MX2008010153A - Absorbent article with sensation member - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article includes a backsheet having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The article may also include barrier leg cuffs. The article further includes a sensation member, which sensation member may be defined in part by the topsheet or may be separate from the topsheet. The sensation member may be a wetness sensation member, a temperature sensation member, or a combination of the two. A visible highlight(s) may be associated with the sensation member.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH A MEMBER OF SENSATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants, training diapers, absorbent accessories, diaper liners and the like, and especially to an absorbent article with a sensation member, which can be adapted to be used in training in the use of the toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles are well known in the industry. These articles, in general, have an absorbent unit that during use is maintained or located close to the user's body to capture and absorb body exudates excreted by the user's body. Typical absorbent articles include a top cloth facing the wearer, which allows fluid exudates to pass from one side to the other, and a back canvas that prevents exudates from escaping from the absorbent article. Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers are designed to absorb and contain body waste to prevent the user's body and clothing from becoming soiled. Disposable items, generally, comprise a single design available in different sizes that fits a variety of users ranging from newborns to young children in toilet training. The design of the diaper, in general, affects the functioning, such as the ability to absorb and contain body exudates.

In general, the size of the waist opening, the size of the openings around the thighs and the length or "pull" of the diaper, for example, affect the diaper fit on the wearer's body. The toilet training stage can be referred to as the "exit point" of the diaper product category because young children who have successfully completed toilet training usually no longer use it. diapers The age at which children participate in toilet training in "developed" countries has steadily increased during the last decades and is now in the approximate range of 24-48 months. One reason why training in toilet use has been delayed is that significant technical improvements have been made in the dryness and comfort of the diaper. For example, when a typical modern diaper is worn, the child may still have dry skin after one or more episodes of urination. As a result, the child may feel little or no discomfort and, often, may not even realize that he has urinated. Some parents may have the child wear a cotton undergarment or persistent cotton training during toilet training to make the child feel uncomfortable after urinating on their "panties." It is believed that such discomfort helps to learn or motivate learning to retain urine voluntarily. The fabric training pants leave the skin wet and, due to its high permeability, promote cooling by evaporation of the skin, further increasing the discomfort. However, the real counterpart of this approach is that the fabric trainers have little urine containment, often causing the garment or the environment to get wet, for example, carpets, furniture, etc. Obviously, there is a need to provide a learning signal to the child in training in the use of the toilet while avoiding leakage of urine and unnecessary garment changes.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an article that facilitates training in the use of the toilet increasing the user's awareness that urination has occurred while at the same time providing the protection of an absorbent article to prevent the garment and the user's environment get dirty In particular, it would be desirable to provide such an article so that it also provides an effective urination signal by ensuring that the user feels an uncomfortable sensation as a result of urination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, an absorbent article has a waist region and a crotch region. The article includes a lower canvas having a longitudinal axis, an upper canvas attached to the lower canvas and having a surface facing the body and an absorbent core disposed between the lower canvas and the upper canvas. The article also includes a sensing member with first and second joint regions spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis, the first joint region is subject to the upper canvas in the waist region and the second joint region is subject to the upper canvas in the crotch region. The sensation member consists practically of a layer of hydrophilic material. In another aspect, an absorbent article has a waist region and a crotch region. The article includes a lower canvas having a longitudinal axis, an upper canvas secured to the lower canvas having a body-facing surface and an absorbent core disposed between the lower canvas and the upper canvas. The article also includes a sensing member with first and second joint regions spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis, the first joint region is subject to the upper canvas in the waist region and the second joint region is subject to the upper canvas in the crotch region. The sensing member includes a support layer having a surface facing the body and an opposite surface facing the upper canvas and an active component on one of the surfaces facing the body or on the opposite surface of the feeling member. In yet another aspect, an absorbent article includes a bottom sheet having a longitudinal axis, a top sheet attached to the bottom sheet and having a surface facing the body and an opposite surface facing the bottom sheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. lower canvas and the upper canvas. The article also includes a sensing member comprising an active component disposed in a region of the upper canvas on one of the surfaces facing the body and the opposite surface, the region of the upper canvas separated from the absorbent core. In another aspect, an absorbent article includes a bottom sheet having a longitudinal axis, a top sheet attached to the bottom sheet and having a surface facing the body, an absorbent core disposed between the bottom sheet and the top sheet and a first and second fold of separate barrier legs attached to the upper canvas and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The article also includes a sensing member having a first and second side separated, the first side is subject to the first barrier leg fold and the second side is subject to the second barrier leg fold, with the sensation member separated a distance from the surface facing the body of the upper canvas. Additional aspects of the disclosure are defined by the claims of this patent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Although the specification concludes with claims that point out in particular and clearly claim the object of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood by taking the following description in conjunction with the appended figures. In the appended figures, similar reference numbers identify similar elements, which may or may not be identical in the various illustrative modalities that are represented. Some of the figures could have been simplified by omitting selected elements in order to show other elements more clearly. The omissions of elements in some figures do not necessarily indicate the presence or absence of particular elements in any of the illustrative modalities, except as explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. None of the figures are necessarily in scale. Figure 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article with a section of the upper canvas removed to expose an absorbent core that is below; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative absorbent article shown in the relaxed, contracted state, ie, with the contraction induced by the elastic members; Figure 3a is a plan view of an absorbent article having a sensing member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 3a illustrating the layers of the sensing member; Figure 4a is an isometric view of the article shown in Figure 3a illustrating a first annex of the sensing member; Figure 4b is an isometric view of the article shown in Figure 3a illustrating a second annex of the sensing member; Figure 5a is a plan view of an absorbent article having a sensing member in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 5a illustrating the layers of the sensing member; Figure 6a is a plan view of an absorbent article having a sensing member in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 6a illustrating the layers of the sensing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: The term "absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs and contains liquid, and more specifically refers to a device that is placed against or proximate to the body of the