Patent Publication Number: US-2017368783-A1

Title: Pad holder

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/355,224 filed on 27 Jun. 2016 which is titled Pad Holder. Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/355,224 is incorporated by reference for all that it discloses. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Urinary incontinence is involuntary urination and may be caused by many different types of medical conditions, which affects individuals of all ages. Nocturnal enuresis is commonly referred to as bedwetting and involves urinary incontinence while an individual is asleep. Those who experience bedwetting often use an incontinence pad, which is a small, impermeable multi-layered sheet with high absorbency. This pad can be place over the user&#39;s mattress for a user to sleep over during the night to absorb urine leaked during the night. These incontinence pads are generally made of cotton if washable or paper if disposable. Incontinence pads may be placed in an undergarment or on a bed or chair under a person. 
     Other types of liquid absorbing pads may also be employed in other situations. For example, in post-operative environments, like hospitals, where a patient has undergone surgery, a liquid absorbing pad may be placed under the patient to collect blood, discharge, or other types of bodily fluid from the user. These pads are often replaced as needed by medical professionals during the patient&#39;s hospital stay. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a pad holder includes a base panel. The base panel includes a panel perimeter edge that defines a panel face. A lip material is connected to the panel face at a connection where the connection is spaced a distance away from the panel perimeter edge. A lip of the lip material extends from the connection towards a center of the panel face. The lip includes a lip perimeter edge, and the lip, panel face, and the connection collectively define an envelope. The envelope includes an opening defined by the lip perimeter edge. The envelope is sized to receive a liquid absorbent pad where the lip overlaps edges of the liquid absorbent pad when the liquid absorbent pad is disposed within the envelope. 
     The pad holder may include a bounded area of the base panel defined by the distance between the perimeter edge and the connection. 
     The distance between the panel perimeter edge and the connection may be between 0.5 inches and 10.0 inches. 
     The connection may be a seam. 
     The lip material may include polyester. 
     The lip may have a depth of 0.5 inches to 10.0 inches. 
     The base panel may include an engagement layer opposite of the panel face and be configured to contact a fabric surface. 
     The engagement layer may be made of a polyester. 
     The engagement layer may include a surface roughness that resists movement of the base panel with respect to the fabric surface. 
     The base panel may include a liquid resistant layer. 
     The liquid resistant layer may include polyester. 
     The panel face may include polyester. 
     The panel face may include a surface roughness that resists movement of the liquid absorbent pad inserted into the envelope with respect to the panel face. 
     The panel face may include a non-slip feature that resists movement of the liquid absorbent pad disposed the envelope with respect to the pad engagement layer. 
     The pad holder may include at least one strap to secure the holder to a mattress. 
     When the liquid absorbent pad is disposed within the envelope, greater than 50 percent of the liquid absorbent pad may be visible through the opening of the envelope. 
     The opening may be greater than 50 percent of the panel face. 
     The opening may be greater than 33 percent of the panel face. 
     The opening may be greater than 50 percent of the panel face. 
     In one embodiment, a pad holder includes a base panel. The base panel includes a panel perimeter edge that defines a panel face. A lip material is connected to the panel face at a connection. A lip of the lip material extends from the connection towards a center of the panel face. The lip includes a lip perimeter edge, and the lip, panel face, and the connection collectively define an envelope. The envelope includes an opening defined by the lip perimeter edge. The pad holder includes an attachment mechanism incorporated into the base panel that prevents the base panel from slipping under a load. The envelope is sized to receive a liquid absorbent pad where the lip overlaps edges of the liquid absorbent pad when the liquid absorbent pad is disposed within the envelope. 
     In one embodiment, the pad holder includes a base panel. The base panel includes a first panel edge, a second panel edge opposite the first panel edge, a third panel edge connecting the first panel edge and the second panel edge, and a fourth panel edge opposite the third panel edge and connecting the first panel edge and the second panel edge. The first panel edge, the second panel edge, the third panel edge, and the fourth panel edge collectively forming a panel perimeter edge. The panel perimeter edge defines a panel face, and the base panel including a liquid resistant layer. A lip material is connected to the panel face, and a seam in the panel face is spaced a distance away from the panel perimeter edge. A lip of the lip material extends from the seam towards a center of the panel face. The lip includes a first lip edge aligned with the first panel edge, a second lip edge aligned with the second panel edge and spaced apart from the first lip edge, a third lip edge aligned with the third panel edge and connecting the first lip edge and the second lip edge, and a fourth lip edge aligned with the fourth panel edge and connecting the first lip edge and the second lip edge and being spaced apart from the third lip edge. The first lip edge, the second lip edge, the third lip edge, and the fourth lip edge collectively form a lip perimeter edge. The lip, panel face, and the seam collectively define an envelope, which includes an opening defined by the lip perimeter edge. The envelope is sized to receive a liquid absorbent pad where the lip overlaps edges of the liquid absorbent pad when the liquid absorbent pad is disposed within the envelope. An opening area defined by the opening is greater than 33 percent of the panel face and 50 percent of the liquid absorbent pad. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present apparatus and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present apparatus and do not limit the scope thereof. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cross sectional example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross sectional example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cross sectional example of a base panel of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  depicts an example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  depicts an example of a strap of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  depicts an example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an example of a pad holder in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. Often, the width of an object is transverse the object&#39;s length. 
