RU2384314C2 - Method for detection of detachment or removal of absorbent product from body - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention is designed to be used simultaneously with the method for detection of moisture in an absorbent product and additionally concerns the integrated method for detection and signalling intended for detection of detachment and/or moisture in the absorbent product. Besides the invention covers a system for detection of a situation when the absorbent product is detached or removed from a carrier's body and/or when the specified product is wet, and for transmission of an alarm signal when this is the case. Said system contains the absorbent product including at least one absorbing layer, an object to be displaced, such as an attachment system, one or more sensitive elements, one or more excitation devices and a remote receiver.

EFFECT: invention provides alarm signal recording and delivery when the product is detached.

26 cl, 5 ex, 5 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This invention relates to a method for detecting a situation in which the absorbent article is detached or, alternatively, completely removed (separated) from the body of the carrier, and remote indication of the indicated detachment in this case. The invention is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting moisture in an absorbent article, and further relates to an integrated detection and signaling method for detecting detachment and / or humidity in an absorbent article. The invention further relates to a system for detecting a situation where the absorbent article is detached or removed from the body of the carrier and / or when said article is wet, and for transmitting an alarm when this occurs. Said system comprises (a) an absorbent article containing at least one absorbent layer, an object to be displaced, such as a bond system, one or a plurality of sensing elements (detection devices), one or a plurality of transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver . In addition, the invention relates to the use of this system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and / or physiological diseases, such as dementia.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as diapers for infants and adults, sanitary napkins and articles of clothing used in adult incontinence are well known in the art and are widely used. Most of these products are currently used as disposable products. The one-time use principle of such single-use products has led to the creation of a wide range of different products that meet certain requirements, for example, in the care of infants and children starting to walk, as well as for adults with incontinence. The main purpose of such absorbent articles is usually to absorb, retain and isolate the excreted waste products of the body, such as urine, feces or blood.

Absorbent articles that provide a “reaction” to some event, such as urination or defecation, wherein said “reaction” is associated with the absorption of fluid in the article or on the article, are also well known in the art. This reaction is usually a signal after the event has taken place, and is based on the measurement of, for example, humidity, temperature or mass change. The signal may be an optical signal, including visual signals, an audio signal, a chemical signal, or an electrical signal. The signal can provide feedback to the carrier or nurse himself that an event has occurred that would facilitate cleaning procedures for both parties.

Many of these products include sensors, and the latter can function in various ways. For example, WO 2004/021944 discloses a disposable sensitive absorbent structure for detecting moisture, comprising at least one absorbent layer and at least one sensing element comprising a magnetoelastic film. The absorbent structure makes it possible to have means and methods for monitoring the condition, for example, the moisture content of at least one biological analyte (a substance determined during the analysis) and / or at least one chemical analyte in the absorbent article.

WO 00/16081 discloses a system comprising a resonant circuit, which is at least partially formed from a moisture-sensitive material, the electrical resistance of which increases when the material comes into contact with moisture. The system also comprises at least one electronic sensor for detecting moisture and at least one reader for receiving moisture information from the sensor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,554 discloses a detector for a diaper, which is a piece of clothing, wherein the detector is designed to detect a moisture state in diapers or in underwear and contains a capacitive sensor located in the housing and attached to the outer surface of the garment being monitored. The sensor consists of two essentially continuous coplanar conductive plates attached to a common substrate and has a very large dynamic range. When the inside of the garment becomes wet, the capacitance between the spaced conductors increases to values above a predetermined value, after which the detector gives an output signal to the transmitter or an alarm.

One particular group of direct users or carriers of such absorbent articles will include patients suffering from physiological diseases such as dementia or other physiological diseases, which, in addition, additionally suffer from incontinence of varying degrees. These individuals may not feel any prohibitions on excretory functions and may take off their garments used for incontinence, or before urinating / defecating, or immediately afterwards, thereby polluting themselves and / or their environment, which leads to unpleasant activity in cleaning for nursing staff.

In such a case, the presence of a sensor or “detachment” detector in the item used in incontinence would be considered a very useful point and advantage. Such a sensor would provide registration and alarm in the case when the product used for incontinence is detached or completely removed from the body of the carrier.

It is contemplated that having a removal sensor would also be useful for conventional carriers, such as children or persons suffering from incontinence problems, when, for example, accidentally removing (removing) absorbing products during sleep causes an alarm.

None of the above documents related to the prior art, absorbent articles containing a sensor for detecting detachment or complete removal from the body of the carrier are not described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a method is developed for detecting a situation where the absorbent article is detached or, alternatively, completely removed from the body of the carrier, and transmitting an alarm to the direct user or carrier, or to an indirect user, such as nursing personnel.

The method in accordance with the invention includes (a) detecting the displacement of at least one object, such as a fastening device, and (b) transmitting an alarm to a remote receiver.

The method can be used in parallel with a method for detecting moisture in an absorbent article, such as the method disclosed in patent application WO 2004/021944, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The method in accordance with the invention is a method for remotely detecting a situation where the absorbent product is detached or removed from the body of the carrier, including the following operations:

providing an absorbent article with a fastening system comprising at least a first and a second part, said parts being intended to be separated when the absorbent article is not attached to the carrier, and intended to be joined together when said article is attached to the carrier, while the first part is made with a zone that has the ability to act on the resonant element located at the specified second part or next to the second part of the specified fastening system;

attaching said absorbent article to a carrier;

reading the resonant frequency and / or signal intensity for the signal indicated by the emitted resonant element;

determination, based on the indicated readout frequency and / or signal intensity, of the state of the absorbing product as detached / removed, on the one hand, or correctly fixed, on the other hand.

