NZ549433A

NZ549433A - Nappy with inner and outer panels forming a pocket for an insert

Info

Publication number: NZ549433A
Application number: NZ54943306A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Jolene Anne Powell
Original assignee: Jolene Anne Powell
Priority date: 2006-08-25
Filing date: 2006-08-25
Publication date: 2008-03-28
Also published as: AU2007211915B2; AU2007211915A1

Abstract

A nappy comprises an outer panel, an inner panel, and an insert arranged between the outer panel and the inner panel. The outer panel and the inner panel are made of a flexible material having a front edge and a rear edge and two side edges. The outer panel and the inner panel are attached about the front and side edges, and along the rear edges except for a portion of the rear edges to define an opening for allowing insertion of the insert. The areas about the rear edges and the front edges are adapted with a nappy fastening means, for fastening the nappy about the waist of a user. The side edges are scalloped between the front and rear edges to form a leg line, and the nappy includes an adjustable leg line means including elongate pockets formed in the inner panel adjacent the side edges to retain an elongate elastic member. The elastic member is provided with a plurality of fasteners in a spaced apart arrangement along the length of the elastic member to allow for the elastic member to be tightened or loosened to adjust the length of the side edges.

Description

Our ref: PWL001 Patents Form No. 5 No. 549433 Dated 25 August 2006 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION 40 IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A NAPPY I, Jolene Anne Powell, a New Zealand citizen, of 12 Edward Street, Richmond, Nelson 7020, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be 45 granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: intellectual Property "" 1 Office of N.Z. 2 7 AUG 2007 ?.£ ceived! IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A NAPPY TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to nappies and garments for absorbing and/or retaining excreta. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a nappy configured and arranged to absorb and retain excreta.

BACKGROUND ART Typically nappies are constructed in a number of sizes to suit the age and weight of a child or size of an adult. In the case of disposable nappies, the range of sizes available can cater well enough for babies through to toddlers and young children. However, when a 15 significant investment has been made in reusable nappies, it is desirable to have a nappy that is fabricated not only to fit well for the useable lifetime of the reusable nappy but also is adjustable to accommodate the changing shape and size of a young child that typically experiences growth spurts at regular intervals in their childhood.

Some reusable nappies on the market are not designed to fit all shapes and sizes for any one age group, and the result is that such nappies offer a poor fit and do not provide a one-size-fits-all in a certain age group. For example, in the toddler age group, children have a wide variety of leg or thigh sizes ranging from thin to thick thighs. For a standard non adjustable nappy, it may function well enough to retain excreta within the nappy for a child 25 with thick legs, but for a child with thin thighs, excreta is more likely to leak from the nappy due to a looser fit around the circumference of a thin child's legs.

Furthermore, the useful life of a reusable nappy may be limited in some cases where a child quickly outgrows the size of a fixed sized nappy, such as when a child experiences a 30 growth spurt. 2 It is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide a nappy which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a nappy comprising an outer panel, an inner panel, and an insert arranged between the outer panel and the inner panel, the outer panel and the inner panel being made of a flexible material having a front edge 10 and a rear edge and two side edges, the outer panel and the inner panel being attached substantially about the front and side edges, and along the rear edges except for a portion of the rear edges to define an opening, in use, for use in allowing the insert to be placeable therein, the areas about the rear edges and the front edges being adapted with a nappy fastening means, in use, for fastening the nappy about the waist of a user, the side edges 15 being scalloped between the front and rear edges to form a leg line, and wherein the nappy includes an adjustable leg line means including elongate pockets formed in the inner panel adjacent the side edges to retain an elongate elastic member, the elastic member being provided with a plurality of fasteners in a spaced apart arrangement along the length of the elastic member, in use, to allow for the elastic member to be tightened or loosened to 20 adjust the length of the side edges to fit the nappy on the user.

Preferably the fastening means includes a plurality of domes attached adjacent the front edge of the outer panel to form at least one row and being aligned substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nappy, and wherein at least two spaced apart opposing 25 interfitting domes are attached adjacent the rear edge of the inner panel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to form an adjustable nappy fastening means.

