Automatic absorbent article change features

A system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly having an inner layer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer that defines a garment-facing surface, and an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to absorbent articles intended for personal wear, and more particularly to disposable absorbent articles having a fastening system for selectively fastening and refastening the article about the wearer.

Many absorbent articles intended for personal wear, such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, bandages, medical garments and the like are designed to be sufficiently absorbent to absorb moisture from liquid body exudates including urine, menses, blood, etc., away from the wearer to reduce skin irritation caused by prolonged wetness exposure. Diapers, as an example, are typically placed and secured on a wearer using a set of primary fastening tabs, such as adhesive tabs or mechanical (e.g., hook or loop) fastening system tabs, and left in place to absorb insults as well as to contain fecal waste.

The home is becoming automated and connected as the “internet of things” grows. Many companies have also been investing in home automation such as robotics and drones to do work and deliver goods and services. Products need to be designed to work with these systems. Design elements and materials enable products to fit this new paradigm. Absorbent articles do not have design elements that enable an automated system to identify and engage with the product.

There is a need, therefore, for diaper design elements that enable a robotic system to identify, grasp, open, apply, and fasten an absorbent product. While many of the features are designed for a caregiver, such as finger tabs, modifications of these features enable robotic-specific application and disposal. Robots sense things differently, such as the stress/strain curve for fastener application, and robots are actually better at providing, for example a secure and more consistent fastening. Such a system can be enabled by the technical data available to the system and identified on the product.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device, the system including an absorbent assembly including longitudinally opposite ends, transversely opposite sides, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions, a liquid permeable inner layer for facing a wearer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer for facing away from the wearer that defines a garment-facing surface, an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers, at least one of the inner layer and outer layer defining the longitudinally opposite ends and transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly, the absorbent body having a pair of longitudinally extending sides and a pair of transversely extending ends, each of the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent body being spaced inward from a respective one of the transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, where each of the ears includes a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.

The present disclosure also describes a system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device, the system including an absorbent assembly including longitudinally opposite ends, transversely opposite sides, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions, a liquid permeable inner layer for facing a wearer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer for facing away from the wearer that defines a garment-facing surface, an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers, at least one of the inner layer and outer layer defining the longitudinally opposite ends and transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly, the absorbent body having a pair of longitudinally extending sides and a pair of transversely extending ends, each of the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent body being spaced inward from a respective one of the transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes at least one of an engagement member disposed on the garment-facing surface of each of the pair of ears, each engagement member configured to selectively engage the robotic device, alignment fastener indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly, and manipulation indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly.

The present disclosure also describes a method for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article using a separate robotic device, the method including providing a system including an absorbent assembly including longitudinally opposite ends, transversely opposite sides, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions, a liquid permeable inner layer for facing a wearer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer for facing away from the wearer that defines a garment-facing surface, an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers, at least one of the inner layer and outer layer defining the longitudinally opposite ends and transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly, the absorbent body having a pair of longitudinally extending sides and a pair of transversely extending ends, each of the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent body being spaced inward from a respective one of the transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device. The method also includes providing a changing station including an application section, the application section including an application surface wherein the absorbent assembly can be selectively disposed in an unfastened and unused state; and a removal section including a removal surface configured for the removal of the absorbent assembly from the wearer. The method also includes engaging the separate robotic device for the placement of an unused, unfastened absorbent assembly onto the application surface such that the garment-facing surface is directly or indirectly adjacent to the application surface.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure. The drawings are representational and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof might be exaggerated, while others might be minimized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to some aspects of the disclosure, an absorbent article is provided that overcomes at least some of the deficiencies of the conventional diapers described above.

These features will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate one suitable aspect of a diaper (broadly, “an absorbent article”), indicated generally at110, in an unfolded and laid flat condition to show an outer surface of the diaper110that faces away from the wearer when the diaper110is worn (FIG. 1) and an inner surface of the diaper110that faces the wearer when the diaper110is worn (FIG. 2). Portions of the diaper110illustrated inFIG. 2are cut away to illustrate underlying structures. The diaper110has a longitudinal direction112and a lateral direction114. While the present description will be made in the context of a diaper110, it should be understood that the present disclosure is also applicable to other personal care absorbent articles, such as adult incontinence garments, children's training pants, swim pants, and the like.