In embodiments of one type, said resonant frequency assumes a first value when the absorbent article is correctly attached to the carrier and a second value when the absorbent article is detached or removed from said carrier. The method in this case further includes determining whether the read frequency is a first frequency or a second frequency.

Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of said integrated method in the manufacture of an alarm detection and transmission system when the absorbent article is detached or removed from the body of the carrier and / or when said article is wet.

Thus, the invention also relates to an alarm detection and transmission system when the absorbent article is detached or removed from the body of the carrier and / or when said article is wet.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises (a) an absorbent article containing at least one absorbent layer, an object to be biased, such as a fastening system, one or more sensing elements, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver.

In one embodiment, one or more sensing elements determine oscillatory differences arising from an increase or decrease in the magnetizing field corresponding to the displacement of the indicated object. In such an embodiment, the preferred sensor is a magnetoelastic film.

In another embodiment, one or more sensing elements comprise a resonant circuit comprising inductive, capacitive, and connecting elements, and wherein at least one of said elements is configured such that the electrical property of said element or elements changes when the absorbent article is displaced or turns out to be filmed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a remote receiver, which is a portable device.

In another embodiment, the system comprises a remote receiver, which is a stationary device.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention relates to the use of said system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and / or physiological diseases, such as dementia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a diaper (1) with a belt having a substantially T-shaped configuration and containing an absorbent structure (2) and a fastening device in the form of a belt (3).

Figure 2 shows the diaper (1) immediately before attaching the front part (19) of the diaper (1) to the belt (3).

Figures 3a and 3b show an embodiment of an "open diaper" for a diaper (1) with a belt in an unfastened state, Fig. 3a, and in a fixed state, Fig. 3b.

4 (a) and (b) show in front and side views an illustration of a fastening device (401) with hooks containing a carrier material.

5 (a) and (b) show in front and side views an illustration of another embodiment of a fastening device in which the permanent magnet is free of hooked material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to a device that absorbs, holds and contains body waste or body exudates, such as urine, feces or blood. In use, the device is placed near the body or is otherwise placed in close proximity to the wearer's body.

The term “disposable” refers to an absorbent article that is not intended to be washed, restored to its original properties, or reused as an absorbent article. Such an absorbent article is intended to be discarded after a single use. However, a single use does not mean that the product will be disposed of, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.

The terms “sensor”, “sensitive element” or “detector” are used interchangeably and in this case are intended to mean a device that is capable of detecting the presence of an event or, alternatively, determining a parameter that is associated with an event. A parameter associated with a certain event is any measured signal that is correlated with the occurrence of an event in the structure of the system, that is, a signal caused by precipitations, a carrier, or an element thereof. Sensors include all embodiments responsive to one or more specific input signals.

The term “recognizing” or “sensitive” or “detecting” refers to a means and methods having the ability to recognize an event or determine a parameter associated with the event by using, for example, a sensing element.

The term "moisture" in this case is intended to indicate the state of the product in which it is wet, wet, moist or, alternatively, contains a liquid or is covered with a liquid, especially water.

The term “diaper” is intended to mean an absorbent article, typically worn around the lower torso by infants, children starting to walk, and persons with incontinence.

The term “user” as used herein may refer to (a) the direct user or carrier of the absorbent article and, alternatively, (b) the indirect user or nursing personnel who are responsible for the care of the carrier of the absorbent article.

The term “magnetostriction” refers to a common phenomenon observed in magnetic materials, and it is argued that this phenomenon occurs when the dimensions of a magnetic material change after magnetization. The scale or magnitude of the dimensional change depends on the temperature, the magnetization of the material and, of course, on the properties of the material. Magnetostriction is due to the interaction between the magnetic moments of atoms in the material.

The term “magnetoacoustic resonance frequency” refers to the frequency of oscillations that occurs when a magnetic material is excited by a magnetic field and magnetic material accumulates magnetic energy in the magnetoelastic mode. Upon termination of the magnetic field, the material exhibits damped oscillations with a certain frequency, called the frequency of magnetoacoustic resonance.

The term “carrier material” as used herein refers to a material or fabric covering a hook fastener as shown in FIG. 4. The carrier material may be, for example, a nonwoven spunbond production method with a surface density of about 25-60 g / m ² . It is preferably made of polypropylene fibers. However, any conventional material may be used.

The term "resonant circuit" in the sense used here refers to an electrical circuit (circuit) in which the impedance or attenuation in the specified circuit depends on the frequency.

The term "resonant element" refers to an element that is inherently electric, magnetic, mechanical, magnetostrictive or otherwise, while the attenuation in the specified element depends on the frequency.

Terminology and Related Objects Related to the Invention

Absorbing product.

In normal use, an absorbent article, such as a diaper, a diaper type of panties made with the possibility of repeated closure, an item of clothing used for incontinence, a sanitary pad, is used to absorb, hold and isolate body waste or exudates and excretions of the body, such as urine, feces , blood, menstrual flow, fluid from wounds and ulcers.

In one embodiment of the absorbent article, the absorbent layer contained in the absorbent article comprises at least one receiving layer, at least one retaining layer, and possibly one or more absorbent layers. The receiving layer is designed to receive fluid and to disperse the specified fluid in the absorbent (s) and holding (s) layer (s). In another embodiment, at least one of the aforementioned host (s), retention (s) or absorbent (s) layer (s) contains from 0 to 100% material with ultra-high absorption capacity. In further embodiments, said receiving (s), holding (s) or absorbent layer (s) may comprise 0-95%, 20-100%, 0-30%, 20-90% or 30 -40% ultra-absorbent material.