Desirably the nappy fastening means includes a plurality of domes attached adjacent the front edge of the outer panel to form two parallel rows aligned substantially transverse to 30 the longitudinal axis of the nappy, and wherein two pairs of spaced apart opposing interfitting domes are attached adjacent the rear edge of the inner panel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis that snap fit to adjacent said domes located in the front edge of the rear panel. 3 Advantageously an elastic means is provided in the rear edge of the nappy to pull together a portion of the rear edge together.

Preferably the insert comprises a liquid absorbent material, in use, for absorbing moisture and urine, and being of a size and shape to be insertable through the opening adjacent the rear edges of the nappy and being placeable substantially along the length of width between the inner panel and the outer panel.

Desirably the inner panel comprises a material having properties including drawing moisture and urine through the material and into the insert sandwiched between the inner panel and the outer panel.

Preferably the inner panel is made of a breathable cotton or polyester or a combination thereof.

Preferably the outer panel comprises a liquid resistant material. Desirably the outer panel is made of a substantially breathable and waterproof material.

Preferably the fasteners of the adjustable leg line means include snap domes, wherein a fixed dome is attached adjacent each open end of each said elongate pocket, the fixed dome being configured and arranged to snap close with any one of the plurality of domes attached along the length of each said elastic member.

More preferably the fasteners of the adjustable leg line means include between two and seven domes attached in a spaced apart arrangement along the length of each said elastic member.

Optionally the nappy further includes an indicator means alerting a caregiver that a wearer of the nappy has soiled the nappy, the indicator means including a moisture sensing means configured and arranged in an area of the nappy that will detect excreta or soiling occurring, and the moisture sensing means being electrically attached to an alert indicator means. 4 Optionally the nappy further includes an indicator means alerting a caregiver that a wearer of the nappy has soiled the nappy, the indicator means including an odour sensing means configured and arranged in an area of the nappy that will detect excreta or soiling 5 occurring, and the moisture sensing means being electrically attached to an alert indicator means.

Optionally the outer panel includes a heat detecting waterproof fabric that provides an alert indicator means in that the colour of the fabric changes colour when moisture or urine is 10 detected.

Advantageously the nappy further includes a pouch for use in containing the soiled contents of the nappy after use, the pouch includes a front panel and a back panel that are folded and/or attached at or adjacent the edges of the front and back panels to form a bag 15 or container, and wherein the top edge of the pouch along the front panel or the back panel is attached to the rear edge of the outer panel.

Desirably the pouch is made of a flexible waterproof material coated with a thermoplastic urethane.

Optionally the pouch includes a handle attached to the lower edge of the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: illustrates a nappy 1 in an open position as seen from the outer panel; Figure 2: illustrates the nappy 1 in an open position as seen from the inner panel; Figure 3: illustrates the nappy 1 turned inside out showing the elongate leg line pockets and elastic members at its longer length; Figure 4: illustrates the nappy 1 turned inside out showing the elongate leg line pockets and elastic members in its gathered shorter length; Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: illustrates the nappy 1 adjusted to a wide or larger fitting; illustrates the nappy 1 adjusted to a narrow or smaller fitting; illustrates the nappy 1 provided with a pouch 30 in a stored unused position; Figure 8: illustrates a portion of the nappy 1 with the pouch 30 in a pulled out position ready for use; and Figure 9: illustrates a used or soiled nappy contained within the pouch 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to figures 1 to 6, a nappy, generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The nappy 1 is desirably made of fabrics and materials that allow for the nappy 1 to be 25 washable and reusable, if required. The nappy 1 therefore is made of durable and resilient materials to withstand repeated wearing and washing over a significant period of time. Given that a baby or infant is expected to grow at varying rates, including numerous growth spurts, it is considered advantageous to design a nappy 1 that can be adjustable in size to fit a variety of sizes of babies and infants.

It is considered to be environmentally friendly to devise a nappy that is durable enough to be washed and reused repeatedly, and which includes features allowing for the adjustment 6 of critical points of attachment to an infant to achieve a better fit and comfort, and with features that can adjust the size of the nappy 1 and hence the fit on an infant.

