Array of wetness-sensing articles

• US 20070252712A1
• Filed: 04/27/2006
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Inventors: Long, Andrew, Weber, Shirlee, Ales, Thomas, Allen, Ansley
• Granted Patent: US 8,378,167 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.500
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/42 with wetness indicator or alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/425 being also a toilet training aid

Abstract

A wetness sensing system includes a first wetness sensing article; a first signaling device producing a first signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the first signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article; and a second signaling device producing a second signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the second signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article. Also, a method for enhancing a wetness sensing system includes producing a wetness sensing absorbent article compatible with at least one component of the wetness sensing system, wherein the wetness sensing system includes as components a wetness sensing article and a first signaling device compatible with the wetness sensing article.

Claims

1. A wetness sensing system comprising;

a first wetness sensing article;

a first signaling device producing a first signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the first signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article; and

a second signaling device producing a second signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the second signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first signal is a first sound, and wherein the second signal is a second sound different from the first sound.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first sound is provided for positive reinforcement, and wherein the second sound is provided for negative reinforcement.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first signal is a sound signal, a visual signal, or a tactile signal, and wherein the second signal is a wireless transmission to a receiver.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first wetness sensing article and the first signaling device are disposed in a package.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second signaling device is disposed in the package.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second signaling device is a promotional item available for only a limited time.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first wetness sensing article and the first signaling device are branded with the same trademark.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first wetness sensing article is branded with a trademark from one trademark owner, and wherein the first signaling device is branded with a trademark from a different trademark owner.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second signaling device is a premium signaling device.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the premium signaling device produces a plurality of signals.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the premium signaling device is adapted such that a use may select from the plurality of signals.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of signals is a plurality of sound signals, visual signals, or tactile signals.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of signals is a plurality of wireless signals.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of signals includes a sound and a wireless signal.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of signals can be switched off.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the premium signaling device is adapted to receive downloaded signals.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the first wetness sensing article is adapted to be used for toilet training.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second wetness sensing article different from the first, wherein the first signaling device is compatible with both the first and second wetness sensing articles.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein both of the first and second wetness sensing articles are compatible with each of the first and second signaling devices.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the second wetness sensing article is adapted to be used to prevent enuresis.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the first and second wetness sensing articles are branded with the same trademark.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the first wetness sensing article is branded with a trademark from one trademark owner, and wherein the second wetness sensing article is branded with a trademark from a different trademark owner.

24. The system of claim 19, further comprising a third wetness sensing article different from the first and second wetness sensing articles, wherein the first signaling device is compatible with the first, second, and third wetness sensing articles.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the third wetness sensing article is adapted to be used to monitor incontinence.

26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a receiver compatible with the first signaling device.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the first wetness sensing article, the first signaling device, and the receiver are packaged together in one package.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the wetness sensing article further includes fading ink, appearing ink, a wetness liner, or a cooling indicator.

29. The system of claim 1, further comprising instructions for a caregiver in the use of the wetness sensing article to toilet train a subject.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the wetness sensing article is diaper, a pre-fastened pant, or a swimming pant.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein the wetness sensing article is an adult incontinence product.

32. The system of claim 1, further comprising a promotional plan focusing on the benefits to be derived from using the wetness sensing system.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the promotional plan includes customizability of the wetness sensing system.

34. A method for enhancing a wetness sensing system, the method comprising:

producing a wetness sensing absorbent article compatible with at least one component of the wetness sensing system, wherein the wetness sensing system includes as components a wetness sensing article and a first signaling device compatible with the wetness sensing article.

35. A method for selling wetness sensing articles, the method comprising:

offering for sale a first wetness sensing article in a package including markings to inform a consumer that the package includes a wetness sensing article; and

offering for sale a second wetness sensing article in a package including no markings to inform a consumer that the package includes a wetness sensing article.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein each of the first and second wetness sensing articles includes a conductor.