In one suitable aspect, the diaper110is a disposable absorbent article. As used herein, the term “disposable absorbent article” refers to articles that absorb and contain body exudates and that are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use. The articles are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. The articles can be placed against or in proximity to the body of a wearer to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. It is understood that in other suitable aspects, the diaper110can be reusable. That is, the diaper110can be intended for multiple uses without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.

In the longitudinal direction112, the diaper110defines a front portion116, a back portion118, and a crotch portion120extending between and connecting the front portion and the back portion. The diaper110includes a bodyside liner130, an outer cover132, and an absorbent core134located between the bodyside liner130and the outer cover132. The bodyside liner130, outer cover132and absorbent core134collectively define an absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly can be any suitable shape including, for example, generally I-shaped as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. As used herein, reference to the front portion116refers to that part of the diaper110that is generally located on the front of a wearer when in use. Reference to the back portion118refers to the portion of the diaper110generally located at the back of the wearer when in use, and reference to the crotch portion120refers to that portion that is generally located between the legs of the wearer when in use.

In the illustrated aspect, the back portion118includes a straight back waist edge138and the front portion116includes a straight front waist edge140. As used herein, “straight edge” refers to edges that are substantially free from curves, bends, angles, notches, or irregularities. It is understood, however, that the back waist138and the front waist140can be cut in any suitable shape as are known in the art (e.g., arcuate). As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the diaper110has opposite longitudinal side edges128that extend between the back waist edge138and the front waist edge140. In the illustrated aspect, each of the side edges128includes an arcuate portion for defining a portion of a leg opening during wear of the diaper110.

The bodyside liner130of the diaper110, as illustrated inFIG. 2, defines a body facing surface that is intended to be worn adjacent and in directed contact with the body of the wearer. The bodyside liner130can be suitably compliant, soft feeling and nonirritating to the wearer's skin. The bodyside liner130can be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core134and sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable. The bodyside liner130can be manufactured from a wide selection of suitable web materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner130is suitably adapted to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids and moisture held by the absorbent core134.

The outer cover132of the diaper110, which is illustrated inFIG. 1, defines a garment-facing surface that is intended to be worn adjacent the clothing of the wearer. In one suitable aspect, the outer cover132is a polyethylene film. In another suitable aspect, the outer cover132includes a woven or non-woven fibrous web layer that has been totally or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions of the outer cover132that are adjacent or proximate the absorbent core134. For example, a cloth-like outer cover132can be composed of polypropylene spunbond fabric that is laminated and thermally bonded to a stretch-thinned polypropylene film. The outer cover132can include a micro-porous, “breathable” material that permits vapors to escape from diaper110while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through. For example, the outer cover132can be composed of a microporous polymer film or a nonwoven fabric that has been coated or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. The outer cover132can also be embossed or otherwise provided with a matte finish to exhibit a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The bodyside liner130and the outer cover132are generally joined in facing relationship with the absorbent core134located therebetween. The bodyside liner130and the outer cover132can be joined to each other around the outer periphery of the diaper110by any means known to those skilled in the art such as adhesive bonds, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, and the like, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “join”, and derivatives thereof, encompass configurations wherein an element is directly secured to the other element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations wherein the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) that in turn are affixed to the other element.

As mentioned above, the absorbent core134is positioned between the bodyside liner130and the outer cover132. The absorbent core134is generally conformable and capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. The absorbent core134can include superabsorbent material, staple fibers, binder fibers, and the like, and combinations thereof as is known in the art. The absorbent core134can have any of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, the composite absorbent core134can be rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core134should be compatible with the size of the intended wearer and the fluid loading imparted by the intended use of the diaper.

In one suitable aspect, the diaper110can include a surge portion (not shown) disposed between the absorbent core134and the bodyside liner130. The surge portion serves to quickly collect and temporarily hold liquids discharged by the wearer and then release the liquids to the absorbent core134. Various woven and nonwoven materials can be used to construct the surge portion. For example, the surge portion can be a layer of a spunbonded or meltblown web of polyolefin fibers. The surge portion can also be a bonded carded web of natural and synthetic fibers. The surge portion can be a substantially hydrophobic material and, optionally, can be treated with a surfactant or otherwise to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

The diaper110includes a pair of elasticized, longitudinally-extending leg cuffs136. The leg cuffs136are adapted to fit about the legs of a wearer in use and serve as a mechanical barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. In one suitable aspect, the leg cuffs136can be formed by portions of the outer cover132, and/or bodyside liner130, which extend beyond the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core134. In another suitable aspect, the leg cuffs136can be formed from separate materials (e.g., stands of leg elastics) joined to the outer cover132and/or the bodyside liner130.