absorber. user to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term "associated with", in relation to the most highlighted, refers at least to the most important thing that is on an element or on the most highlighted that is arranged next to an element. The term "associative correlation" refers to establishing a mutual or reciprocal relationship between the most visibly outstanding and that which is associatively correlated so that an association, that is, a connection or mental union, is formed between the two. This term is used in the context of associatively correlating the respective visible forms of the most visibly highlighted and a graph externally visible in or on the absorbent article as well as in the context of associatively correlating the most visibly highlighted or graphics with the concept of training in the use of the toilet. For example, associatively correlated graphs can serve together to draw attention to the possibility of toileting training when an absorbent article is seen before being used, to provide an externally visible reminder of the presence of the sensation member in the interior of the absorbent article while it is being used, etc. Also, the most visibly highlighted that provides a visual reference to a topic related to training in the use of the toilet, such as dryness, humidity, or protection against moisture, can serve to correlate associatively the most highlighted to the concept of the training in the use of the toilet and thereby facilitate the possibility for training in the use of the toilet. The term "subject" refers to elements that are connected or joined by attachment, adhesion, joining, etc. by suitable method for the elements that are being held together and their constituent materials. Many suitable methods are known for holding elements together, including adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, mechanical fastening, etc. These clamping methods can be used to link elements together over a certain area continuously or intermittently. The term "caregiver" refers to the person, other than a child, such as a parent, babysitter, family member, teacher, daytime attendant, or other person who is able to provide sufficient assistance to a child to complete a child. personal hygiene task.

The term "image of the character" refers to a graphic that contains an anthropomorphic image and, in particular, an image that has or suggests the human form or appearance that attributes motivations, characteristics or human behaviors to inanimate objects, animals, natural phenomena, toys, cartoon characters, or similar. The image of the character can be associated with popular media characters, advertisements or well-known characters of a specific culture. Perfectly, they are characters that the user, especially a child, is interested in and wants to identify with. The term "coloration" refers to the arrangement or degree of color, in particular when it is used to visibly differentiate an object or a portion of an object in order to visibly highlight it. The term "colorful" refers to the effect produced by the application or combination of colors in or on an object or a portion of an object. The term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally used by infants and incontinent persons in the lower part of the torso and having the general shape of an iron., whose different portions are held together to surround the user's waist and legs. The term "disposable" refers to absorbent articles that, in general, are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles, that is, they are intended to be discarded after a single use and , preferably, be recycled, composted or disposed of in a manner compatible with the environment. The term "disposed" is used to mean that one element (s) is formed (joined) and placed (s) in a particular place or position as a unitary structure with other elements or as a separate element joined to another element.

The term "graphic" refers to a product of graphic arts or a graphic representation in pictorial form. A graphic can be a symbol, a shape, an image, a text, or another form of distinctive marks. The terms "interactively interrelated", "not interactively related", "related by subject", "unrelated by subject" and "related by the same argument" are intended to have the same meanings as in U.S. Pat. num. 6,297,424, 6,635,797 and 6,307,1 19. The terms "interior" and "exterior" refer, respectively, to the location of an element whose intention is to place it against or toward a user's body when using the absorbent article and the location of the article. an element whose intention is to place it against or to any garment that is worn over the absorbent article. The synonyms of "inner" and "outer" include, respectively, "internal" and "external", as well as "inside" and "outside." Also, when the absorbent article is oriented in such a way that the interior faces upward, for example, when placed in preparation for placing the user on it, the synonyms include "upper" and "lower" and "upper part" and "bottom part", respectively. The term "lateral" or "transverse" refers to a direction that extends at an angle of 90 degrees in the longitudinal direction and includes directions within ± 45 ° of the lateral direction. The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction that extends parallel to the mum linear dimension of the article and includes the directions within ± 45 ° of the longitudinal direction. The terms "preschool" and "unable to read" are used in the present invention interchangeably to refer to the inability of a child to understand, understand and correctly follow directions written in a language that the child can speak without the help of a caregiver. Even when the child has the ability to recognize letters or read one or two isolated words, it is considered that he "can not read" because he can not understand, understand and follow the written instructions without help. However, the term "does not know how to read" does not exempt the child who is able to understand, understand and follow visual indications presented in the form of drawings, icons, symbols, gestures, cartoons and the like. The term "reclosable" refers to the property of two elements that are capable of releasably detachable, detachable and subsequently detachable, without permanent substantial deformation or rupture. The terms "detachable subjects", "removably attached" and their variations, refer to two elements that are connected or can be connected in such a way that the elements remain connected in the absence of a separation force applied to one or both elements and the elements are able to separate without a permanent substantial deformation or rupture. In general, the required separation force is greater than that found while using the absorbent garment. The term "solid color" refers to the uniform, ie continuous, color of an area when contrasted with the shape similar to separate lines of some graphics. The term "training in the use of the toilet" refers to the development of continence, which is the ability to voluntarily retain urine and feces. People who are incontinent can not voluntarily retain their bodily discharges and, on the other hand, urinate and defecate reflexively. For example, newborn babies are incontinent. Coincident with the development of continence, in general, children develop the ability to urinate and defecate voluntarily and stop the elimination reflexively. This development of continence and voluntary elimination, instead of elimination in a reflexive way, can be accelerated or guided by the caregivers through associative and conditioning techniques for the child's training. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "toilet training" is used to indicate both continence training and voluntary elimination associated with continence. It is also noted that the term "toilet training" is synonymous with the term "toilet training". The term "training pants" refers to an absorbent article commonly by infants and incontinent persons around the lower torso and having the general shape of a pair of short shorts that can be applied and removed from the wearer without unbuckling. . The term "unitary" refers to an absorbent article that is formed by separate portions joined together that form a coordinated entity that does not require separate manipulated portions such as a separate fastener and liner. The term "visible" refers to the quality of being able to be seen with the naked eye under normal lighting conditions in a room or in natural light during the day. By becoming "more visible" or "less visible" it refers to the change in visibility to a perceptible range when viewed below a constant or similar lighting condition. The term "the visibly outstanding" refers to the visible differentiation of an object so that it stands out remarkably from its surroundings, for example, differing in coloration, tone, or hue, in luminosity, darkness, or contrast, by the presence or absence of graphic or solid color forms, or by any other variation that serves to create noticeable visible differentiation.