The nappy 1 preferably includes or comprises an outer panel 2. The outer panel 2 is made 5 of any flexible durable and resilient material, including desirably a liquid resistant material that serves to reduce the likelihood of excreta from penetrating through the fabric of the outer panel 2 during use. Desirably the outer panel 2 is made of a waterproof or liquid impervious or liquid resistant material that is also desirably a breathable fabric.

Advantageously the nappy 1 may be adapted to comprise a means for providing an indicator of the presence of moisture and/or heat from urine and/or excreta to alert a caregiver that the wearer has soiled the nappy 1. A suitably powered moisture indicator means may be in the form of an odour sensing means and/or a moisture sensing means integrated into the nappy 1 in an appropriate area, and being electrically associated with or 15 attached to an alert indicator means optionally in the form of an alarm, or may trigger any other indicator means such as by changing the colour of an area of the outer panel 2.

The outer panel 2 is of a size and shape to form an adequate wrap about the upper legs and waist of a baby or infant. The outer panel 2 comprises a front edge 3, a rear edge 4 and 20 two side edges 5. The side edges 5 are scalloped or cut to define a leg line such that when the nappy 1 is fitted, the side edges 5 may desirably substantially hug or follow the circumference of an infant's legs.

The nappy 1 preferably includes a nappy fastening means for securing the nappy 1 about 25 the waist of a user. The fastening means may include any suitable form of nappy attachment means, and advantageously includes at least one row, and desirably includes two rows of spaced apart domes 6 provided adjacent the front edge 3 on the outer panel 2 and pairs of opposing domes 7 provided adjacent the rear edge 4 of the outer panel 2. The rows of domes 6 are aligned substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X of the 30 nappy 1. It will be seen with reference to figures 5 and 6 that opposing interfitting domes 6,7 can be matched to fit about the waist of an infant, as required. 7 Optionally an elastic means or section 8 is desirably provided by being sewn into the fabric of the rear edge 4 of the outer panel 2, or alternatively in the rear edge 13 of the inner panel 11, to form an elastic band which desirably increases the fit of the nappy 1 about the waist of a user. A portion of the rear edge 4 is advantageously sewn to a stretched section of 5 elastic to form a gathered and stretchable portion or section of the rear edge 4 that pulls together the rear edge to increase the fit of the nappy 1 on a user.

Referring now more particularly to figure 2, the nappy 1 is seen in an open position from the inner panel 11. The inner panel 11 is made of any suitable flexible, durable and 10 resilient material, including desirably a liquid absorbent material that serves to absorb urine and moisture into and through the inner panel 11. Desirably the inner panel 11 is made of a soft flexible material that preferably offers a comfortable fit given it will be in contact with the skin of a user. Further, the material could desirably be sufficiently durable to withstand repeated washing and use over time. The inner panel 11 may also be selected 15 from a material that allows a degree of aeration and which is commonly referred to as a "breathable" fabric. Examples of material that may be used include cotton, polyester, cotton/ polyester mixers, and breathable polyesters and/or cotton.

Advantageously the inner panel 11 preferably boasts a stay-dry function in that moisture is 20 drawn through the fabric to an inner absorbent layer referred to as an insert 16. An advantage with this fabric is that an infant's bottom can be kept drier as urine is drawn through the fabric away from the infant's skin.

The inner panel 11 comprises a front edge 12, a rear edge 13 and two side edges 14. The 25 side edges 5 are scalloped or cut to define a leg line such that when the nappy 1 is fitted, the side edges 14 will follow the circumference of an infant's legs.

It is seen that the width of the areas adjacent the front edge 12 and the rear edge 13 extend outwards from the longitudinal axis X-X of the nappy 1 forming an "I" shape defined as 30 waist band portions 18. The waist band portions 18 are desirably shaped to allow for the nappy 1 to wrap about an infant's waist, and provide a plurality of mounting points for the fastening means or the domes 6, 7. 8 The edges 12, 13, 14 are preferably sewn together with the edges 3, 4, 5 of the outer panel 2, along with any binding or piping or detail sewn into the outer edges, as desired. In this preferred embodiment, an opening 15 is provided between the outer panel 2 and the inner panel 11 along respective rear edges 4, 13 such as to allow, in use, an insert member 16 to 5 be placed through the opening 15 and along the longitudinal axis X-X of the nappy 1 such that the insert 16 fits in place during use between the outer panel 2 and the inner panel 11 as seen more clearly in figure 3.