The diaper110can further include front waist elastic (not shown) and/or back waist elastic146. In the illustrated aspect, for example, the diaper110has back waist elastic146but not front waist elastic. The back waist elastic146is arranged to draw and hold the diaper110against the wearer, particularly against the waist of the wearer, as will be more fully discussed.

Materials suitable for use in forming leg cuffs136and/or waist elastics146are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of such materials are strands or ribbons of a polymeric, elastomeric material that are adhered to the diaper110in a stretched position, or that are attached to the diaper while the diaper is pleated, such that elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the diaper. The leg cuffs136and/or waist elastics146can have any configuration that provides the desired performance. The leg cuffs136can be generally straight or optionally curved (as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2) to more closely fit the contours of the legs of the wearer. As used herein, “elastic,” “elastomeric,” and the like refer to the ability of a material or composite to be elongated by at least about 50 percent and upon relaxation to return to within at least 50 percent of its original length.

The leg cuffs136and/or waist elastics146can be attached to the diaper110in any way known to those skilled in the art. For example, the leg cuffs136and/or waist elastics146can be joined to the diaper110by ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, and the like, and combinations thereof.

The diaper110can also include a pair of containment flaps (not shown) that extend longitudinally along the diaper and are adapted to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. The containment flaps can be connected to the bodyside liner130or other components as is well known in the art. Suitable configurations of the containment flaps are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,338 issued Feb. 4, 1997, to K. Enloe, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the back portion118of the diaper includes a pair of back ears, indicated generally at122. In one suitable aspect, the back ears122can be formed from extensions of the bodyside liner130, the outer cover132, or combinations of both the bodyside liner and the outer cover132. In another suitable aspect, and as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the back ears122can be formed as separate components and attached to the bodyside liner130, the outer cover132, or both the bodyside liner and the outer cover132as is known in the art. In the illustrated aspect, the back ears122are attached to the body-facing surface of the bodyside liner130such that the attached portion of the ears122are disposed between the wearer's body and bodyside liner130when the diaper110is worn.

In one suitable aspect, each of the back ears122includes an elastomeric portion150, a non-elastomeric portion152, and a primary first fastening component124mounted to the non-elastomeric portion152(FIG. 2). Each of the elastomeric portions150has a proximal edge154, an opposed distal edge156, an upper edge158, and a lower edge160. As seen inFIG. 2, the proximal edge154of each of the elastomeric portions150is spaced inward from the respective side edge128of the diaper110such that a portion of the elastomeric portion150overlaps the bodyside liner130. The part of each of the elastomeric portions150overlapping the bodyside liner130is bonded (e.g., adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, both thermal and adhesive bonding) to at least the bodyside liner130. In another suitable aspect, the elastic component150can be eliminated and the entire back ear122can be constructed from the non-elastic component152.

In the aspect illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the proximal edge154and the distal edge156of each of the elastomeric portions150are generally parallel with respect to each other, and both are straight (i.e., linear). In one suitable aspect, the proximal edge154has a length from about 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) to about 7 inches (17.8 centimeters), preferably from about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) to about 6 inches (15.2 centimeters), and more preferably from about 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) to about 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters). The distal edge156has a length from about 0.25 inch (0.635 centimeter) to about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters), and preferably from about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) to about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters). Further, the ratio of the length of the distal edge156to the proximal edge154is suitably from about 1:28 to about 3:4, and, and preferably from about 1:10 to about 2:3, and more preferably from about 1:4 to about 1:2.

Both the upper and lower edges158,160have first segments162that are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the respective proximal edges154. Each of the first segments162generally correspond to the part of each of the elastomeric portions150that overlap the bodyside liner130. In the illustrated aspect, the first segments162of the upper edges158of the elastomeric portion150are spaced from the back waist edge138. It is understood, however, that the first segments162can be aligned with the back waist edge138of the diaper110.

Second segments164of each of the upper and lower edges158,160are generally coaxial and extend towards each other generally perpendicular to the first segments162. In the illustrated aspect, the second segment164of the lower edge160has a length greater than the length of the second segment of the upper edge158. It is understood, however, that the second segments164of the upper and lower edges158,160can have any suitable length.

Each of the illustrated elastomeric portions150includes an arcuate third segment166interconnecting the second segments164to the respective distal edge156. In the illustrated aspect, the third segments166are generally mirror images of each other. It is understood, however, that the third segments166can have any suitable shape and that the third segments of the upper edges158can have a shape that is different that the shape of the third segments of the lower edges160.

The elastomeric portions150of the back ears122can be formed from any type of elastomeric material capable of performing as described herein. In one suitable aspect, the elastomeric material will be stretchable in at least one direction (e.g., in the lateral direction114of the diaper110as viewed inFIGS. 1 and 2) and alternatively, the elastomeric material will be stretchable in two directions (e.g., in both the longitudinal direction112and the lateral direction of the diaper as viewed inFIGS. 1 and 2). Suitably when the elastomeric material is stretchable in a single direction, the stretch direction of the elastomeric material will be oriented so as to provide elastomeric forces that tend to pull the front and rear portions of the article towards one another such that the article is maintained about the waist of a wearer.

In one suitable aspect, the elastomeric material from which the elastomeric portions150of the back ears122are formed is capable of being elongated by at least about 50 percent, alternatively by at least about 100 percent, alternatively by at least about 130 percent. After elongation to 50 percent (if the elastomeric material is capable of being elongated to no more than 100 percent) or 100 percent (if the elastomeric material is capable of being elongated to more than 100 percent), the elastomeric material suitably recovers to at least about 50 percent of its original length, alternatively to at least about 80 percent of its original length. The elastomeric material can be an inherently elastomeric material, that is, one that is formed in an elastomeric state, or can be rendered elastomeric through processing subsequent formation. For example, the elastomeric material can be heat or pressure activated. The elastomeric portions150of the back ears122can be formed from a stretch-bonded-laminate (SBL) material, a neck-bonded-laminate (NBL) material, an elastomeric film, an elastomeric foam material, or the like.

Each of the non-elastomeric portions152of the back ears122is attached to a respective one of the elastomeric portions150, and the primary first fastening components124(such as a hook material) are in turn disposed on the non-elastomeric portions152. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the non-elastomeric portions152of the back ears122extend in part transversely outward of the respective elastomeric portion150and the primary first fastening component124of each of the non-elastomeric portions152are configured for engaging a loop component disposed in the front waist region116of the diaper110in the wear configuration, as will be discussed more fully.

As seen best inFIG. 2, each of the illustrated non-elastomeric portions152further include a grip region168transversely outward of the primary first fastening component124for use in manually gripping and manipulating the non-elastomeric portion and more broadly the respective back ear122relative to the diaper110. The grip region168is non-attachable to the diaper110. The term “non-attachable” as used in this instance means that the grip region168is not releasably or otherwise removably attachable to the diaper110. In one aspect, the grip region168extends transversely outward from the respective primary first fastening component124a distance of at least about 1 mm, such as in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm to provide sufficient unattached material for readily gripping and pulling on the non-elastomeric portion152.

The diaper110can be selectively moved from the unfastened configuration, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, to a fastened or wear configuration as illustrated inFIG. 3, by attaching the back waist region118(and more specifically the back ears122) to the front waist region116using an article fastening system170to define a three-dimensional wear configuration of the diaper having a waist opening172and a pair of leg openings174. Although the diaper110illustrated inFIG. 3shows the back waist region118(and more specifically the back ears122) overlapping the front waist region116upon connection thereto, which is convenient, the diaper110can also be configured so that the front waist region116overlaps the back waist region118when connected.

According to some aspects, the article fastening system170includes a primary fastening system. The primary fastening system includes the primary first fastening components124disposed on the non-elastomeric portions152of the back ears122and at least one corresponding primary second fastening component176that is adapted for refastenable engagement to the primary first fastening components124. In one suitable aspect, an outer surface of each of the primary fastening components124,176includes a plurality of engaging elements. More specifically, the engaging elements of the primary first fastening components124are adapted to repeatedly engage and disengage corresponding engaging elements of the primary second fastening components176to releasably secure the diaper110in its wear configuration.