Hook and loop fastening

Hook and loop fastening refers to a VELCRO type fastening, that is, to a fastening method in which one of the surfaces to be joined comprises a plurality of small hooks. The other surface contains many small loops.

Magnetoelastic film

The magnetoelastic film is one type of magnetoelastic sensor. Magnetoelastic sensors have been described by Grimes et al. (Biomedical Microdevices, 2: 51-60, 1999).

When a magnetic material is excited by an external magnetic impulse or field, it accumulates magnetic energy in the magnetoelastic mode. When the field is stopped, the material exhibits damped oscillations with a certain frequency, namely with the frequency of magnetoacoustic resonance. These oscillations give rise to a magnetic flux, which varies with time, which can be detected remotely by means of a tracking coil. It is possible to monitor changes in the resonant frequency in order to measure or determine numerous environmental parameters. Measurements of temperature, pressure, viscosity through the use of this method are described in Grimes et al. (Biomedical Microdevices, 2: 51-60, 1999).

In addition, it is possible to ensure the excitation of the material by means of a continuously acting magnetic field with a frequency corresponding to or close to the frequency of magnetoacoustic resonance, and to measure the reaction of the material, such as the damped magnetic response of the material between pulses. At a resonant frequency, the response of the material will be maximum.

In addition, when a magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic material, the dimensions of the material change. This effect is called magnetostriction, as previously defined. The magnitude of the change in the size of the material is determined by the magnetostriction coefficient.

Magnetostriction can be observed in many materials, for example, in iron, nickel, cobalt, rare earth metals, as well as in various alloys, such as nickel-iron alloys, ferrites, such as spinel ferrites (Fe ₃ O ₄ , MnFe ₂ O ₄ ), and iron alloys and silicon.

The magnetoelastic film used in the invention exhibits magnetostriction and may also contain amorphous magnetic material, alloys, or mixtures thereof. Amorphous magnetic material is very easily magnetically saturated and exhibits a slight magnetic anisotropy. In an amorphous magnetic material, which is an alloy, magnetostriction also takes place, and the magnitude of magnetostriction depends on the exact composition of the alloy. Examples of amorphous alloys are metglass (metallic glass) such as Fe ₄₀ Ni ₃₈ Mo ₄ B ₁₈ , for example Metglas 282MB ™ (Honeywell Amorphous Metals, Pittsburgh, PA, USA), (FeCo) ₈₀ B ₂₀ , (CoNi) ₈₀ B ₂₀ , (FeNi) ₈₀ B ₂₀ .

In one embodiment of the invention, METGLAS® from Honeywell (Honeywell Amorphous Metals, Pittsburgh, PA, USA), such as METGLAS® 2826MB, is used as magnetoelastic material.

Suitable magnetoelastic films can be any film having nonzero magnetostriction and high magnetoelastic bonding, such as an iron-nickel alloy, rare earth metals, ferrites, and various alloys and mixtures disclosed above. Suitable film thicknesses for said magnetoelastic films are from about 0.01-1000 microns, for example from about 0.01 to about 200 microns, for example from about 5 to about 100 microns, for example from about 0.01 to ^: about 100 microns. The film thickness can be significantly less than the width and length of the film.

One way to further enhance the magnetostrictive effect is to introduce a magnetizing field. The magnetizing field is an optimal magnetizing field that gives an optimal magnetoacoustic effect and additionally provides an optimal signal due to the magnetoacoustic effect (Grimes et al., Sensors and Actuators, B71: 112-117, 2000). In one embodiment, the magnetizing field is created by a permanent magnet arranged in concert with a magnetoelastic film. The permanent magnet can be made in the form of small metal parts of various shapes and sizes (such as those used in the house as kitchen appliances for attachment, placed on the refrigerator), powder, granules, film, magnetic ink or in other forms.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

In accordance with the invention, a convenient and inexpensive method for detecting and transmitting an alarm to a direct user (such as a carrier) or an “indirect” user (such as nursing personnel) is developed when the absorbent article is detached or, alternatively, completely removed from the body of the carrier.

Thus, the alarm is feedback information that an event has occurred.

The invention also provides the ability to conveniently monitor — through remote access — the state of the wearer (i.e., whether the absorbent article is worn on it or not), as well as continuous monitoring of the condition over time through nursing personnel.

The method in accordance with the invention includes (a) detecting the displacement of at least one object, such as a fastening device, and (b) transmitting an alarm to a remote receiver. The remote receiver can be made in the form of a portable (portable) device or a stationary device permanently located in an appropriate place.

The specified method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting moisture in an absorbent product, such as the method disclosed in patent application WO 2004/021944, which is briefly described in the "Background" and which is incorporated into this description by reference. By means of this method, the use of a sensing element comprising a magnetoelastic film with a thickness of from about 0.01 to 1000 microns to detect the presence of moisture and / or biological analytes and chemical analytes is disclosed. Thus, the present invention further relates to an integrated alarm detection and alarm method for detecting the detachment and / or humidity of an absorbent article or in an absorbent article.

The invention further relates to the use of an integrated method in the manufacture of a system for detecting and transmitting an alarm when the absorbent article is detached or removed from the body of the carrier and possibly when the article is wet.