Preferably the inset 16 is made of layers of absorbent material that may be sewn together, 10 and wherein such material is suitable for absorbing urine, liquid and moisture, as required. The material is desirably a soft flexible fabric that is easily washable and may include, for example only, a cotton and/or polyester fabric. It is advantageous to devise a nappy 1 that includes a replaceable insert 16 that is made of a durable and resilient liquid absorbent material.

Referring now more particularly to figures 3 and 4, the nappy 1 preferably includes an adjustable leg line feature or an adjustable leg line means. The adjustable leg line means is desirably provided by way of elongate pockets 20 that are preferably and optionally sewn at or adjacent the side edges 14 of the inner panel 11. The elongate pockets 20 are 20 provided with an open end 21 through which an elongate elastic member 22 is inserted. Two pockets 22 are shown in figures 3 and 4.

The elastic members 22 are desirably in the form of strips of elastic cord wide enough to allow a plurality of fastening members to be attached thereto.

The fastening members in this non limiting embodiment are a plurality of domes 23 attached in a spaced apart arrangement in suitable positions on respective elastic members 22. The domes 23 are configured to snap close on an opposing or corresponding fixed dome 24 attached adjacent the open end 21 of the pockets 20.

The elastic member 22 can be attached at one end to the other end 25 of the pocket 20 from the open end 21 of the pocket 20. This form of securement contains the one end of the elastic member 22 within the pocket 20. The other end of the elastic member 22 can be 9 attached away from the open end 21 of the pocket 20 or be looped outside the open end 21 of the pocket 20 as seen in figures 3 and 4.

As seen in figure 4, the elastic members 22 can be pulled out from the pocket 20 and the 5 dome 23 snapped into the opposing fixed dome 24 to gather the side edges 14 together forming a snug fit about the leg of a user of the nappy 1.

Referring now to figures 5 and 6, the nappy 1 is seen to be adjustable between the wider or larger setting or fitting in figure 5 to a narrower and smaller fitting as seen in figure 6.

As seen in figure 5, with the largest setting, the male domes 7 are snap fitted on the outer female domes 6, and the waist band portions 18 of the nappy 1 are spaced apart. It is seen that if the fitting around the wearer's waist is too loose, the domes 7 can be repositioned closer toward the centre of the rows of domes 6 as required. Further, the elastic members 15 22 are allowed to move loosely within the pockets 20. If the leg lines around the infant's legs are loose, the elastic members 22 can be stretched and the domes 23 may be snap fitted to an opposing fixed dome 24 to gather the fabric on the side edges 14 together to achieve a snug fit about the circumference of the legs of a wearer.

As seen in figure 6, with a smaller and narrower setting, the male domes 7 can be adjusted by repositioning the domes 7 to the centre of the rows of domes 6 or even overlapping the waist band portions 18 as required. Further, the elastic members 22 are pulled to tighten and gather the fabric on the side edges 14 together to achieve a snug fit about the legs of a user. There are desirably a number of domes 23 on the elastic members 22 to provide a 25 variety of settings with the adjustable leg line system or feature of the invention. It is considered that between two and seven spaced apart domes 23 may be provided, and in this embodiment seven domes 23 are attached to the elastic member 22 to provide an adequate amount of settings between a gathered taught setting and a loose wide setting of the leg line.

Referring now to figures 7 to 9, the nappy 1 is desirably provided with a pouch 30 for use to contain a soiled nappy 1.

In some circumstances it is inconvenient to store a soiled nappy whereby odours and excreta may leak from the nappy until the nappy can be cleaned and washed for reuse. Advantageously, the nappy 1 of the invention is preferably adapted to provide a pouch 30 that can be used to contain the soiled contents of the nappy 1 until such time that it can be 5 washed.

The pouch 30 is desirably made of a liquid impervious material for use in containing excreta, and further still, the material may also be selected of a type that can contain odours. The material may be any watertight and/or airtight material, and in this 10 embodiment is desirably a flexible waterproof material that may include a bonded coating comprising a suitable thermoplastic urethane capable of repelling urine.