The terms "liquid permeable" and "liquid impervious" are related to the penetrability of the materials in the context of the intended use of the disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term "liquid permeable" relates to a layer or stratified structure having pores, openings or interconnected voids that allow liquid to pass through its thickness in the absence of a pressing force. On the contrary, the term "liquid impervious" is related to a layer or stratified structure through whose thickness the liquid can not pass in the absence of a pressing force. A layer or stratified structure which is impervious to liquids according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, ie it may be "permeable to water vapor". That stratified layer or structure permeable to water vapor is commonly known in the industry as "permeable". As is well known in the industry, a common method for measuring the liquid permeability of materials, usually used in absorbent articles is the hydrostatic pressure test, also called the hydrostatic head test or simply a test of ' "hydrohead". Accepted, appropriate and well-known methods for hydrostatic pressure testing are approved by INDA (formerly the International Nonwovens and Disposables Association), now known as the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. the non-woven fabrics industry)) and EDANA (European Disposables And Nonwovens Association). The term "x-y plane" refers to the generally planar structure of a plate material defined by its length and width and lies between the two major surfaces of the plate material regardless of whether the material is flat or curved.

The term "Z direction" refers to the direction through the thickness of the plate material and, generally, orthogonal to the x-y plane. Figure 1 is a plan view of an illustrative disposable absorbent article 20 in a flat, non-contracted state, ie, without elastic-induced contraction. The portions of article 20 have been split to more clearly show the underlying structure of the disposable absorbent article 20. As illustrated, the portion of disposable absorbent article 20 that comes in contact with the wearer faces the viewer (i.e., showing the interior or internal side of the article). The disposable absorbent article 20 has a longitudinal axis 30 and a transverse axis 32. An end portion of the disposable absorbent article 20 is configured as a first waist region 40 of the disposable absorbent article 20. The opposite end portion is configured as a second portion. waist region 42 of the disposable absorbent article 20. The waist regions 40 and 42 generally comprise the portions of the disposable absorbent article 20 which, when worn, surround the wearer's waist. The waist regions 40 and 42 may include elastic elements so that they are attached around the wearer's waist to improve fit and containment. An intermediate portion of the disposable absorbent article 20 is configured as a crotch region 44, which extends longitudinally between the first and second waist regions 40 and 42. The crotch region 44 is the portion of the disposable absorbent article 20. which, when the disposable absorbent article 20 is used, is usually placed between, the user's legs. The disposable absorbent article 20 has a first waist edge 50 extending laterally in the first waist region 40 and a second waist waist region 52 extending laterally in the second waist region 42. The disposable absorbent article 20 has a first lateral edge 54 and a second laterally opposite edge 56, the side edges extend longitudinally between the first waist edge 50 and the second waist edge 52. The portion of the first side edge 54 in the first waist region 40 is designated 54a, the portion of the crotch region 44 is designates 54b, and the portion in the second waist region 42 is designated 54c. The corresponding portions of the second side edge 56 are designated 56a, 56b and 56c, respectively. The disposable absorbent article 20 preferably comprises a water permeable upper canvas 60, a water impermeable lower canvas 62, and an absorbent unit or core 64, which may be located between the upper canvas 60 and the lower canvas 62 with the upper canvas 60 attached to the lower canvas 62. The upper canvas 60 may be fully or partially elasticized or it may be trimmed to provide a space between the upper canvas 60 and the core 64. As explained below, a fully or partially elasticized upper canvas 60 may also tend to trace a feeling member against the user's skin. Illustrative structures that include stretched and shrunk upper canvases are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. num. 4,892,536, 4,990,147, 5,037,416, and 5,269,775, among others. Figure 2 illustrates the article described in Figure 1 configured as it would be used. The disposable absorbent article 20 can be sealed on both sides to be configured as illustrated in Figure 2. However, the article 20 can instead include adjustable side seams 70 that can be used to secure the waist regions 40, 42 together. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, the waist regions 40, 42 can be attached to the sides to apply the article as a diaper. In accordance with another illustrative embodiment, illustrated in Figure 2, the side seams 70 may include fasteners 72 that can be used to configure the article as a pair of training pants or disposable pants.