Thus, the invention also relates to a system for detecting and transmitting an alarm when the absorbent article is detached or removed from the body of the carrier, and possibly when the article is wet.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises (a) an absorbent article containing at least one absorbent layer, an object to be biased, such as a fastening system, one or more sensing elements, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote the receiver in which the tracking coil is located.

In one embodiment, one or more sensing elements detect oscillatory differences due to an increase or decrease in the magnetizing field corresponding to the displacement of the indicated object. The specified sensitive element may be small, possibly removable and reusable, includes a wireless circuit without a special battery, connected to an alarm transmitter and a remote receiver. The sensing element may be enclosed (encapsulated) in a case or casing as a means of providing protection against damage, for example, from mechanical pressure, which can affect the resonant frequency. Appropriate encapsulation forms encapsulation with inclusion in the form of labels (labels, tags), such as industrially manufactured labels, for example, from Sensomatic (Vienna, Austria), or a similar product. The encapsulating element is created or selected in each case by a specialist in such a way that it corresponds to a specific environment.

In a preferred embodiment, a magnetoelastic film is used as the sensing element. One or more sensors may be used. In addition, a thin tape of magnetoelastic material can be used. The frequency of magnetoacoustic resonance, for example, for a thin tape of magnetoelastic material is inversely proportional to the length of the tape. Thus, it is possible to obtain different resonant frequencies in one sensitive element. A typical magnetoelastic material that can be used in the invention is METGLAS® from Honeywell (Morristown, NJ).

In one embodiment of the invention, a magnetizing field is created and a resonant element is provided by, for example, having one or more permanent magnets that are attached to or located in a specific location with respect to one or more sensors. Permanent magnets are attached to one or more fastening devices of said absorbent article by any method commonly used in the art, or can be used as part of a fastening device. Permanent magnets can be provided in the form of small metal parts of various shapes and sizes, powder, granules, film, magnetic ink, or in other forms.

When the fastening device (s) moves away from the sensor (s), as in a situation where the absorbent product is detached, the magnetic field will change and the sensor (s) will detect oscillatory differences arising as a result of an increase or decrease in the magnetizing field corresponding to the displacement of the indicated (s) fastening (s) device (s). As an example, in a diaper type garment, the sensor response may “include” a resonant element that detects whether a fastening device, such as an adhesive tape or belt, is in contact with the front panel of the diaper.

This effect is confirmed by studies in the literature (Chizumi S., "Physics of Ferromagnetism", Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1997; O'Handley RC, "Modern Magnetic Materials, Principles and Applications", New York, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2000). A comparison of the magnetoacoustic effect arising from the initial application of a magnetizing field or, alternatively, as in this example, obtained from a permanent magnet (a) in the vicinity of a magnetoelastic (such as METGLAS®) film and then (b) above the specified film, shows that the signal from magnetoacoustic vibrations is significantly enhanced and that there is even the opportunity to observe higher harmonics of magnetoacoustic vibrations. This is because the magnetoelastic effect is enhanced when the magnetic field above the sample is amplified.

The amplitude of the applied magnetic field must be large enough to magnetize the material, such as a magnetoelastic film, to a certain extent in order to achieve a sufficiently large change in the size of the material. Therefore, certain magnetic fields can be optimized for each selected magnetostrictive material.

It was found that the magnetic field amplitude, for example, of 0.06 mT on the film, is high enough to detect magnetoacoustic signals. As a rule, magnetic pulses with a frequency of 1 kHz and a duty cycle of 20% are used, but other frequencies and duty factors can also be used. A magnetic field with magnetic induction in the range from 0.05 mTl to 0.1 mTl will create sufficient magnetization in the magnetoelastic film. The exact value depends on the selected material of the magnetoelastic film and thus can be optimized for each embodiment. The exact values of the pulse frequency, fill factor, and field amplitude of the film can likewise be optimized when choosing the material of the magnetoelastic film and the applied sensor system. In addition, the distance to the remote alarm receiver (such as a portable or stationary device) should be considered here, and the maximum distance between the remote receiver and the magnetoelastic film should be determined while optimizing other parameters in different embodiments. The minimum distance is the distance at the outside of the absorbent article. When designing the detection parameters, it may be possible to provide the largest overlap range of approximately x m, where x is selected, for example, by nursing personnel through the proper design of the drive coil and follow-up coil.

In one embodiment, the detection characteristics can be provided such that they allow the largest range of overlap of approximately x m, where x is approximately 0-10 m, for example approximately 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 , 8, 9, 10 m.

In a further embodiment, the detections may be provided such that they allow the largest range of overlap of approximately x m, where x is approximately 0-5 m.

In yet another embodiment, the detections may be provided such that they allow the largest range of overlap of approximately x m, where x is approximately 0-1 m, for example, approximately 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 m.

The frequency of the magnetoacoustic resonance is determined by means of a follow-up coil located in the remote receiver, which determines the reaction (response) of the material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a remote receiver, which is a portable device. A typical remote receiver in the form of a portable device has already been described in document WO 2004/021944 A1, which is incorporated by reference. The signal generator is connected to the detection circuit, so that the detection circuit “knows” when the signal is directed to the drive coil. In addition, a remote receiver, such as a receiver in the form of a portable device, can be designed and configured to minimize inductive coupling (magnetic interaction) between the magnetizing field, for example, from a permanent magnet and a tracking coil. The position of the tracking coil relative to the magnetizing field can be optimized to provide the maximum signal from the film and the minimum signal due to the magnetic field from the magnetizing field.

In another embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a remote receiver, which is a stationary device located in an appropriate place both relative to the carrier and nursing staff (for example, in the bedroom of the carrier or patient), or only relative to the nursing staff (for example, in the office of the nursing staff )

In yet another embodiment, one or more sensing elements comprise a resonant circuit in place of a magnetoelastic film. The indicated embodiment comprises a first and a second electrode of an inductive-capacitive circuit or inductive-resistive-capacitive circuit. The specified first and second electrode is made as part of a fastening device or is located next to a fastening device of the specified absorbent product. A fastener is further provided with a conductive portion, for example with a metal film, so that when the fastener of the absorbent article is properly closed, the conductive portion contacts both the first and second electrodes, thereby shorting said inductive-capacitive circuit. When the specified inductive-capacitive circuit is excited by means of the interrogating signal, the response signal will be zero or close to zero, and the frequency of the indicated signal will differ from the frequency of the signal detected when the fastening device of the indicated absorbent product is opened or closed inappropriately. The specified interrogation signal is a signal for driving an inductive-capacitive circuit. The excited inductive-capacitive circuit after excitation generates a radio-frequency (high-frequency) response signal. This response signal is read by a reader, which may be part of a remote receiver.

In a further embodiment, said system comprises an absorbent article provided with a resonant circuit, such as an inductive capacitive circuit or inductive resistive capacitive circuit. The specified resonant electric circuit is small enough so that it can be made as part of a fastening device or is located next to a fastening device of the specified absorbent product. The fastener is further provided with a shielding means, for example with a metal foil or metal film, so that when the fastener of the absorbent article is properly closed, the shielding zone is in such a position that it closes the fully resonant electrical circuit or such a large part of the resonant electrical circuit that the specified shielding means provides dispersion of the incoming RF signal, so that is under the shielding medium The resonant circuit does not resonate or resonates to a very small extent.

The resonant electrical circuit is preferably located in the so-called “Adhesive Tape Reception Area”, that is, the area of the fastening device of the absorbent article in which the adhesive fastening tab is fixed. In a system with hooks and loops, the corresponding zone is a “zone with loops”.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention relates to the use of said system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and / or physiological diseases, such as dementia.

EXAMPLES

Examples (and accompanying figures) 1-5 below illustrate the invention and describe several possible embodiments of said absorbent article that is contained in a system in accordance with the invention. These examples are presented to illustrate the invention by way of example, but are not intended to limit the invention in any way as described herein.

1 and 2 (taken together) and FIG. 3 show two different embodiments of the invention.

Example 1

In figure 1, the diaper (1) with the belt has a substantially T-shape and comprises an absorbent structure (2) located between the liquid-permeable topsheet (4) and the liquid-impervious backsheet (5). The diaper with a belt further comprises a fastening device in the form of a belt (3). The belt consists of the first and second parts (7, 8) of the belt in the embodiment shown.

The diaper with a belt further comprises a fastening system in the form of a belt fastening part (6) with hooks, which is fixed directly to the second part (8) of the belt. The fastening system additionally includes parts (12, 13) with hooks for fastening the diaper. The belt comprises a laminate of nonwoven materials provided with a layer of nonwoven material of a spunbond production method placed between two layers of nonwoven material obtained by carding and thermally bonded with these two layers. In this embodiment, the nonwoven layers are composed of polypropylene fibers. Each layer has a density of approximately 22 g / m ² .

Parts (12, 13) with hooks for fastening the diaper are placed on the liquid-permeable top sheet (4) of the diaper (1) and are fixed directly on the outward part of the belt (3), as illustrated in FIG. 2. Each part with hooks for fastening the diaper contains a permanent magnet (15, 16) located between the liquid-permeable top sheet (4) and the outer surface of the part (15, 16) with hooks for fastening the diaper. Additional details of this design are shown in FIGS. 4-5.

The permanent magnet can be provided in the form of small metal parts of various shapes and sizes, powder, granules, film, magnetic ink, or in other forms.

Many magnetoelastic films, for example three films, are located inside the first part (7) of the belt between the layer of carded non-woven material, which is facing away from the user during use, and the middle layer of non-woven material of the spunbond production method in the laminate of the belt. This is illustrated by means of three rectangular magnetoelastic films (20) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In further embodiments, said plurality of magnetoelastic films can be placed in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the bonding system. Placing them in the longitudinal direction allows users of different sizes to use an absorbent product without greatly affecting the functionality of the invention.

In all embodiments, the films are preferably encapsulated to protect them from mechanical pressure.

In an additional embodiment, several more sensors (20), which may have different resonant frequencies, are located in the absorbent article. They can be placed in the back, in the front and on the sides of the diaper.

The location of the sensors 20 in FIG. 1 should be considered only as an example.

The diaper with a belt further comprises a front part (19) intended to be worn on the abdomen of the wearer during use, a back part (17) intended to be worn on the wearer's back during use, and a crotch part (18) located between the front part (19 ) and the back (17) and designed to be worn by the genitalia of the wearer during use. The belt (3) is attached to the back (17) of the diaper (1).

Figure 2 shows the diaper (1) immediately before attaching the front part (19) of the diaper (1) to the belt (3). Figure 1 should also be considered for reference to other parts of the diaper. The first part (7) of the belt is attached to the second part (8) of the belt by means of a belt fastening part (6) with hooks. When doing this, many magnetoelastic films (20) are opened for exposure and placed in close proximity to parts (12, 13) with hooks for fastening the diaper and permanent magnets (15, 16). The absorbent core, the liquid impermeable backsheet, and the liquid permeable topsheet shown in the diaper with the belt of FIG. 1 may, when appropriate, have the same configuration as the open diaper described with reference to FIG. 3.

