The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 11, 1994
Filed:
Jul. 23, 1993
Winalee G Mitchell, Perrysburg, OH (US);
Andrew J Szypka, Curtice, OH (US);
Michael Plotka, Waterville, OH (US);
Principle Business Enterprises Inc., Dunbridge, OH (US);
Abstract
A capacity monitor for diapers and the like, including super absorbent material disposed in or adjacent to an absorbent core is disclosed. The monitor comprises an indicator and a baffle to prevent direct contact between the absorbent core and the indicator. The indicator is preferably a ribbon of hot melt adhesive with a wetness indicator which changes color when exposed to liquid. The baffle is a substantially water impervious sheet positioned between the absorbent core and the indicator so as to prevent direct contact between them. The diaper and the monitor are constructed so that there is a threshold level of liquid which, when deposited in the diaper, will effect a color change in the indicator. A quantity of liquid which is below the threshold will not effect a color change in the indicator and a quantity of liquid which is above the threshold will effect a color change in the indicator. In the latter case, the indicator will change color over a portion of its length which is proportional to the quantity of deposited liquid which exceeds the threshold amount. The threshold is preferably at least twenty percent of the in-situ capacity of the super absorbent material in the diaper. In a diaper comprising an absorbent core, a backing sheet and a cover sheet, the monitor is positioned between the absorbent core and the backing sheet and, preferably, a strip of non-woven material is positioned between the monitor and the backing sheet to prevent sticking.