As illustrated, the fasteners 72 can be located inside the disposable absorbent article 20 in the second waist region 42 adjacent the portion 54c of the first side edge 54 and adjacent the portion 56c of the second side edge 56. The portion 54c side edge 54 is shown in open condition, such as before closing and holding or after being reopened. The portion 56c of the opposite side edge 56 is shown attached, ie, forming a pant configuration. In Figure 2, the second waist region 42 overlaps the first waist region 40 when fastened together. The fasteners 72 can be formed of any material and in any manner that are joined so that they can be released so that they can be joined to the surface of the opposite waist region by pressing them against it. For example, the main clamping component may be a mechanical fastener that is detachably coupled to the complementary surface, for example, by a plurality of hooks that engage with circuits formed by the fibers in a non-woven sheet. Alternatively, the main fastening component can be an adhesive that adheres releasably to the complementary surface. Other variations are also possible. For example, the fasteners 72 may be disposed within the interior of the article 20 in the first waist region 40 such that the first waist region 40 overlaps the second waist region 42 when they are fastened together. As another example, the fasteners 70 may be arranged on the outside of the article 20 rather than on the inside thereof. As another example, fasteners 70 can be used with a specific complementary fastening surface especially suitable for cooperating with fasteners 70 (eg, a circuit layer that operates with a fastener hook, or a specially treated layer to provide a surface contact for a specific adhesive). In addition to the illustrative fasteners and fastener arrangement, the fastening components that form these fasteners, and the materials that are suitable for forming fasteners are described in US Pat. num. 2003/0060794 and 2005/0222546 and U.S. Pat. no. 6,428,526, among others. In accordance with the present disclosure, the illustrative article 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, may be combined or joined to include a sensation member 80. Several embodiments, some with one or more variations, are illustrated in the Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. The elements common to all modalities are listed in the same way in all the Figures, while those elements that are unique to each modality are enumerated differently, with the feeling member conforming to a first modality that is listed 80, a second embodiment as 180, and a third embodiment as 280. Further, while the illustrative absorbent articles describe each individual feeling member, the articles may include a plurality of sensation zones in accordance with other embodiments. Returning then to the first embodiment of the illustrative feeling member 80, indicated in Figures 3a, 3b, and 4a, the sensing member 80 illustrated is a structure that is formed separately, but independently attached to the upper canvas 60. In particular , and as best seen in Figure 4a, the sensing member 80 has a first attachment region or end 82 extended laterally attached to the first waist region 40, and a second attachment region or end 84 extending in a manner laterally and opposes longitudinally attached to the second waist region 42. Furthermore, the sensing member 80 may have a central junction region 86 that may be attached to the crotch region 44. It is believed that the bonding of the zone 80 in each region of the crotch 44 can help stabilize zone 80, facilitating the adaptation of article 20 in the user, preventing interference with bowel movements and ensuring a good contact with the user's skin. As seen in Figure 3b, the sensing member 80 may comprise a hydrophilic layer 90, alone or in combination, as explained in more detail below. Illustrative materials suitable for use in layer 90 include non-woven fabrics, foams, woven materials, etc. In particular, the layer 90 may comprise, by way of illustration and without limitation, rayon, Lyocell and other materials based on cellulose, cotton, polyester, polypropylene and blends of polypropylene (eg, with other materials mentioned, such as a mixture of Lyocell / polypropylene) and hydrophytic forms of non-woven fabrics such as SM (spunbond-meltblowing, for its acronym in English), SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spun bond, by its initials in English) and SMMS (spunbond-melt-blow-melt-spin-bond, by its acronym in English). The layer 90 has a first and a second side 92, 94 that can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 30 of the article 20. Preferably, but not necessarily, a first elastic member 96 can be attached to the layer 90 on the first side 92, while a second elastic member 98 may be attached to the layer 90 on the second side 94. The elastic zones 96, 98 may extend along the entire length of the layer 90, or only in a portion thereof. A total or partially elasticized layer 90 may tend to push the feeling member 80 towards or against the wearer's skin. Alternatively, the layer 90 may be formed to have a shorter length than another layer disposed relatively outwardly, etc. According to a first variation in accordance with this embodiment, the sensing member 80 consists essentially of the hydrophilic layer 90.

That is, it may be sufficient for the purpose of alerting the user about a urine attack that the urine is maintained for a period of time in layer 90, thus providing a feeling to the user. However, in accordance with other variations of this embodiment, an active component, such as a coating or agent, may be applied at 100a, 100b to layer 90, which may be called a support layer, as illustrated by solid and intermittent lines. . Therefore, in accordance with a second variation, the sensing member 80 may also comprise an active component in the form of a hydrophilic coating, which may be applied to 100a as shown in full line in Figure 3b. The hydrophilic coating may be disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with the support layer 90. Furthermore, as illustrated, the hydrophilic coating may be disposed on the surface of the layer 90 closer to the wearer's skin (i.e., the surface facing the body). It is also recognized that the hydrophilic coating can include a diverse range of materials, including lotions, creams and the like. Illustrative hydrophilic coatings include surfactants, such as the NUWET silicone surfactant available from GE Silicones of Wilton, CT. Further, in accordance with a third variation, the sensing member 80 may also comprise an active component in the form of temperature sensing agent (composition or structure), which may be applied at 100a. The temperature sensing agent may be disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with the support layer 90. Furthermore, as illustrated, the temperature sensing agent may be disposed on the surface of the layer 90 closest to the skin of the skin. user (that is, the surface facing the body). In addition, the temperature sensing agent may be disposed on the support layer 90 in place of the hydrophilic coating, together with the hydrophilic coating, or combined (eg, mixed) with the hydrophilic coating. It is recognized that the temperature sensing agent can include those materials that produce a temperature change (ie, involve an endothermic or exothermic reaction), as well as those that produce the sensation that a temperature change has occurred, in fact, without producing it. For example, the temperature sensing agent may be a cooling agent. In addition, the cooling agent may be the AQUACOOL dye manufactured by United Polymer