Use-dependent indicator system for absorbent articles

• US 6,794,318 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2000
• Issued: 09/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Inventors: Clark, James W., Anderson, Ralph L., Radwanski, Fred R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morris, Terrel
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sperty, Arden B.
• Application Number:
  US09/746,719
• Publication Number:
  US 20010031595A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,369 Days
• Field of Search: 442/123, 442/71, 442/73, 442/414, 106/15.05, 106/31.13, 106/31.27
• US Class Current: 442/123
• CPC Class Codes: D06M 16/00 Biochemical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. enzymatic
• CPC Class Codes: D06M 23/16 Processes for the non-uniform application of treating agents, e.g. one-sided treatment; Differential treatment
• CPC Class Codes: D06P 1/004 Dyeing with phototropic dyes; Obtaining camouflage effects
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 31/22 using chemical indicators G01N31/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24446 Wrinkled, creased, crinkled or creped
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/2049 Each major face of the fabric has at least one coating or impregnation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/2098 At least two coatings or impregnations of different chemical composition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/2115 At least one coating or impregnation functions to fix pigments or particles on the surface of a coating or impregnation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/2131 At least one coating or impregnation functions to fix pigments or particles on the surface of a coating or impregnation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/2525 Coating or impregnation functions biologically [e.g., insect repellent, antiseptic, insecticide, bactericide, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/659 Including an additional nonwoven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/696 Including strand or fiber material which is stated to have specific attributes [e.g., heat or fire resistance, chemical or solvent resistance, high absorption for aqueous compositions, water solubility, heat shrinkability, etc.]

Abstract

A use-dependent indicator system for detecting the exhaustion of an active chemical within an absorbent article is provided. The indicator system includes at least one dye component and a polymer mixture. The dye component(s) can be non-reactive and/or reactive dyes. The polymer mixture can contain a polymer, such as a latex adhesive, to facilitate control over the dissolution rate of the dye component(s). By controlling the dissolution rate of the dye component(s), an indicator system of the present invention can impart a change in color to signal the exhaustion of an active chemical incorporated within the absorbent article, such as an anti-microbial agent.

Claims

1. An absorbent article containing an active chemical comprising:

an absorbent web containing fibers, said absorbent web having at least two outer surfaces; and

an indicator system applied to said web, said indicator system comprising at least one dye component imparting a color to said at least one surface, said at least one dye component being capable of dissolving into a liquid when contacted therewith, said at least one dye component dissolving at a faster rate than said active chemical when contacted with said liquid such that said color of said at least one surface becomes altered before said active chemical is completely exhausted during the use of said article; and

a cross-linked water-swellable polymer mixture applied to said web, wherein said cross-linked water-swellable polymer is cross-linked to a degree that controls the rate that said at least one dye component dissolves into said liquid when contacted therewith.

2. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said web has at least two outer surfaces, said indicator system being applied to at least one of said two surfaces.

3. An article as defined in claim 2, wherein said indicator system covers less than about 60% of said at least one surface of said web such that said web is capable of maintaining absorbent properties.

4. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said indicator system comprises a non-reactive dye.

5. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said indicator system comprises a reactive dye.

6. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said polymer mixture comprises a polymer capable of swelling in water.

7. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said polymer mixture comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of a cross-linking agent, a catalyst, a thickener, a plasticizer, a defoamer, composite particles, a viscosity modifier, a stabilizer, a surfactant, and combinations thereof.

8. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said active chemical comprises an anti-microbial agent.

9. An article as defined in claim 8, wherein said anti-microbial agent comprises a stationary additive.

10. An article as defined in claim 8, wherein said anti-microbial agent comprises a surface migration additive.