In this case, a remote device in the form of a portable device or in the form of a stationary device can be used to set the first frequency A, which corresponds to a closed diaper. This frequency A can be used at any later stage to establish a relationship with a new measurement of the second frequency B. If the first frequency A is lower than the second frequency B, then the permanent magnets (15, 16) are offset relative to many magnetoelastic films 20. This bias can be correlated with the event that the diaper fastening system has become unusable or that the functioning of the fastening system has deteriorated. When the diaper fastening system becomes unusable, the diaper will not match the shape of the wearer's body (will not fit the wearer's body), and thus the risk of leakage will be significantly higher than before. The alarm generated as a result will cause the nursing staff to understand the real situation associated with the carrier. In one embodiment, frequency A is stored in a portable device. In another embodiment, frequency A is transmitted directly or indirectly to a computer that compares frequency A with later measured frequency B.

Both frequencies A and B can also be compared with predetermined values corresponding to the open or closed / unusable (inoperative) diaper.

Example 2

Figures 3a and 3b show an additional embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3a shows a diaper with tongues (307, 308) made of tape and two fastening sections (320, 321) with loops placed on a liquid-tight back sheet (302). The tabs 307, 308 of the tape are additionally provided with sections 307a, 307b with hooks. Each of the hook sections is further provided with a permanent magnet 340, 341. This design is further described in connection with FIG.

The fastening zones (320, 321) with loops contain the usual material with loops and therefore will not be described further. Two magnetoelastic films 331, 332 are located between the fastening zones 320, 321 with loops and a liquid impervious back sheet. When wearing a diaper, the fastening system in the form of tongues (307, 308) from a tape with sections 307a, 308 with hooks and sections 340, 341 with permanent magnets and fastening zones (320, 321) with loops will be closed relative to the magnetoelastic films. In this case, the frequency can be set as described in example 1. When detaching the diaper, the offset will cause an alarm to be given to the carrier or nursing staff in the same way as previously described.

The wetting place is the surface area of the diaper with which the body's fluid or body waste first comes into contact. Obviously, in practice it is impossible to establish any specific point or zone associated with this, although in general it can be accepted that the fluid released by the body or waste products will fall on the diaper within its assigned limited zone. As a rule, this zone is slightly biased towards the front of the diaper in the case of carriers of both male and female. Since the dispersion of the liquid in the first absorbing layer, that is, the receiving layer, is only insignificant, it is sufficient that this layer covers only the diaper area in which wetting is most likely. Accordingly, similar aspects can be analyzed and taken into account when placing sensitive elements in an absorbent article, such as a diaper, containing a system in accordance with the invention.

The diaper illustrated in FIG. 3 consists of a liquid-permeable topsheet 301, for example of a nonwoven fabric or a perforated plastic film, a liquid-impervious backsheet 302, for example of a plastic film or a hydrophobic nonwoven, and an absorbent structure 303 sandwiched between two layers 301, 302.

The diaper is designed to cover the lower part of the body of the wearer like a pair of absorbing underpants. The diaper is provided with a back portion 304, which when wearing the diaper will be located on the back of the carrier, a front part 305, which, when wearing the diaper, will be located in front of the carrier, and with a narrower crotch portion 306 that extends between the back of the 304 and the front of the diaper 305 and which, when wearing a diaper, is located in the perineal area of the wearer, between his hips. Fastening tabs 307, 308 with hook material 307a, 308a are provided on lateral edges 309, 310 of rear portion 304 extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, adjacent to the rear waist edge 311 of said diaper so that the diaper can be fixed in a predetermined form similar to to cowards. When the diaper is to be used, fastening tabs 307, 308 are attached to the outer surface of the front part 305 of the diaper close to the front waist edge 312, thereby ensuring that the diaper is held together around the waist of the wearer.

The diaper illustrated in FIG. 3 also includes pre-stretched elastic devices 313, 314 that extend along the longitudinal lateral edges of the diaper in the crotch portion 306. The elastic devices 313, 314 may consist of any suitable material such as elastic foam, elastic tapes or coated elastic threads. For the sake of convenience, elastic devices 313, 314 have been shown in a stretched state.

The absorbent structure 303 consists of different layers. Closest to the liquid-permeable topsheet 301 is a thin layer 315 of fluff pulverized pulp with a large critical volume, large pore volume and low ability to disperse liquids. Critical volume is understood to mean the volume at which the cellulose body will neither flatten nor expand when it becomes wet. Pulverized pulp with a large critical volume will retain an openly porous structure with a large pore volume even in a wet state.

If you look in the direction of the liquid impervious back sheet 302, then follows the first absorption layer 316, which consists of fluff pulverized pulp with a large pore volume, high wet resistance and low ability to disperse liquids, and a second absorption layer 317, consisting from fluffy crushed cellulose with a small pore volume, low wet elasticity and high ability to disperse liquids. Both absorbent layers also include ultra-high absorbency material.

The first absorbent layer 316 has an oval shape and is located mainly in the crotch portion 306 of the diaper, around the so-called wetting site. In other embodiments, said layer 316 has a rectangular shape or other suitable shape.

Thus, the first receiving layer, that is, the collecting layer, in the diaper serves as the receiving zone for body fluid or waste products.