Technology of Akron, Ohio. The AQUACOOL dye is a water soluble dye that changes temperature when it is put in contact with it. Another example of a cooling agent may be menthol or a derivative of menthol, whose chemicals are believed to provide a sensation of temperature change, without actually producing it. The COOLACT P and COOLACT 10 products manufactured by LIPO Chemicals of Paterson, New Jersey are examples of menthol derivative products that may be suitable. Other examples of temperature change agents (e.g., endothermic salts) which can be suitable temperature sensing agents can be found in U.S. Pat. no. 6,642,427. Moreover, in accordance with a fourth variation, the sensing member 80 may comprise an active component in the hydrophobic coating form, which may be applied to 100b as shown by dashed line in Figure 3b. In accordance with this variation, the hydrophilic coating or the temperature sensing agent may or may not be included (the temperature sensing agent may be combined with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic agent, if present). As the hydrophilic coating, the hydrophobic coating may be located in a face to face arrangement with the support layer 90. Furthermore, as illustrated, the hydrophobic coating may be disposed on the surface of the layer 90 between this layer and the bottom sheet 60, or the surface beyond the user's skin (ie, the opposite surface). It is also recognized that the coating 100b may include a diverse range of materials, including lotions, creams, etc. Illustrative coatings may comprise hydrophobic coatings (HFCs) and liquid impervious coatings (LISCs). In particular, the coating may be in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. no. 2005/0177123. Alternatively, the coatings may be emulsions (eg, acrylamide, ethyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, methyl methacrylate, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, or combinations thereof) of acrylic polymer manufactured and sold, for example, under the trade name ROHATOL by Lanxess Corp. of Pittsburg, Pa, the trade name of RH-MW1845K by Rohm & amp;; Haas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or the trade names of FA1, FA2, or FA3 by PolymerLatex International GmbH of Mari, Germany. In fact, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings and temperature sensing agent described above can be used with other zones of sensation, as will be discussed below. Moreover, the coatings and agents may be useful in conjunction with the structures described in U.S. Pat. no. 6,627,786, among others. The distance between the first and second side 92, 94 of the layer 90 and the width of the coating, if present, can be determined to allow enough liquid to avoid the sensing member 80 in the core 64 to prevent overflow. Overflows can result in leakage of article 20 during urination, which may not be desirable in article 20 when it is, for example, a diaper or training pants. Accordingly, it is recognized that the dimensions of the layer 90 and the coating can be determined to avoid spills while absorbing sufficient liquid capillary action to create a feeling of moisture for the user. During urine discharges, layer 90 allows the urine to enter the z-direction and also provides a means for the flow of urine in the x-plane and by capillary absorption. The layer 90 or the coating can improve the movement of the passage of urine in the x-y plane, thereby expanding the wet area of the sensation member, which preferably remains in contact with the wearer's skin. Absorption by capillarity in the x-y plane causes the urine to effectively extend and moisten a large area before being absorbed by the absorbent assembly, thereby increasing the moisture signal experienced by the user. Actually, the sensing member 80 may have a high initial moisture which is then dried, for example, in about 10 minutes. This means that while the initial humidity may vary if the layer 90 is used alone or combined with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic coating, the preferred response will be that the initial moisture is sufficient for the user to recognize the condition, and the humidity, over time be limited to not create, for example, skin health problems because there is too much moisture present near the skin for a prolonged period of time. The disposable absorbent article 20 may have something visibly highlighted, indicated as 110 in Figure 3a and exhibited as an illustrative pattern of undulating lines and circles, within the article associated with the sensing zone (s) 80 to indicate the presence of the zone or of the sensation zones 80 and thereby facilitate a possibility for the user of the article for training in the use of the toilet. The conspicuously highlighted part is described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. no. 2005/0096612. Although a sensation member lacking this visibly highlighted is fully functional in terms of providing a noticeable humidity or a temperature signal to the user, the caregiver could omit or forget the possibility of taking advantage of each possibility for training in the use of the toilet if the portion facing the body of the absorbent article generally exhibits a uniform appearance, such as in absorbent articles that have a generally uniform white appearance on the body-facing surfaces. In addition, once the caregiver decides to mention to the user the training in the use of the toilet, the visibly highlighted can serve to attract the interest of the user or the caregiver can point it out and incorporate it in the explanation of an upcoming possibility. Therefore, the visibly highlighted can provide a conversation topic between the caregiver and the user on the subject of training in the use of the toilet and can, likewise, provide a named object as a reference for the user, greatly simplifying the mental task required by the user who wishes to communicate his need to use the toilet or to communicate his best recognition of the moisture signal provided by the sensation member. Even a simple visible solid color form can serve to facilitate a possibility for training in the use of the toilet, particularly when used by users who have some recognition of colors or colored shapes. In addition, what is visibly highlighted in the form of a color or colors can facilitate the teaching of colors and differences between colors, and the associated learning can in turn improve the process of training in the use of the toilet. Because the sensing member is located in what is generally called the laterally central region of the absorbent article, visibly highlighting the sensing member may provide additional benefits related to the learning achieved by the user. For example, a visibly prominent sensing member can provide a reference line for visual separation of the two openings for the leg, including its differentiation between the openings for the right and left leg so that the respective foot is inserted into the opening of the leg. the corresponding leg. Likewise, a conspicuously prominent longitudinally oriented portion can serve as a visual reference for the front-to-back direction, both to orient the article before applying it, if it is done by the caregiver, or to place it, if it is done by the user. This longitudinally oriented visual reference can also help in the teaching of skills such as sanitation after using the toilet using a longitudinal movement. The concept that something is in the center or "in the middle" can be taught and learned by making visual reference to what is visibly highlighted and then this concept can be applied to related topics such as the anatomical location of the urine source and the corresponding