       FIGS. 1-3  depict an example of a pad holder  100 .  FIG. 1  depicts an underside of the pad holder  100 .  FIG. 2  depicts a top side of the pad holder  100 .  FIG. 3  depicts a liquid absorbent pad  102  that is insertable into an opening  104  of the pad holder  100 . In these examples, the pad holder  100  include a base panel  106  that is connected to a lip material  108 . The base panel  106  and the lip material  108  collectively form an envelope  110 , and an absorbent pad  102  is insertable into the envelope  110 . 
     The base panel  106  includes a first panel edge  112 , a second panel edge  114  opposite the first panel edge  112 , a third panel edge  116  connecting the first panel edge  112  and the second panel edge  114 , and a fourth panel edge  118  opposite the third panel edge  116  and connecting the first panel edge  112  and the second panel edge  114 . The first panel edge  112 , the second panel edge  114 , the third panel edge  116 , and the fourth panel edge  118  collectively form a panel perimeter  120  of the base panel  106 . The panel perimeter  120  defines a panel face  122 . 
     The lip material  108  is connected to the panel face  122  at a connection  124 . In some examples, the connection  124  includes a seam. In alternative examples, the connection includes stitching, Velcro, buttons, snaps, adhesives, fasteners, other types of connections, or combinations thereof. The connection  124  to the panel face  122  is spaced a distance  126  away from the panel perimeter  120 . A lip  128  of the lip material  108  extends from the connection  124  towards a center  130  of the panel face  122 . The lip  128  includes a first lip edge  132  aligned with the first panel edge  112 , a second lip edge  134  aligned with the second panel edge  114  and spaced apart from the first lip edge  132 , a third lip edge  136  aligned with the third panel edge  116  and connecting the first lip edge  132  and the second lip edge  134 , and a fourth lip edge  138  aligned with the fourth panel edge  118  and connecting the first lip edge  132  and the second lip edge  134  and is spaced apart from the third lip edge  136 . The first lip edge  132 , the second lip edge  134 , the third lip edge  136 , and the fourth lip edge  138  collectively form a lip perimeter  140 . The lip  128 , panel face  122 , and the connection  124  collectively define an envelope  110 . The envelope  110  includes an opening  104  defined by the lip perimeter  140 . The envelope  110  is sized to receive an absorbent pad  102  where the lip  128  overlaps edges  142  of the absorbent pad  102  when the absorbent pad  102  is disposed within the envelope  110 . In some examples, an opening area defined by the opening  104  is greater than 33 percent of the panel face  122  and 50 percent of the absorbent pad  102 . 
     When the absorbent pad  102  is inserted into the envelope  110 , the absorbent pad  102  can spread out against the panel face  122 . A peripheral portion  146  of the absorbent pad  102  lies underneath the lip material  108 , while a central portion  148  of the absorbent pad  102  is exposed and visible through the opening  104 . The weight of the lip material  108  holds the edges  142  of the absorbent pad  102  in place. 
     The connection  124  between the panel face  122  and the lip material  108  may create a barrier through which the absorbent pad  102  cannot pass. In some instances, the connection forms a boundary of the envelope  110 . The absorbent pads  102  may be available to consumers at local shopping markets in standard sizes, and the boundaries created by the connection  124  may match one of those standard sizes. As a result, the absorbent pad  102  may be inserted into the envelope  110  so that the absorbent pad  102  spreads across the entire available area of the envelope  110  where the absorbent pad&#39;s edges  142  are up against the connections  124 . 
