Device for detecting urine in diapers

• US 4,796,014 A
• Filed: 03/24/1987
• Issued: 01/03/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jack T. Chia
• Original Assignee: Jack T. Chia
• Inventors: Chia, Jack T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Application Number:
  US07/029,700
• Time in Patent Office: 651 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573, 340/604, 128/138 A
• US Class Current: 340/573.5
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 9/12 Safety-pins
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/42 with wetness indicator or alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/8479 including electric or magnetic devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/48 Devices for preventing wetting or pollution of the bed

Abstract

A urine-detecting device adapted to be associated with a baby'"'"'s diaper detects and signals the presence of urine after a sufficient time delay from the initiation of urination so as not to interfere with the baby'"'"'s act of urination. The signal is audio and optionally with visual. The device is aiming at safety, compactedness and convenience. It combines sensing means and fastening means with signalling means attached to it. A fastening means such as a safety pin with spaced apart electrical conductors on it is used to engage the device to a diaper. When urine bridges the space between the conductive a detection circuit is completed which activates the signal.

Claims

1. A compact releasably securable urine-detecting device for a baby'"'"'s diaper to detect and signal the presence of urine comprising:

(a) means for sensing urine in a diaper in combination with means for fastening to a diaper,

(b) means for signalling inside of a container,

(c) said means for sensing in combination with means for fastening comprising a safety pin with a pair of spaced apart electrical conductors insulatively installed on it and connected to electrodes inside said container, to which said safety pin is secured and with which said safety pin is used to engage a diaper,

(d) said container containing at least one battery, a pair of electrodes, a conductivity change sensor, a signal-producing integrated circuit, an alerting means and means for coupling them,

(e) said safety pin being secured to said container at such an angle that not only does it allow the safety pin to open and close freely but it also enables the container to lie flat on a diaper to which the safety pin is fastened, whereby, in use, as the safety pin with electrical conductors is inserted and threaded through the front lower center of a diaper and when the conductors are bridged by urine, an electrical circuit is completed which produces an alerting signal for diaper-change.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a delay means in said container to postpone actuation of the alerting means for about two minutes after said conductors are bridged by urine so that the time delay thus secured allows the baby to complete normal urination without any interference.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a switch with its control emergent to the surface of the container so the alerting signal can be turned off once an attending person arrives so as not to disturb others nearby unnecessarily especially during the night.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a pulse circuit in said container and a light bulb on said container whereby when said conductors are bridged by urine and sequentially the alerting signal is activated after delay, the light will come on in an intermittant flashing manner which enables a nurse in a crowded hospital ward or an attending person in a busy cay-care center to quickly ascertain which baby'"'"'s diaper needs changing.

5. The device of 1 further comprising a means for resetting said signal-producing integrated circuit so that once the signal is turned off it is automatically reset and is ready to play again from the beginning.