Patent ID: 6791004
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: A61F,F28D,Y10S

Abstract:
An absorbent article comprising:(1) a backsheet; (2) a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet; (3) an absorbent core disposed intermediate to the topsheet and the backsheet; (4) a thermal cell actuator which adds or removes heat from at least a portion of the absorbent article upon actuation so as to result in a useful function selected from the group consisting of: a) maintaining the article at a predefined temperature, b) maintaining relative humidity in a volume between a wearer and the article when the article is worn c) melting a material disposed on the article, d) changing a mechanical property of a different component of the article, e) changing the breathability of a component of the article, and f) changing the vapor pressure of a material disposed on the article; and (5) a triggering mechanism connected with the thermal cell actuator whereby a non-urine based-signal within the article causes the thermal cell actuator to add or remove heat from at least a portion of the absorbent article.