The primary fastening components124,176can include any refastenable fasteners suitable for absorbent articles, such as adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, or the like. In one suitable aspect, the primary fastening components124,176include mechanical fastening components, such as hook and loop fasteners. For example, suitable hook and loop components can be provided by interlocking geometric shaped materials. As used herein, “hook” broadly refers to any suitable mechanical fastener adapted to engage loop components including, e.g., hooks, bulbs, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stems, stems, structures having stems that engage foam such as open cell foam or the like, etc. Other suitable mechanical fastening components include male and/or female mating components, buckles, snaps, or the like. In the illustrated aspect, the primary first fastening components124include hook fasteners and the primary second fastening components176include a complementary loop fastener disposed on the outer surface of the outer cover132. Alternatively, the primary first fastening components124can include loop fasteners and the primary second fastening components176can include complementary hook fasteners.

The shape, density, and polymer composition of the hooks and loops can be selected to obtain the desired level of engagement between the primary fastening components124,176. A more aggressive hook material can include a material with a greater average hook height and/or a greater percentage of directionally-aligned hooks.

In some aspects, the outer facing surface of the outer cover132of the diaper110is suitably constructed to define the primary second fastening component176, which is a loop fastener. That is, the outer cover132itself can be formed of a material that defines the primary second fastening component176(e.g., vertical filament laminate (VFL) or other suitable material).

In another suitable aspect, and as illustrated inFIG. 3, the primary second fastening component176can be formed as a separate component and attached to the outer surface of the diaper's outer cover132. More specifically, a strip, indicated generally at180, including loop fastening material is attached to the front waist region116of the diaper110.

The absorbent article or diaper110is provided with features that assist a robotic device in seeing, aligning with, and grasping the absorbent article110. With such assistance, the robotic device can be used for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article110. Included is a series of absorbent article features that, when combined as a system, enable a robotic absorbent article application. These features include information integrated into the absorbent article110or adjacent elements such as packaging to enable the robotic system to identify critical design elements and interact with them. Included in such features is a manipulation-enablement feature200configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article110by the robotic device. Post-retail manipulation refers to manipulation of the absorbent article110in a consumer or other caregiver environment after the absorbent article110has been purchased or otherwise acquired by a consumer.

There are two primary product modifications that enable this system. The first is modifications to the product to enable a robotic system to grasp or manipulate the absorbent article110. This will enable the system to open the article package, grasp an absorbent article110, remove the absorbent article110from the bag, and transport it to the changing surface. The system can then open the absorbent article110for application so the wearer can be placed on it, and then grasp and fasten the fasteners on the absorbent article110. For removal of the article, the fasteners again need to be grasped, unfastened, and the absorbent article110unfolded so the wearer can be removed from proximity of the absorbent article110. The absorbent article110then needs to be wrapped up for disposal. Grip regions on the folded edge of the absorbent article110will enable a system to grab and remove the absorbent articles110from the bag.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the manipulation-enablement feature200includes an engagement member210disposed on the garment-facing or body-facing surfaces of each of the pair of ears122, where each engagement member210is configured to selectively engage the robotic device. To be able to close the absorbent article110around a wearer, the robotic device must be able to grasp or otherwise engage the ears122to bring them around the wearer and to engage the fastener components on the ears122with the fastener components on the front of the absorbent article110. The engagement member210can be hook material, loop material, a snap, an adhesive, a cohesive, or any other suitable means to assist the robotic device in engaging the absorbent article110. In a specific, non-limiting example, loop material can be disposed on the ears122of the absorbent article110either in addition to the structures already present on the absorbent article110, or as an inherent feature of one of the structures of the absorbent article110. In this example, the robotic device is then provided with hook material to allow the hook material of the robotic device to engage with the loop material of the absorbent article110, thereby allowing the robotic device to manipulate the absorbent article110. Other aspects include tabs that extend and are grasped by automated fingers or snaps or mechanical systems that can be clipped or snapped into.