The pouch 30 comprises a back panel 31 and a front panel 32 that are folded and/or joined or sewn together to form a carry bag or container pouch to store a soiled nappy 1. 15 Desirably the pouch 30 includes a handle 33 attached to the lower edge 35 of the pouch 30. The top edge 34 of the pouch 30 is desirably sewn into the rear edge 14 of the outer panel 2. When in a stored position as seen in figure 7, the pouch 30 is simply unused and not interfering with the functioning of the nappy 1 or affecting the comfort of the user. The pouch 30 is stored in an inside out position inside the cavity of the nappy 1 between the 20 outer panel 2 and the inner panel 11.

Once the nappy 1 is soiled, the pouch 30 can be pulled out from inside the opening 15 as seen in figure 8, and the soiled nappy 1 and insert 16 are folded or rolled together into the pouch 30 as seen in figure 9. A fastening means in the form of a snap dome 36 can be 25 provided to keep the nappy 1 and the insert 16 contained within the pouch 30 until the nappy 1 can be washed.

It will be appreciated that materials used for components of the invention include any suitable and durable materials, for example only, but not limited to, metal, plastics materials, fabrics, 30 rubber or any combination thereof.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. 11 Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not 5 restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims. 12 NOW AMENDED Claims: 1. A nappy comprising an outer panel, an inner panel, and an insert/arranged between the outer panel and the inner panel, the outer panel and the/ruier panel being made 5 of a flexible material having a front edge and a rear edgp ana two side edges, the outer panel and the inner panel being attached substantially about the front and side edges, and along the rear edges except for a portion off the rear edges to define an opening, in use, for use in allowing the insert to joe maceable therein, the areas about the rear edges and the front edges being /adapted with a nappy fastening 10 means, in use, for fastening the nappy about me waist of a user, the side edges being scalloped between the front and rear edges to form a leg line, and wherein the nappy includes an adjustable leg line mean/including elongate pockets formed in the inner panel adjacent the side edges tor retain an elongate elastic member, the elastic member being provided with a/plurality of fasteners in a spaced apart 15 arrangement along the length of the eLastia member, in use, to allow for the elastic member to be tightened or loosened ^ajust the length of the side edges to fit the nappy on the user. 2. A nappy according to claim A Wherein the nappy fastening means includes a plurality of domes attached Adjacent the front edge of the outer panel to form at least one row and being aligned substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nappy, and wherein fX least two spaced apart opposing interfitting domes are attached adjacent the /teaf edge of the inner panel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to fyrmpx adjustable nappy fastening means. 3. A nappy according fa claim 2 wherein the nappy fastening means includes a plurality of domes attached adjacent the front edge of the outer panel to form two parallel rows slimed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nappy, and wherein two pairs of spaced apart opposing interfitting domes are attached adjacent the near edge of the inner panel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis that snap fit/to adjacent said domes located in the front edge of the rear panel. 13 AS AMENDED

Claims

Claims:

1. A nappy comprising an outer panel, an inner panel, and an insert arranged between the outer panel and the inner panel, the outer panel and the inner panel being made 5 of a flexible material having a front edge and a rear edge and two side edges, the outer panel and the inner panel being attached substantially about the front and side edges, and along the rear edges except for a portion of the rear edges to define an opening, in use, for use in allowing the insert to be placeable therein, the areas about the rear edges and the front edges being adapted with a nappy fastening 10 means, in use, for fastening the nappy about the waist of a user, the side edges being scalloped between the front and rear edges to form a leg line, and wherein the nappy includes an adjustable leg line means including elongate pockets formed in the inner panel adjacent the side edges to retain an elongate elastic member, the elastic member being provided with a plurality of fastening members in a spaced 15 apart arrangement along the length of the elastic member, in use, to allow for the elastic member to be tightened or loosened to adjust the length of the side edges to fit the nappy on the user.