     The connections  124  are spaced a distance away from the panel perimeter  120 . In some cases, the distance between the panel perimeter  120  and the connection is greater than 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches, 7 inches, 10 inches, another appropriate distance, or combinations thereof. Due to the distance between the connection and the panel perimeter  120 , when the absorbent pad  102  is spread out in the envelope so that that its edges  142  are up against the connections  124 , the absorbent pad&#39;s edges  142  do not reach the panel perimeter  120 . But, rather, the absorbent pad edges  142  are at least spaced apart at the same distance from the connection  124  to the panel perimeter edges. In some examples, this distance between the absorbent pad&#39;s edges  142  and the panel perimeter  120  has the advantage of contributing to a reduction of forces that allow the absorbent pad to move within the envelope  110 . 
     The spacing of the connections  124  between the base panel  106  and the lip material  108  force the absorbent pad&#39;s edges  142  to stop short of reaching the pad holder&#39;s panel perimeter  120 . At the panel perimeter  120 , the forces within the envelop acting on the absorbent pad  102  are reduced because the material of the pad holder terminates at the panel perimeter edges. This termination of material results in less weight of the pad holder  100  nears its edges, less friction near its edges, and other forces within the envelope  110 . The absorbent pad&#39;s edges  142  may be more prone to movement within the envelope  110  near the edges, and by preventing the absorbent pad&#39;s edges  142  from reaching the pad holder&#39;s edges, there is a lower likelihood that the absorbent pad will move within the envelope  110 . 
     While the spacing of the connections between the base panel  106  and the lip material contributes to a lower likelihood of movement within the envelope  110 , other feature of the pad holder  100  also contribute to lowering the ability of the absorbent pads  102  to move within the envelope  110 . For example, the panel face  122  may have a surface characteristic that increases the friction between the absorbent pad  102  and the panel face  122 . In some cases, the surface roughness of the panel face  122  interacts with the absorbent pad  102  in such a way that minimizes movement of the absorbent pad  102  within the envelope  110 . 
     An additional characteristic of the pad holder  100  that contributes to keeping the absorbent pad  102  in place is an engagement layer  149  of the base panel  106  that is opposite the panel face  122 . This engagement layer  149  may also include surface characteristics that increase the friction of the pad holder  100  with fabric surfaces, such as bed sheets, couches, and so forth. Thus, when the pad holder  100  is laid over the fabric surface so that the engagement layer  149  contacts the fabric surface, the pad holder  100  generally stays in place. Often, a user moves around in his or her sleep, which generally causes blankets and top sheets to move. Often, when absorbent pads are placed under a user for a night of sleep without the pad holder, the absorbent pad moves from its original place with the movement of the user during sleep. If the absorbent pad is moved far enough away from the location that the pad was originally placed, when the user urinates, the absorbent pad may not be in a position where the pad can receive, and therefore absorb, the urine. If the urine misses the absorbent pad, then the urine can wet the bed sheets and mattress. The pad holder  100 , on the other hand, has been shown to prevent movement of the absorbent pad  102  throughout the night as the user sleeps. Thus, as the user moves throughout the night, the absorbent pad  102  remains in the same location. Thus, when the pad holder  100  containing the absorbent pad  102  is placed in the regions of the bed where the user will urinate during sleep, the absorbent pad  102  will not move. Thus, the pad holder  100  prevents the user from wetting the bed sheets and/or the mattress. 
     The material used to make the pad holder  100  may have a weight that contributes to keeping the pad holder  100  in place as well. For example, the material that makes up the base panel  106  may be heavy enough so that the pad holder  100  has to receive a large lateral force before the pad holder  100  is dislodged. 
     Another feature that contributes to keeping the pad holder  100  in place is the pad holder&#39;s low profile. The entire cross sectional thickness of the pad holder may be less than an inch, less than a ½ inch, less than a ¼ inch, less than a ⅛ inch, or another appropriate cross sectional thickness. The lower the pad holder&#39;s profile, the greater a lateral force has to be to dislodge the pad holder  100 . The pad holder  100  has a large surface area in contact with the bed sheet, fabric, or other surface. As the thickness of the pad holder  100  decreases, the moment arm of a lateral force contacting the top surface of the pad holder  100  becomes lower thereby reducing the effectiveness of a lateral or side load on the pad holder  100 . Thus, as the profile of the pad holder becomes lower, the greater the lateral force has to become to overcome the frictional force provided by the pad holder&#39;s large surface area. 