appropriate position in which to sit on the toilet. In this way, as described above and similarly, the user may have more awareness of his body, which may tend to improve and facilitate the experience in training in the use of the toilet. In addition, the visibly highlighted can serve to improve the user's self-esteem by reminding them that they are mature enough to participate in toilet training. This effect may increase when the user is able to recognize the need to use the toilet and then witnesses the dry condition of the sensation member prominently highlighted within the article after it is lowered. The visibly outstanding can be provided by printing on a surface of the sensing member or on one of its layers. For example, a solid color or a graphic may be printed on the surface of the coating that is below the water permeable layer. As another example, an adhesive or gel can be printed on a surface of either of the two layers. This adhesive or gel may have a different color from the surrounding area. Alternatively, the adhesive or gel may have no color or may have the same color as the surrounding area, but may still provide a visibly outstanding by forming a different raised area or pattern or by surrounding a different sunken area or pattern. The visibly highlighted can also be provided by forming one or more layers of the sensing member of a colored material, for example, a fibrous layer containing colored fibers, a monolithic layer containing a dispersed or inserted dye, a layer of a material not bleached that is dyed its original color, and the like. In some embodiments, the visibly highlighted can be provided by printing or recording the sensing member or one of its layers. The printed portions, recorded or attached to the sensation member can provide a tactile sensation in addition to visibly highlighting the presence and location of a sensation member. For example, a raised area or an adjacent recessed area or a combination of raised and recessed areas adjacent to each other may be touched by hand and in some embodiments, the user may feel them when using the article. In the same way, the raised area or pattern formed by a printed adhesive or gel can provide this tactile sensation. As with only the visibly highlighted, the combination of visibly outstanding and this tactile sensation can serve to attract the interest of the user or the caregiver can point this out and incorporate it in the explanation of a forthcoming possibility for training in the use of the toilet.

In addition, the visibly highlighted can be provided by incorporating different fibers or filaments in one or both layers of the sensing member or by orienting the fibers or filaments differently in one of these layers. For example, a fiber or a filament of a different color can be incorporated into the coating to visibly highlight its presence and its location in the article. Similarly, a characteristically thicker fiber or filament can be placed in one of the two layers, thereby forming a distinctive raised area or pattern. If the portions of the structure of the absorbent article surrounding the sensing member are of one color, the visibly highlighted may be provided by the use of another color, of contrast, of a different pattern in the same or a similar color, or by any other method that visibly differentiates the sensation member from the structural elements that surround it. In some modalities, the visibly highlighted can include more than one color, more than one contrast difference, more than one pattern, more than one graph, more than one solid color area, and so on, so that all portions of This description that refer to the singular form of the visibly highlighted have the intention of including the plural form and vice versa. The visibly highlighted can include open or closed geometric figures, a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object, a representation of a shape or object commonly named or that can be named, a representation of a recognizable object used in games, or a representation of a character that can be recognized by the user, such as a stuffed animal, or a character that appears in a television program for children, a character that appears in a game or story for children, etc. In those modalities in which the visibly featured includes a variety of figures, objects, or characters; the various elements of the visibly highlighted can interactively interact with a theme, or relate to a common story. Conversely, the various elements may not interactively interact, not relate to a theme or not relate to a story in common. When a solid color is used, the limited area can be partially or completely filled by a graphic outline, appear as a shading inside or outside the graphic outline, form a "filled" graphic by itself, or simply occupy an area without interruption, for example, occupying the full width of a layer of the sensation member over all or a portion of the corresponding length. In some modalities, the visibly highlighted may become more or less visible when the sensation member is moistened. In addition, the visibly highlighted can change color when the sensation member is moistened. Any of these effects can be created by the use of inks or dyes or other agents that undergo chemical reactions or disperse or concentrate when moistened in the urine. In general, any of the moisture indicator compositions commonly used in externally visible moisture indicators, such as so-called indicators that "appear" or "disappear" and that may become more or less visible when wetted, may be used. for these versions of the visibly highlighted. It is important to note that instead of being structurally arranged so as to provide a moisture indication that is visible from the exterior of the absorbent article, in accordance with at least one embodiment, any moisture indicator composition used for the visibly outstanding of the member of sensation should be visible from the surface facing the body of the absorbent article. This different arrangement allows the caregiver to apply different techniques for the training task in the use of the toilet when an absorbent article of the present invention is used., compared to the use of an absorbent article having only one moisture indicator visible from the outside of the article. For example, while the change in an outdoor moisture indicator is visible to all, any change in the visibly outstanding of an inner feeling member remains "hidden" until the caregiver or the user looks inside the absorbent article or it is removed. Accordingly, whether the moisture of the absorbent article has been produced or not, it can, by itself, become the center of a cheerful activity that resembles a game, with the "hidden" being revealed only when the caregiver and the user accept to end the game. If the user feels a sensation of humidity or simply wishes to control the condition of the "hidden" indication, he or she can simply look into the absorbent article. If the appearance of the visibly highlighted has changed, the user can then choose to bring this to the attention of the caregiver in the context of requesting to go to the bathroom. In addition, because the visibly highlighted serves as a "hidden" indication, the user may be able to detect a change in their appearance before the appearance of any change in the externally visible moisture indicator and thus may be the first person in mentioning the issue of going to the bathroom. In addition, the provision of visual and tactile sensations for the user can serve to reinforce the tactile sensation of moisture and thereby improve the training effect of the sensation member. An absorbent article in which moisture is indicated