A second set of modifications enables the system's vision system using product edges and other structures that are identifiable. For example, a robotic system can be designed to have an ultraviolet (UV) light source and sensors that detect fluorescent construction adhesive used in the absorbent article110. The fluorescence of the adhesive would reliably distinguish the absorbent article110from its surroundings and highlight its outline, enabling a robotic system to grasp the absorbent article110at the desired locations for safely changing the absorbent article110. Hot melt adhesives used in the manufacture of diapers and pants currently contain UV dyes that fluoresce under UV (black light), so this solution is economical. The fluorescence is only seen under UV light so the aesthetics of the absorbent article110are not affected under normal light.

Indicia that have designs that are visually distinct will enable the system to identify the product edges (perimeter), the folded edge of the absorbent article110, the fasteners, and the areas that the fasteners should attach to. QR code stickers or other identification tags placed or printed on the outer cover132or the like are read by optical sensors in the robotic system. The robotic system is then linked to information about the absorbent article110, including the location of design elements such as fastener configuration and product size and functional information including absorbency, gender, size, etc. of the absorbent article110. Such information also enables one robotic system to care for any number of wearers using any number of different product types, sizes, etc. on each child.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the manipulation-enablement feature200includes alignment indicia220and/or fastener indicia230disposed on one or both of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent article110. Alignment indicia220are visual indicia that an automated system can use to understand the positioning of the absorbent article110in three dimensions. For example, in a preliminary step for application of an absorbent article110, the absorbent article110is opened up and laid out flat so a wearer can be positioned on top of the open absorbent article110. Similarly, fastener indicia230are visual indicia that allow the automated system to perceive the positioning of the fastening system of the absorbent article110. This function is important to allow the robotic system to be able to manipulate the ears122and fasteners. In other words, the system needs to be able to see the fasteners and distinguish them from the rest of the absorbent article110, and to determine whether the fasteners are open and spread out.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the manipulation-enablement feature200includes manipulation indicia240disposed on one or both of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent article110. Manipulation indicia240are visual indicia that indicate to an automated system where to engage the absorbent article110to be able to position the absorbent article110correctly and to make sure the absorbent article110is properly opened and flattened. For example, manipulation indicia240can be disposed at the top and the bottom of the absorbent article110to indicate points at which the automated system should grab or otherwise engage the absorbent article110.

The alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240can be of any suitable design, shape, pattern, color, size, and density that allow the automated robotic system to perceive, differentiate, and identify the alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240. In various aspects, the alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240can be anything that stands out from the diaper, is distinguishable by the robotic system, and is associable with specific elements of the absorbent article110. For example, the alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240can be alphanumeric or geometric, can be filled or shaded, unfilled or unshaded, or partially filled or shaded, or can be complex or combined shapes. In examples illustrated inFIG. 2, the edge of a leg opening can be indicated by cruciform shapes, and the left side the front panel can be indicated by filled circles. The center of the absorbent article110can be indicated by a cross within a square, and the waist edges can be indicated by partially filled or shaded rectangles. In the latter indicia, the arrangement of filled and unfilled portions of the rectangles can provide additional information to the robotic system.

The alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240can be applied to the absorbent article110by any suitable method including ink jet or other forms of printing, or can be attached to the absorbent article110by any suitable means. The alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240can be applied using inks or adhesives that are visible in the visible spectrum and this visible to the human eye, or the alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240can be applied using inks or adhesives that are visible in the ultraviolet spectrum and thus invisible to the human eye. Any combination of inks and adhesives can be used to make some or all of the alignment, fastener, and manipulation indicia220,230,240visible or invisible to the human eye.

In other aspects, any combination of indicia and information can be a part of the graphic designs of the absorbent article110, or can be included on the packaging of the absorbent article110.

In any of these aspects, the manipulation-enablement feature200is configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article110by the robotic device by providing help to align the robotic device with the absorbent article110, by providing part of a mechanical interface between the robotic device and the absorbent article110, or by providing both.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system can also include an absorbent article changing station. The changing station includes an application section including an application surface where the absorbent article110can be disposed in an unfastened and unused state. The changing station can also include a removal section including a removal surface configured for the removal of the absorbent article110from the wearer.

The automated system can include a record keeping function that automatically records changing data to insure a standard of care is met. Examples of the data that can be recorded include change time, duration of time in a wet absorbent article110, the time it took to change the wearer, cleaning products/regimen, what absorbent article110was applied, how many are left in inventory, and skin condition.