     The size of the lip  128  that overlaps the peripheral portion  146  of the absorbent pad  102  also contributes to keeping the entire absorbent pad  102  in place. For example, the greater the distance from the connection  124  to the lip perimeter  140 , the more weight that holds down the absorbent pad  102 . But, if the distance is too large, then the envelope&#39;s opening area decreases in size limiting the area available to receive urine without having the urine contact the lip material. 
     The size of the area defined by the envelope&#39;s opening may be large enough so that over 50 percent of the absorbent pad  102  is exposed in the opening when the absorbent pad  102  is inserted in to the pad holder  100 . In some cases, over 80 percent of the absorbent pad  102  is exposed in the opening. Further, over 50 percent of the panel face  122  may be exposed within the opening when the absorbent pad is not disposed within the opening. Since, the pad holder extends beyond the portion of the pad holder that can contain the absorbent pad, the percentage of the panel face that can be exposed in the envelope&#39;s opening is less than the percentage of the absorbent pad that can be exposed in the envelope&#39;s opening. The size of the envelope&#39;s opening (i.e. the size of the opening defined by the lip perimeter  140 ) is desirable to be as large as possible while still preventing the absorbent pad from moving within the pad holder  100 . A small opening limits the area that can receive urine. Thus, placing covers or other barriers over the opening obstructs the flow of urine to the absorbent pad, which can direct urine away from the absorbent pad and cause a portion of the urine to be absorbed by the cover or barrier and not by the absorbent pad. 
     The pad holder may be made of washable materials. But, many accidents at night may result in all the urine being obtained in the absorbent pad and thus avoid having to wash the pad holder, let alone washing the bed sheets, as a result of the accident. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an example of a cross section of the pad holder  400  through the lip material  402  when the pad holder  400  contains an absorbent pad  404 . In this example, the pad holder  400  includes base panel  406  that extends from a first panel edge  408  to a second panel edge  410 . A lip material  402  is connected to the panel face  412  of the base panel  406  at a connection  414 . In some examples, the connection is a seam that joins the lip material to base panel  406 . The connection  414  is spaced at a distance  416  away from the first panel edge  408  and the second panel edge  410 . In this cross sectional plane, the absorbent pad  404  is disposed between the lip material  402  and the panel face  412 . 
     The weight of the material between the connection  414  and the first and second panel edges  408 ,  410  stabilizes the edges  418  of the absorbent pad  404  preventing unwanted movement within the envelope. In some examples, the weight of the material between the connection  414  and the first and second panel edges  408 ,  410  keeps a tensile load across the lip material. Thus, if a lateral force pushes against the lip material, the weight of the material between the connection  414  and the first and second panel edges  408 ,  410 , the tensile load prevents the lip material from being moved up. Further, the edges of the pad holder  400  are more prone to be accidently moved. When the forces connect the edges, the material between the connection  414  and the edges absorbs the forces by deforming without causing the absorbent pad  404  to move since the absorbent pad  404  is spaced a distance away from the edge. 
     In this example, the edge  420  of the lip material  402  terminates at the same lateral position as the edge  408  of the base panel  406 . In other examples, the lip material  402  may stop short of the base panel&#39;s edge  408 . But, in those examples where the lips&#39; edges  420 ,  424  terminate at the lateral locations of the base panels&#39; edges  408 ,  410 , edges  408 ,  420 , and edges  410 ,  424  can be connected as well. In some examples, these edges may be sewn together. In those cases where the edges are bound together, the material between the edges  408 ,  410  and the connection  414  form a bounded area  426 . The bounded area  426  may contain a weighted material that further assists with resisting movement of the pad holder  400 . In other examples, the edges are not connected. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a cross section of the pad holder  500  along a plane that transects the opening  502  defined between the lip perimeter edges  504 ,  506 . In the illustrated examples of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the edges  508  of the absorbent pad  510  do not extend all the way to the connections  512 . But, in other examples, the pad&#39;s edges  508  are up against the connections  512 . In these examples, the envelope formed between the panel face  516  and the lip  518  form a tight fit for the absorbent pad  510 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts an example of the base panel  600 . In this example, the base panel  600  includes a panel face  604 , a liquid resistance layer  606 , and an engagement layer  608 . 
     The panel face  604  may be made of any appropriate material. In some examples, the panel face is made of a polyester material. In some cases, the polyester material is made of 100% polyester. In some cases, the polyester material is a suedecloth material. A material that may be compatible with the principles described herein may include a hethered microsuede poly that can be purchases from Jo-Ann Stores, LLC, which has a place of business at 5555 Darrow Rd, Hudson, Ohio, U.S.A. A non-exhaustive list of materials that may be compatible with the principles described herein include polyester, cotton, wool, flannel, fleece, microfiber, nylon, microsuede, ultrasuede, velvet, other types of fabrics, or combinations thereof. 