Bulk chemical-thermomechanical pulp, CF fluff pulverized pulp, cotton wool or foamed material are suitable for use in the first absorbent layer. A super absorbent polymer can also be added in various ratios to this layer.

The first absorption layer 316 may also contain from 2 to 30%, for example 2-15% of the material with ultrahigh absorption capacity of the total mass of the layer in a dry state in the zone in which the material with ultrahigh absorption capacity is intervened. The superabsorbent can be distributed essentially uniformly in the layer, within at least one of its sections or zones and is designed to bind any liquid that remains in the layer, even when it is removed from the layer by means of the second absorbing layer 317, which may be absorbent layer.

As mentioned above, the material with ultra-high absorption capacity in the first absorption layer should preferably have a high gel strength in order to ensure that the open-porous fibrous structure is retained even when it becomes wet.

The second absorption layer 317 also contains ultra-high absorption material, which may be in the form of one or more layers of flakes, fibers, granules, powder, or the like. The layer extends either over the entire length of the absorbent layer 317 or is limited by at least one portion thereof. This portion, for example, may be slightly larger than the absorbent layer 316 and, similarly to the specified layer, may be “limited” by the substantially crotch portion of the diaper.

The proportion of superabsorbent included in the second absorption layer 317 will preferably be from 2 to 60%, preferably from 19 to 50%, while it is calculated as part of the total mass of the layer in a dry state.

The superabsorbent in the second absorbent layer 317 will preferably have a high gel strength, that is, it has a swellability that is not substantially affected by the usually occurring pressure forces so that there is no blocking or obstruction to the dispersion of the liquid. A distinctive feature of these superabsorbents is that they have a high degree of crosslinking, which leads to the fact that they are more difficult to compress compared to a gel that has a lower degree of crosslinking.

The fluff pulverized pulp in the layer 317 of the second absorbent layer may comprise substantially fluff pulverized pulp or some other absorbent material having a great ability to disperse liquids. As a rule, fluff pulp obtained chemically from cellulosic material has this ability. The final fibers can have a mass of 140-190 μg / m, a low degree of stiffness and low stability in the wet state and a critical volume of less than 8 cm ³ / g at a pressure of 2.5 kPa.

The second layer 317 may also contain selected fluff pulverized pulp, such as chemical-thermomechanical pulp or technical pulp.

Thus, the fluid or waste generated by the body is first accumulated in the first absorbent layer 316, which serves as a buffer or reservoir, and is subsequently withdrawn from this layer as the second absorbent layer 317 absorbs and provides liquid waste dispersion.

It should be understood that the illustrated and described diaper is intended merely to show the invention by way of example, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, the shape of the diaper and its design can be changed in other respects. Similarly, the first absorbent layer 316 can completely cover the second absorbent layer. In addition, a thin layer 315 of fluff pulverized pulp located closest to the liquid-permeable topsheet 301 can be omitted.

In addition, it should be noted that a diaper similar to that used here is used especially in connection with incontinence, but the invention is not limited to this particular application or any specific implied size or type of diaper, but may be any diaper that is obvious to specialist in the art.

Example 3

Fig. 4a shows a hook fastener (401) containing a carrier material, for example a nonwoven spunbond material with a density of about 25-60 g / m ² . The carrier material is preferably formed from polypropylene fibers, but any conventional material may be used. The carrier material further comprises a permanent magnet (402). The permanent magnet (402) is held in place by the hook material (403), which is glued to the carrier material by means of conventional hot-melt adhesive without glue. If required, the magnet can be glued directly to the carrier material. The material (403) with hooks keeps the magnet in place, so that the position of the magnet is always “connected” with the position of the material with hooks.

Fig. 4b shows a section taken along line I-I for one embodiment of a hook fastening device.

Fig. 5a shows another embodiment of a fastening device. In this embodiment, the permanent magnet is free of said hooked material. This ensures the opening of the magnetoelastic film for exposure to a stronger magnetizing field, which may be beneficial when wearing the product.

It should be noted that the material with hooks can be replaced with adhesive film or any other known bonding material known in the art. If the fastening system consists of a magnetic fastening device, such as used on wallets or the like, there is no need for an additional permanent magnet. Instead, the magnetizing field from the magnetic bonding system can be used in the system according to the invention.

As shown, the permanent magnet has a rectangular shape, but in other embodiments it can be made in the form of small metal parts of various shapes and sizes (such as those used in the home as kitchen appliances for attaching to the refrigerator), powder, granules, film , magnetic ink or other existing forms. The thickness of the magnet can also be in the range from about 30 microns to 5 mm, for example from about 40 microns to 3 mm, from 70 microns to 2 mm, from 100 microns to 2 mm, from 500 microns to 2 mm, from 1 mm to 2 mm, from 30 microns to 1 mm, from 30 microns to 500 microns, from 30 microns to 200 microns.

A “thin” magnet may have a thickness of approximately 40 μm, while a typical “thick” magnet may have a thickness of approximately 1 mm. The length and width of the magnet are preferably adapted for each application. Typically, the magnet has at least one size, such as length, width, diameter, or the like, comprising at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 2-10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm or about 10-20 mm, for example 10-30 mm, 10-40 mm, 10-50 mm, 10-100 mm. Different magnets create different magnetizing fields that affect the resonance of the magnetoelastic film. In one embodiment, multiple permanent magnets may be used.

Example 4

An excitation device is used to drive a resonant element of embodiments of the present invention. The specified device excitation in one embodiment, the implementation of the excitation coil and the corresponding circuit and a power source for supplying a signal to the specified coil, allowing the generation of a high-frequency field excitation.