by a sensation and a visible change in the appearance of the visibly highlighted can, therefore, facilitate faster learning by the user. Although the appearance of what is visibly highlighted remains "hidden" until both the caregiver and the user look at the absorbent article or remove it, the visibly highlighted can be visibly associated with the indication that it is located anywhere or on the article absorbent and is visible from the outside of it. This externally visible mark may be permanent or may change appearance while the absorbent article is in use. For example, the externally visible mark may be an externally visible indicator of moisture. By giving the conspicuously prominent part of the sensation member a visible shape that is similar to the visible form of an externally visible indication, the possibility of training in toilet use can be increased. For example, the caregiver can point out the similarity between the externally visible mark and the visibly "hidden" mark of the sensation member and ask the user to remember what is visibly highlighted hidden each time he perceives the externally visible mark. For example, article 20 may comprise an internal graphic 110, a first external graphic and a second external graphic. The internal graphic may be permanent, while external graphics may "appear" or "disappear". The first external graphic can include the image of a character that looks like a child and a text graphic that includes words that form a message, such as "Remember to go to the bathroom". While graphics may include text, the primary form of communication may be symbols, icons, or other marks other than words, so that preschoolers can understand and follow the instructions or other information indicated by the graphics, even though they may not. It is necessary that they understand the images in this level. The second external graphics can include an image that can be associated with the permanent graphic, such as a dog or stars. Variations with respect to internal / external graphics are possible. For example, a permanent external image can be combined with the first and second external graphics, or only an external graphic can be included. In addition, images of characters other than a child can be provided, such as a girl, an animal (can be anthropomorphic), a cartoon character, and the like. Furthermore, additional or alternative text may be provided. In addition to the illustrative graphics, characteristics of the graphics or arrangements (eg, rhythms, themes, scenes, scripts, etc.), the materials that are suitable for forming the graphics, and the arrangement or joining of these materials with the article 20 are described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. copending and commonly assigned no. 11 / 098,362, filed under the name of Roe et al. on April 4, 2005. Even in the modalities in which the appearance of the visibly outstanding is not affected by the fact of being wet, the association of the respective visible forms of an externally visible mark and the visibly highlighted can serve to facilitate a possibility for training in the use of the toilet. For example, if both the externally visible and the visibly highlighted mark have the visible form of similar graphics, the externally visible mark can serve to draw the attention of the user or the caregiver can point it out and incorporate it into an explanation of the continuous possibility for the training in the use of the toilet. This association of the respective visible forms of an externally visible mark and the visibly highlighted can be achieved without the respective visible forms being similar, provided that the respective visible forms are mutually related in a recognizable manner. For example, visible forms can be related to a theme or they can be related to a common story, or they can interactively interact. Even an association of a simple solid color form of an externally visible mark with a solid color shape similar to the visual highlighting can serve to facilitate a possibility for toilet training, particularly when used by users who own some recognition of colors or colored shapes.

As an alternative, the visibly highlighted may not be associated with externally visible marks. The lack of association can be total or specific, for example, the respective visible forms of what is visibly highlighted and the externally visible mark may not relate to a theme, not relate to a common story, or not interactively, while associated with another shape. The visible form of the visibly outstanding of the sensation member does not need to be associated with the concept of training in the use of the toilet. However, in some embodiments, the visible form of what is visibly highlighted may be associated with the concept of toilet training, for example, by providing a visual reference to the related nature of toilet training fluid, such as moisture, dryness, moisture protection, the flow of a liquid, water, etc., and therefore can help facilitate the possibility of training in the use of the toilet. The visibly highlighted can accentuate the dryness by representing the sun, clouds with good weather, a sunny day, etc., while the humidity can be understood through a representation of a puddle of water, a cloud with rain falling, etc. A visual reference related to the protection against humidity can be provided by a representation of an umbrella, a raincoat, a rain hat, rain boots, a submarine, or some other object that may be associated with the concept of keeping dry in a humid environment In any of these visible forms of the visibly outstanding that are associated with the concept of training in the use of the toilet, a human form or a recognizable character can be represented in the visibly outstanding. For example, a child may be shown together with inanimate objects, a child sitting in a urinal for children, or a character from a story for children, or a television program for children in similar attitudes, etc. Turning to Figures 5a and 5b, a second embodiment of a feeling member 180 is illustrated herein. Similar to the feeling member 80, the feeling member 180 has a first and a second side 192, 194 that are arranged parallel to each other. to the longitudinal axis 30 of the article 20. In addition, the elastic zones 196, 198 can be attached to the feeling member 180 on the sides 192, 194 to elastise the feeling member 180, which can help to put the feeling member 180 in Close contact with the user's skin. In addition, the sensing member may include an active component, such as (i) a coating, which may be a hydrophilic coating disposed on the body facing surface or a hydrophobic coating disposed on the opposite surface, temperature sensation, which may be arranged on any surface and substituted, together with, or combined with the coating, or (iii) a layer of hydrophilic material, as described above in relation to layer 90 and which may also be disposed on the surface oriented towards the body. The feeling member 180 differs from the feeling member 80 in that the structure corresponding to the support layer 90 is formed from a section of the upper canvas 60 spaced from the core 64. That is, a section of the upper canvas 60 is folded to define the structure of the support layer of the zone 180, and, in particular, it is folded along the sides 192, 194. The elastic members 196, 198 are then arranged below the upper canvas 60 in the space between the upper canvas 60 and the core 64. In this style, the feeling member 180 can be integrated to a greater degree with the rest of article 20 than the 80 zone, thereby decreasing the likelihood that the feeling member 180 will be disconnected from the rest of article 20.