     The engagement layer  608  may be made of any appropriate material. In some examples, the engagement layer is made of a polyester material. In some cases, the polyester material is made of 100% polyester. In some cases, the polyester material is a suedecloth material. A material that may be compatible with the principles described herein may include a hethered microsuede poly that can be purchases from Jo-Ann Stores, LLC, which has a place of business at 5555 Darrow Rd, Hudson, Ohio, U.S.A. A non-exhaustive list of materials that may be compatible with the principles described herein include polyester, cotton, wool, flannel, fleece, microfiber, nylon, microsuede, ultrasuede, velvet, other types of fabrics, or combinations thereof. A polyester material, unlike cotton, includes the advantage that the bed engagement layer and other components of the pad holder may not shrink in the wash. 
     The liquid resistance layer  606  may be made of any appropriate material. In some cases, the liquid resistance layer is a fabric. In other cases, the liquid resistance layer is a coating applied to one of the other layers  604 ,  608 . A non-exhaustive list of liquid resistant materials that may be compatible with the principles described in this disclosure include polyvinyl, chloride, polyurethane, silicone, directional fabrics, sprayed materials, breathable materials, other types of materials, or combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an example of a pad holder  700  on a bed  702 . In this example, the pad holder  700  is in contact with a fabric sheet  704  of the bed  702 . The entire area of the pad holder&#39;s engagement surface contacts the fabric sheet  704 . In this example, the pad holder  700  is positioned at a mid-section of the bed  702  where urine may contact the bed in a wetting accident. 
     While this example depicts the pad holder  700  on a bed  702 , the pad holder  700  may be placed on any appropriate surface. For example, a non-exhaustive list of locations that the pad holder  700  may protect from getting wet includes a bed sheet, a mattress, a sleeping pad, a sleep bag, a blanket, a quilt, a bed linen, a chair, a couch, a sofa, a carpet, another type of bed component, another object, or combinations thereof. In the illustrated example, the engagement layer of the pad holder  700  may include a surface roughness that creates sufficient friction with a fabric sheet so that the engagement layer resists movement with respect the user&#39;s bed. 
     The exposed portion of the pad may be positioned on the bed at the location on the bed where the user is likely to wet the bed. Thus, in the event that the user wets the bed, the absorbent pad may collect the urine without getting the pad holder or the components of the bed wet. In those situations where the pad is wetted, the absorbent pad may be removed from the holder and properly disposed of. In these types of examples, the pad holder may remain on the bed without having to be washed. 
     In the event, that the user moves on the bed with respect to the pad holder and the user wets the bed, the urine may contact other portions of the pad holder. In this event, the pad holder may be removed from the bed and be washed for reuse. Each of the pad holder&#39;s layers may be made of a polyester so that the pad holder does not shrink when washed. 
     The fabric may also include a liquid resistant or waterproof layer that is inside of the fabric. This waterproof layer may also be made of a polyester that is washable and dryable. The waterproof layer may extend to the edges of the fabric. The waterproof layer may extend out farther than the absorbent pad and thereby may provide some resistance to the bed or sheet getting wet. In other words, the pad holder may include a waterproof area that is greater than the area of the absorbent pad. 
     The principles described above may provide a pad holder that prevents a pad from slipping with respect to the bed. A user may turn while sleeping and/or resting, which has the potential of causing an absorbent pad placed directly on the bed to move. But, with the principles described herein, the absorbent pad can remain in place while the user moves during his or her sleep. 
       FIG. 8A  depicts an example of the pad holder  800  that includes a strap  802  that can secure the pad holder  800  to a mattress  804  or another component of a bed  806 . In this example, the strap fits around the mattress  804  and above the box spring  801 . A pad holder  800  with a strap  802  may be used in situations where the user has a permanent bed. In some cases, where the pad holder  800  is without a strap, the pad holder  800  may be convenient for those situations where the user is traveling and is likely to be using a different bed. In the illustrated example, the pad holder  800  includes a first strap  802  on a first side  808  of the pad holder  800 , and a second strap  810  on a second side  812  of the pad holder  800 . Each of the straps  802 ,  810  may include a first end  814  that is connected to a first edge  816  of the pad holder, and a second end  818  that is connected to a second edge  820  of the pad holder  800 . The middle section of the straps  802 ,  810  may contact the underside of the mattress  804  or other bed component. 