A reader is used to receive a response signal emitted by a resonant element. Said reader device in one embodiment comprises a tracking coil and corresponding circuits and a power source for receiving and extracting frequency data from said response signal. Said reader further comprises a display for reproducing said frequency. In a further embodiment, said reader device further comprises circuits or software for determining whether the frequency refers to a properly fixed absorbent article or to a detached / removed absorbent article.

Example 5

In a further embodiment of the present invention, said absorbent article is provided with hermetically sealed means. Said hermetically sealed means comprises a first part and a second part.

The first part is provided with acting means. The second part is made with a resonant element, which can be affected by the specified acting means.

The first part and the second part are made with the possibility of attaching them to each other, that is, the sealed connection is closed, so that when they are connected, the acting means acts on the resonant element. When separating them from each other, that is, if the sealed connection is broken, the acting means will not affect the resonant element to any significant extent.

A hermetically sealed means is arranged in the absorbent article in such a way that when the absorbent article is properly connected to the user and the hermetically sealed connection is closed, it is not possible to remove or displace the absorbent article without breaking the seal. When the sealed joint is destroyed, the response signal from the resonant element changes, and an event can be detected.

Preferably, the acting means is provided in the adhesive tape or on the adhesive tape, and when the absorbent article, such as a trouser-type diaper, is properly placed in place, the adhesive tape is attached to the part containing the resonant element, thereby providing an effect on the resonant element.

When a trouser-type diaper is removed or displaced intentionally or randomly, the adhesive tape will be displaced from its predetermined position, and the effect on the resonant element changes. Thus, the response signal from the indicated element changes, and an event can be detected.

Claims (25)

1. A method for remote detection of detachment or removal of an absorbent product from the body of the carrier, including when the specified product is wet, including the following operations:
providing an absorbent article with a fastening system comprising at least a first and a second part, said parts being intended to be separated when the absorbent article is not attached to the carrier, and intended to be joined together when said article is attached to the carrier, while the first part is made with a zone that has the ability to act on the resonant element located at the second part or next to the second part of the bonding system;
attaching the absorbent article to the carrier;
reading the resonant frequency and / or intensity of the signal emitted by the resonant element;
determination on the basis of said read frequency and / or intensity of the signal of the state of the absorbing product as detached / removed, on the one hand, or correctly fixed, on the other hand. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following operations:
detecting the displacement of at least one object, such as a fastening device;
alarm transmission to the remote receiver. 3. A method for detecting and transmitting an alarm signal when an absorbent article is detached or removed from the body of the carrier and / or when said article is wet, comprising a method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, and detecting moisture in the absorbent article. 4. A system for detecting the detachment or removal from the carrier body of an absorbent article containing at least one absorbent layer, an object to be displaced, such as part of a bond system, one or more resonant elements, and a remote receiver in which an alarm is transmitted when the absorbent article is detached or removed from the body of the carrier, where the indicated resonant element (s) detects oscillation (s) arising due to an increase or decrease in the magnetizing field corresponding to its displacement of the specified object. 5. The system according to claim 4, in which the specified (s) resonant (s) element (s) is (are) a magnetoelastic film. 6. The system according to claim 4, in which the specified (s) resonant (s) element (s) contains (at) a radio frequency electrical circuit. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein said circuit is configured to become short-circuited when the absorbent article is correctly attached to the carrier body. 8. The system according to claim 7, in which the specified circuit is designed so that it becomes not short-circuited when the absorbent product is detached or removed from the body of the carrier. 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising an excitation device capable of emitting a radio frequency excitation signal. 10. The system according to claim 9, in which the specified remote receiver is configured to read the radio frequency signal generated by the electrical circuit. 11. The system according to claim 4, in which the specified remote receiver is a portable device. 12. The system according to claim 4, in which the specified remote receiver is a stationary device. 13. The system according to any one of claims 4-12, further comprising means for detecting a situation when said product is wet, and also containing means attached to said means for detecting and for transmitting an alarm signaling that said product is wet. 14. An absorbent article having a fastening system, characterized in that the fastening system comprises at least a first and a second part, wherein said parts are intended to be separated when the absorbent article is not attached to the carrier, and are intended for connecting together when the product is attached to the carrier, the first part provided with means for acting on the resonant element located at the second part or next to the second part of the fastening system. 15. The absorbent article of claim 14, wherein the fastening system is a belt. 16. The absorbent product according to 14 or 15, in which the resonant element contains at least one magnetostrictive film. 17. The absorbent article of claim 14 or 15, wherein the resonant element comprises a plurality of magnetostrictive films. 18. The absorbent article of claim 14 or 15, wherein said means for acting on the resonant element comprises a permanent magnet. 19. The absorbent product according to clause 16, in which the specified tool is designed to act on the resonant element, contains a permanent magnet. 20. The absorbent product according to claim 17, wherein said means for acting on the resonant element comprises a permanent magnet. 21. The absorbent product according to 14 or 15, in which the resonant element contains a radio frequency circuit. 22. The absorbent article of claim 14 or 15, wherein the resonant element comprises an inductive capacitive circuit or an inductive resistive capacitive circuit. 23. The absorbent article of claim 14 or 15, wherein said means for acting on the resonant element comprises shielding means. 24. The absorbent article of claim 20, wherein said means for acting on the resonant element comprises shielding means. 25. The absorbent product according to item 23, in which the specified shielding means is a metal film.

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