The sensing member 180 may include other features in common with the sensing member 80. For example, the coatings and agents disposed at 200a, 200b may include those coatings and illustrative agents listed above. Moreover, although not illustrated, a visible graphic 110 may be included on a surface of the feeling member 180, providing one or more of the advantages discussed above. Turning now to Figures 6a and 6b, a third embodiment of the feeling member 280 is illustrated, with the bends of the barrier legs folded back slightly in Figure 6a to expose the feeling member 280. The feeling member 280 it has a first end 282 extending laterally and a second end 284 extending laterally and opposing longitudinally. As will be recognized, the distance between the ends 282, 284 is shorter than the distance between the ends 50, 52, or even the distance between the end 50 and the crotch region 44. According to the embodiment, the position of we enter them 282, 284 in relation to the ends 50, 52 and the space between the ends 82, 284 is such that the probability that the sensation member 280 is moistened with the urine increases. The feeling member 280 includes a layer 290. The layer 290 extends between the ends 282, 284. Additionally, a first longitudinal edge 292 of the layer 290 joins the first barrier leg fold 294 attached to the upper canvas 60, while that the laterally opposing longitudinal edge 296 is joined to a second spaced barrier leg fold 298, furthermore it joins the upper canvas 60. On the other hand, each barrier leg fold 294, 298 includes an elastic zone 295, 299 In this style, it is not necessary to join each elastic zone to the support layer 290, but the elastic zones 295, 299 of the barrier leg cuffs 294, 298 can instead push the feeling member 280 into contact with the skin. of the user.

In fact, it is believed that the fastening of the feeling member 280 on the barrier leg cuffs 294, 298 may allow greater control over the distance of the feeling member 280 from the upper curtain 60 (i.e. between zone 280 and upper panel 60) of what had been possible up to now. That is, by holding the feeling member 280 together with its sides 292, 296, more than with its ends 282, 284, the distance of the zone 280 from the upper canvas 60 can be controlled better than in those embodiments in which the The area is subject at its ends, or potentially even in those embodiments in which the area is integrated with the upper canvas 60 and the elastic members that are disposed within the interior of the upper canvas 60 are used to define, at least in part, the Member of sensation. Further, by holding the feeling member 280 in the leg bends 294, 298, the dimension of the feeling member 280 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis may be greater than, for example, the sensation zones 80 and 180 mentioned above. Similar to the embodiment indicated in Figures 3a and 3b, the feeling member 280 may consist essentially of the layer 290, or may comprise the layer 290 in combination with a coating or an agent, whose coating or agent may be disposed face to face with layer 290, which can be mentioned as a support layer. The coating may be a hydrophilic coating disposed at 300a on the surface facing the body of layer 290, or a hydrophobic coating disposed at 300b on the opposite surface. In addition, a temperature sensing agent may be disposed at 300a on any surface and substituted, in conjunction with, or combined with the coating. The feeling member 280 may include other features in common with the feeling member 80, 180. For example, coatings and agents may include those illustrative coatings and agents listed above. In addition, although not illustrated, a visible graphic 110 may be included on a surface of the feeling member 280, providing one or more of the advantages mentioned above. In addition to the features described above, the disposable absorbent article 20 may also include a variety of features known in the industry, such as slit openings, external leg folds, front and back side panels, waist cap features, elastics and the like , to provide the fit, containment and aesthetic characteristics desired. These additional features are well known in the industry and are described in U.S. Pat. no. 3,860,003, 5,151, 092, and 6,482,191 among others. Additionally, a transfer layer, which may also be referred to as a pick-up or distribution layer, may be disposed between the upper canvas 60 and the core 64. In addition, the elements raised above may be modified from their illustrated forms. All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in their relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is an industry precedent to the present invention. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those with knowledge in the industry that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It has been intended, therefore, to cover all the changes and modifications within the scope of the invention in the appended claims. The dimensions and values set forth herein are not to be construed as strictly limited to the exact numerical values mentioned. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each of these dimensions will mean both the aforementioned value and a functionally equivalent range that encompasses that value. For example, a dimension expressed as "40 mm" will be understood as "approximately 40 mm".

Claims (10)

1. An absorbent article having a waist region and a crotch region, the article comprises: a bottom sheet having a longitudinal axis; a top canvas attached to the lower canvas and having a surface oriented towards the body; an absorbent core disposed between the lower canvas and the upper canvas; characterized in that the article comprises: a sensing member with a first and a second joining region spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis, the first joining region being secured to the upper canvas in the waist region and the second joining region to the upper canvas in the crotch region, the sensing member comprising practically a layer of hydrophilic material. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sensing member has first and second sides, and comprising first and second elastic members disposed along the first and second side. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a first and a second spaced barrier leg fold attached to the upper canvas parallel to the longitudinal axis; a sensing member having a first and second side separated, the first side is subject to the first barrier leg fold and the second side is subject to the second barrier leg fold with the sensation member spaced a distance from the surface oriented towards the body of the upper canvas. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a visible indication associated with the sensing member. 5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the article is a diaper, pant or resettable pant. 6. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sensing member includes a support layer having a surface facing the body and an opposite surface facing the upper canvas, and an active component in one of the surfaces facing the body or toward the opposite surface of the sensing member. 7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, further characterized in that the active component is on the surface facing the body and comprises a hydrophilic coating. The absorbent article according to claim 6, further characterized in that the active component is on the opposite surface and comprises a hydrophobic coating. 9. The absorbent article according to claim 6, further characterized in that the active component is on the surface facing the body and comprises a temperature sensing agent. The absorbent article according to claim 6, further characterized in that the sensing member has a third junction region spaced from the first and second junction region along the longitudinal axis of the sensing member, the third region of union unit to the upper canvas in the waist region opposite the first union region.