       FIG. 8B  depicts an example of strap  850  that is used to hold a pad holder in place. In this example, the strap  850  has a first end  852  connected to a second end  854  with a buckle  856 . In this example, the buckle  856  is a double side release buckle. A side release buckle may include a hook end  858  and a catch end  860 . The hook end  858  may include a center guide rod (obscured from view) with two spring arms  862  spaced apart from the center rod. The catch end  680  has a front opening and two side openings which hold and secure the two spring arms  862  of the hook end  858 . Side Release Buckles may provide for single-handed releases and adjustments, but prevents unintentional releases. 
     In some example, the strap ends  852 ,  854  are connected together between the bed&#39;s mattress and box springs. In other examples, the strap ends  852 ,  854  are connected underneath the mattress and the floor. In yet another example, the strap ends  852 ,  854  are connected underneath the box springs. In an additional example, the strap ends  852 ,  854  may be connected between the mattress and a bed frame. In short, the strap ends  852 ,  854  may be connected at any suitable location. 
     While this example has been depicted with a specific type of buckle, any appropriate type of attachment mechanism may be used to connect the ends of the strap. For example, a non-exhaustive list of attachments may include snap-fit buckle, a clasp, a conventional belt buckle, a buckle slide, a side release buckle, a blimp buckle, a snap, a magnet, a lace, a tie down, Velcro, a fastener, a clip, another type of attachment, or combinations thereof. In some example, the straps are elastic and are not detachable under the mattress, bed spring, or other bed component. 
     While the illustrated example depicts a specific type of strap, any appropriate type of strap may be used. For example, the straps may include a different thickness than those depicted above, an elastic material, a non-elastic material, a non-slip surface, a tightening mechanism, a locking mechanism, an adhesive, another type of mechanism, or combinations thereof. Further, while the illustrated example includes two straps, any appropriate type of strap may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, the pad holder may incorporate a single strap, three straps, more than three straps, or another appropriate number of straps. 
     In other examples, the pad holder may include another type of attachment mechanism incorporated into the base panel that prevents the base panel from slipping under a load, such as the lateral loads caused when the user is sleeping. In some cases, the attachment mechanism is a strap. In alternative examples, the bed sheets may include at least one Velcro strip that is sized and spaced to come into contact with a complementary Velcro strip incorporated into the base panel of the pad holder. In other examples, a button, a snap, a magnet, a stitching, a seam, a fastener, a clip, tape, an adhesive, a tie, a pin, or another type of connection may be used to hold the pad holder in place. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an example of a pad holder  900  placed on a fabric sheet  902  of a bed  904 . In this example, the pad holder  900  covers a larger portion of the bed  904  than in previously illustrated examples. The pad holder  900  may be placed in any appropriate orientation on the bed  904  or other type of surface. Additionally, the pad holder  900  may be any appropriate size. In some cases, the pad holder  900  is used to cover more than just an area that is likely to be wetted while a user sleeps. 
     The pad holder may be used in any appropriate type of setting. In one type of setting, the user is a patient in a hospital or in a nursing home. In this situation, the absorbent pad may be removed without having to significantly disturb the patient. For example, the patient may be rolled on to one side, and a care provider may untuck the exposed side of the wetted pad and fold the untucked side into the center. With the patient still on his or her side, the care provider can insert one side of a dry pad into the portion of the envelope where the wetted pad was previously. After inserting that portion of the dry pad, the patient can be rolled over to his or her other side to expose the remainder of the wetted pad. With the patient on this side, the wetted pad can be entirely removed and properly disposed of. Also, the exposed side of the dry pad can be accessed while the user is rolled over to this side. Thus, the care provider can fold out the dry pad and tuck the loose end of the dry pad under the lip. Afterwards, the care provider can roll the patient back onto his or her back. This procedure may take less than a minute to perform and the user does not have to be removed from his or her bed. 
       FIG. 10  depicts another example of a pad holder  1000  attached to a mattress  1002  with at least one strap  1004 . In this example, the length of the pad holder  1000  is aligned with the length of the mattress  1002 . In this arrangement, a user may sleep side by side with another person without the other person having to sleep on a portion of the pad holder  1000  and/or strap  1004  of the pad holder  1000 . 
     While the examples above have been described with reference to the pad holder collecting urine, the pad holder may be used to collect other types of bodily fluids. For example, the absorbent pads may be used to collect blood or other types of bodily discharge from patients recovering from surgery or patients giving childbirth. 
     The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.