In a first particular aspect, a system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly including longitudinally opposite ends, transversely opposite sides, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions, a liquid permeable inner layer for facing a wearer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer for facing away from the wearer that defines a garment-facing surface, an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers, at least one of the inner layer and outer layer defining the longitudinally opposite ends and transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly, the absorbent body having a pair of longitudinally extending sides and a pair of transversely extending ends, each of the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent body being spaced inward from a respective one of the transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, where each of the ears includes a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.

A second particular aspect includes aspect 1, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes an engagement member disposed on the garment-facing surface of each of the pair of ears, each engagement member configured to selectively engage the robotic device.

A third particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1 and 2, wherein the engagement member is selected from hook material, loop material, a snap, an adhesive, and a cohesive.

A fourth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-3, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes alignment indicia and fastener indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly.

A fifth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-4, wherein the alignment indicia and the fastener indicia are visible in the visible light spectrum.

A sixth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-5, wherein the alignment indicia and the fastener indicia are visible under ultraviolet light and invisible in the visible light spectrum.

A seventh particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-6, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes manipulation indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly.

An eighth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-7, wherein the manipulation indicia are visible in the visible light spectrum.

A ninth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-8, wherein the manipulation indicia are visible under ultraviolet light and invisible in the visible light spectrum.

A tenth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-9, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature is configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device by aligning the robotic device with the absorbent article.

An eleventh particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-10, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature is configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device by providing part of a mechanical interface between the robotic device and the absorbent article.

A twelfth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 1-11, further including a changing station including an application section, the application section including an application surface wherein the absorbent assembly can be selectively disposed in an unfastened and unused state; and a removal section including a removal surface configured for the removal of the absorbent assembly from the wearer.

In a thirteenth particular aspect, a system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly including longitudinally opposite ends, transversely opposite sides, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions, a liquid permeable inner layer for facing a wearer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer for facing away from the wearer that defines a garment-facing surface, an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers, at least one of the inner layer and outer layer defining the longitudinally opposite ends and transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly, the absorbent body having a pair of longitudinally extending sides and a pair of transversely extending ends, each of the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent body being spaced inward from a respective one of the transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent article also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The system also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes at least one of an engagement member disposed on the garment-facing surface of each of the pair of ears, each engagement member configured to selectively engage the robotic device, alignment fastener indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly, and manipulation indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly.

A fourteenth particular aspect includes aspect 13, wherein the engagement member is selected from hook material, loop material, a snap, an adhesive, and a cohesive.

A fifteenth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 13-14, wherein the alignment indicia, the fastener indicia, and the manipulation indicia are visible in the visible light spectrum.

A sixteenth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 13-15, wherein the alignment indicia, the fastener indicia, and the manipulation indicia are visible under ultraviolet light and invisible in the visible light spectrum.

In a seventeenth particular aspect, a method for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article using a separate robotic device includes providing a system including an absorbent assembly including longitudinally opposite ends, transversely opposite sides, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions, a liquid permeable inner layer for facing a wearer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer for facing away from the wearer that defines a garment-facing surface, an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers, at least one of the inner layer and outer layer defining the longitudinally opposite ends and transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly, the absorbent body having a pair of longitudinally extending sides and a pair of transversely extending ends, each of the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent body being spaced inward from a respective one of the transversely opposite sides of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent article also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device. The method also includes providing a changing station including an application section, the application section including an application surface wherein the absorbent assembly can be selectively disposed in an unfastened and unused state; and a removal section including a removal surface configured for the removal of the absorbent assembly from the wearer. The method also includes engaging the separate robotic device for the placement of an unused, unfastened absorbent assembly onto the application surface such that the garment-facing surface is directly or indirectly adjacent to the application surface.

An eighteenth particular aspect includes aspect 17, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes an engagement member disposed on the garment-facing surface of each of the pair of ears, each engagement member configured to selectively engage the robotic device.

A nineteenth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 17 and 18, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes alignment indicia and fastener indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly.

A twentieth particular aspect includes one or more of aspects 17-19, wherein the manipulation-enablement feature includes manipulation indicia disposed on one of the body-facing and garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent assembly.