Absorbent article saturation indication system and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An absorbent article comprising:
- an absorbent body having a first end and an opposite second end, and defining a length, wherein the absorbent body comprises a tampon pledget;
a withdrawal string attached to the absorbent body; and
a metering string attached to the absorbent body, the metering string comprising an internal portion that maintains contact with the absorbent body and a hanging portion that hangs freely from the absorbent body, wherein the metering string comprises a moisture-activated shrinking material, and wherein the metering and withdrawal strings are configured to provide an article saturation indication when compared.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An absorbent article includes an absorbent body in contact with a moisture activatable shrinking yarn in the form of a metering string. The metering string includes a hanging portion that is at least initially visible to a user when the absorbent article is in use. By observing the change in length of the hanging portion, a user wearing the absorbent article can determine how saturated the absorbent article has become. The metering string may be used with absorbent articles such as tampons and diapers.
38 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An absorbent article comprising:
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an absorbent body having a first end and an opposite second end, and defining a length, wherein the absorbent body comprises a tampon pledget; a withdrawal string attached to the absorbent body; and a metering string attached to the absorbent body, the metering string comprising an internal portion that maintains contact with the absorbent body and a hanging portion that hangs freely from the absorbent body, wherein the metering string comprises a moisture-activated shrinking material, and wherein the metering and withdrawal strings are configured to provide an article saturation indication when compared. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A tampon comprising:
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a pledget having a circumference, a distal end for insertion and a proximal end opposite thereof; a withdrawal string having a reference length, the withdrawal string attached to and extending from the proximal end of the pledget; and a metering string comprised of a moisture-activated shrinking yarn, the metering string having an internal portion and a hanging portion, wherein the internal portion is in contact with the pledget and extends from the distal end to the proximal end, and the hanging portion extends from the proximal end of the pledget, adjacent the withdrawal string, and wherein the metering and withdrawal strings are configured to provide an article saturation indication when compared. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification