate from diapers by potty training. Note that Comparative Example 3 and Example 2 also show results for the same infant, and the same can be said.

In addition, since the urine specific gravity value increases with the development of renal function, it is thought that there is a certain degree of correlation between age (age in months) and urine specific gravity. However, the correlation between age and urine specific gravity is weak, and in fact, Table 1 above shows that there are cases where the urine specific gravity value is relatively high despite the relatively young age (such as Example 6). On the other hand, there are cases where the urine specific gravity value is relatively low even if the patient is relatively old (such as Comparative Examples 2 and 3). Therefore, even though there is a certain correlation between age and urine specific gravity value, the above results indicate that it is not possible to judge when to start toilet training using age alone as an indicator instead of urine specific gravity value. It is clear from this. Rather, urine specific gravity provides an indicator that cannot be determined from age, in determining whether an infant is at the appropriate developmental stage for toilet training.

From the above-mentioned Examples and Comparative Examples, it was found that by using a toilet training indicator for absorbent articles, which responds differently to urine depending on the child's growth condition, it is possible to accurately determine when to start toilet training. .

1 Toilet training indicator material 2 Toilet training indicator 2' Carrier containing the toilet training indicator 3 Back sheet

Claims (13)

Toilet training indicator for absorbent articles that responds differently to urine depending on the infant's developmental state and indicates when to start toilet training. 2. The potty training indicator of claim 1, wherein the response to the urine is a color reaction. The toilet training indicator according to claim 1 or 2, which shows different responses depending on the value of urine specific gravity. 4. The toilet training indicator of claim 3, comprising a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant. 4. The toilet training indicator of claim 3, comprising a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator. An indicator material for toilet training, comprising a material constituting an absorbent article, and the indicator for toilet training according to any one of claims 1 to 5 applied to the material. An indicator material for toilet training, comprising a material constituting an absorbent article, and a carrier containing the indicator for toilet training according to any one of claims 1 to 5 applied to the material. The toilet according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the material constituting the absorbent article is a sheet-like base material, and the sheet-like base material has a visible light transmittance of 30% or more and 80% or less in the visible spectrum region. Indicator materials for training. comprising at least an absorbent body;
An absorbent article comprising the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of claims 6 to 8. The response to the urine is a color reaction,
10. The wearer according to claim 9, further comprising: a color sample indicating that the wearer is in a growth condition suitable for toilet training; and/or a color sample indicating that the wearer is not in a growth condition suitable for toilet training. Absorbent articles. A plurality of absorbent articles according to claim 9 or 10 are accommodated,
A package displaying a color swatch indicating that the wearer is in a suitable growth condition for toilet training and/or a color swatch indicating that the wearer is not in a suitable growth condition for toilet training. Use of the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of claims 6 to 8 in an absorbent article. Ascertaining the approximate start time of the toilet training of the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of claims 6 to 8. Use for.

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