2. A nappy according to claim 1 wherein the nappy fastening means includes a 20 plurality of domes attached adjacent the front edge of the outer panel to form at least one row and being aligned substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nappy, and wherein at least two spaced apart opposing interfitting domes are attached adjacent the rear edge of the inner panel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to form an adjustable nappy fastening means. 25

3. A nappy according to claim 2 wherein the nappy fastening means includes a plurality of domes attached adjacent the front edge of the outer panel to form two parallel rows aligned substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nappy, and wherein two pairs of spaced apart opposing interfitting domes are attached 30 adjacent the rear edge of the inner panel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis that snap fit to adjacent said domes located in the front edge of the rear panel. NOW AMENDED 10 15

4. A nappy according to any one of the preceding claims wherein arf elastic means is provided in the rear edge of the nappy to pull together a portion df the rear edge together.

5. A nappy according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the insert comprises a liquid absorbent material, in use, for absorbing moistu/e avid urine, and being of a size and shape to be insertable through the opening adjacent the rear edges of the nappy and being placeable substantially along the lej/gth/of width between the inner panel and the outer panel.

6. A nappy according to any one of the preceding/claims wherein the inner panel comprises a material having properties including drawing moisture and urine through the material and into the insert saiylwi/hed between the inner panel and the outer panel.

7. A nappy according to any one of claims / to 5 wherein the inner panel is made of a breathable cotton or polyester or a Combination thereof. 20

8. A nappy according to any one oythe preceding claims wherein the outer panel comprises a liquid resistant material.

9. A nappy according to any one; of claims 1 to 7 wherein the outer panel is made of a substantially breathable/and/waterproof material. 25 30

10. A nappy according to claim 1 wherein the fasteners of the adjustable leg line means include snap domes, ywherein a fixed dome is attached adjacent each open end of each said elongate pocket, the fixed dome being configured and arranged to snap close with any onje of the plurality of domes attached along the length of each said elastic member./ 11. A nappy according to claim 10 wherein between two and seven domes are attached in a spaced apart arrangement along the length of each said elastic member. 14 AS AMENDED 10 4. A nappy according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an elastic means is provided in the rear edge of the nappy to pull together a portion of the rear edge together. 5. A nappy according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the insert comprises a liquid absorbent material, in use, for absorbing moisture and urine, and being of a size and shape to be insertable through the opening adjacent the rear edges of the nappy and being placeable substantially along the length of width between the inner panel and the outer panel. 6. A nappy according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner panel comprises a material having properties including drawing moisture and urine through the material and into the insert sandwiched between the inner panel and the outer panel. 7. A nappy according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the inner panel is made of a breathable cotton or polyester or a combination thereof. 8. A nappy according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer panel 20 comprises a liquid resistant material. 9. A nappy according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the outer panel is made of a substantially breathable and waterproof material. 25 10. A nappy according to claim 1 wherein the fastening members of the adjustable leg line means include snap domes, wherein a fixed dome is attached adjacent each open end of each said elongate pocket, the fixed dome being configured and arranged to snap close with any one of the plurality of domes attached along the length of each said elastic member. 15 30

11. A nappy according to claim 10 wherein between two and seven domes are attached in a spaced apart arrangement along the length of each said elastic member. 14 10 15 20 25

12. A nappy according to claim 1 further including an indicator means alerting a caregiver that a wearer of the nappy has soiled the nappy, the indicator means including a moisture sensing means configured and arranged in an area of the nappy that will detect excreta or soiling occurring, and the moisture sensing means being electrically attached to an alert indicator means.

13. A nappy according to claim 1 further including an indicator means alerting a caregiver that a wearer of the nappy has soiled the nappy, the indicator means including an odour sensing means configured and arranged in an area of the nappy that will detect excreta or soiling occurring, and the moisture sensing means being electrically attached to an alert indicator means.

14. A nappy according to either claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the outer panel includes a heat detecting waterproof fabric that provides an alert indicator means in that the colour of the fabric changes colour when moisture or urine is detected.

15. A nappy according to claim 1 further including a pouch for use in containing the soiled contents of the nappy after use, the pouch includes a front panel and a back panel that are folded and/or attached at or adjacent the edges of the front and back panels to form a bag or container, and wherein the top edge of the pouch along the front panel or the back panel is attached to the rear edge of the outer panel.

16. A nappy according to claim 15 wherein the pouch is made of a flexible waterproof material coated with a thermoplastic urethane.

17. A nappy according to either claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the pouch includes a handle attached to the lower edge of the pouch.

18. A nappy substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 15 2 7 AUG 2007