Abstract:
A device for signaling a wet condition in a diaper. The device includes a sensing means for sensing wet conditions in the diaper and signal means connected to the sensing means for producing a signal substantially concurrently with sensing the wet conditions in the diaper. The sensing means are insulated from the wearer when the diaper is dry and are activated by the diaper once the diaper becomes wet.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices used to sense wetness, particularly to devices sensing wet conditions in a diaper. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the past several years, environmental concerns have caused a growing number of parents and other caretakers to revert to the use of cloth and/or cotton diapers rather than disposable diapers. Cotton diapers have a disadvantage over disposable diapers, however, in that they do not wick urine or other bodily fluids away from the skin of the wearer, rather tend to envelop the entire surface of the wearer&#39;s skin contacting the diaper with the urine or other bodily fluid. These conditions can go unnoticed for several hours or more, exposing the wearer&#39;s skin to the harsh and irritating affects of urine and other bodily fluids. A condition commonly known as &#34;diaper rash&#34; may result, making it especially critical that those in charge of caring for the the diaper wearer are alerted to the diaper&#39;s wet condition as soon as possible, to minimize the wearer&#39;s exposure to irritating fluids. 
     Various treatments have been devised for minimizing diaper rash, including the application of waterproof creams and jellies to the wearer&#39;s skin. While such treatments tend to shield the wearer&#39;s skin from wetness, they have the distinct disadvantage in precluding the passage of air to the skin, generally recognized as an essential component of the healing process. Thus, it is not uncommon for diaper rash to persist in a chronic or near chronic state for several weeks and even months. 
     The problem is further compounded for diaper wearers who are in institutional environments, such as day care centers, mental institutions, convalescent homes, hospitals and so on, wherein a number of other diaper wearers are simultaneously cared for. As a practical matter, it is not possible for those providing care to such individuals to constantly check each and every diaper wearer on a frequent basis. 
     A number of attempts have been made in the past to address wet undergarments. Kelly et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,559 discloses a sensing circuit which uses an adhesive strip and clamp or pin to fasten the sensor to the diaper or the garment being sensed for wetness. The sensor includes a pair of wire electrodes running the length of the adhesive strip. One problem with this device is that the adhesive becomes less and less adherent with each application, due to the wetness of the diaper environment and/or the tendency to pick up lint, dirt, etc., which lessens adhesive strength and compromises reusability. Additionally, there is an obvious aversion to placing wire electrodes of any type in close proximity with small children. Indeed, Kelly et al. concedes that the device is not intended for small children. Kelly et al. is also inconvenient, suggesting that the electrodes could be mounted on the cloth diaper, for example, with printed circuits on the cloth or by sewing the electrodes into the diaper. Such mounting seriously impairs the ability to reuse the device, since cloth diapers are frequently handled by diaper services and subjected to harsh chemical and/or thermal disinfectant procedures. Kelly et al. also contemplates using a faint alarm, audible only to the wearer, which of course, is of little use to an infant. 
     Accordingly, a significant advance in the art could be realized if a device could be developed that would alert the caretaker of the diaper wearer of a wet situation in the diaper. The apparatus must be small enough to not interfere with the wearing comfort of the diaper, yet must not be readily swallowed by the wearer, who could choke on the device. Additionally, the device must be sensitive enough to alert the caretaker as soon as possible following the diaper becoming wet. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for quickly signaling to those caring for a diaper wearer of the diaper becoming wet; 
     It is another object of the invention that the signal shall be audible and/or visual; 
     It is yet another object of the invention that the device can be worn comfortably and not interfere with the function of the diaper itself; 
     It is another object of the invention that the device in no way jeopardize the health or safety of the wearer. 
     These and other objects of the invention shall become more readily apparent as the following detailed description of the invention proceeds. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention comprises a sensing device which is sensitive to the wet conditions of a diaper almost immediately upon the diaper becoming wet. As used herein, the term &#34;diaper&#34; is broadly construed to mean cloth diapers (e.g., cotton diapers), disposable diapers of all kinds, training pants, whether made of cotton or other material, and all diaper-like devices used for incontinent adults as well as children and animals. 
     As used herein, the term &#34;diaper wearer&#34; includes infants, adults, animals, and any other living creature on which a diaper may be applied. 
     The present invention utilizes an alarm which is preferably positioned on the outside surface of the diaper so as not be in direct contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. When used in connection with a cloth diaper, the device is preferably either attached directly to the external surface of the diaper, or most preferably is attached to the waterproof or plastic pants placed over the cloth diaper. 
     When used in connection with a disposable diaper, the device is preferably positioned in an embedded location within the diaper, yet remains separated from the internal surface of the diaper so as not to come in direct contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. 
     The device preferably includes an audible alarm which is triggered when the diaper becomes wet. In one embodiment of the invention, the audible alarm comprises a small battery-powered alarm connected through an electrical circuit having a pair of spaced contacts. The spaced contacts keep the circuit open as long as the diaper is dry and as soon as the portion of the diaper in immediate contact with the spaced contacts becomes wet, the wetness of the diaper bridges the spaced contacts, which completes the circuit, and sounds the alarm. 
     In another embodiment of the invention the audible alarm is either replaced with or augmented with a visual alarm which may signal, for example, through a blinking light, that the diaper has become wet. Such an alarm is preferably mounted in a position on the external surface of the diaper in a location which is readily viewed by the caretaker, such as on the front portion of the diaper. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a relatively thin disk having a pair of spaced contacts facing the diaper. The disk is preferably positioned in a fixed relationship on or sealed inside the waterproof pants, such as on the front section of the pants in the pubic region, positioned anterior relative to the wearer upward of the genitalia. This positioning is least likely to interfere with the comfortable wearing of the diaper and least likely to result in injury to the wearer. Because the device is positioned on the external surface of the diaper, the diaper itself assists in cushioning of the wearer from the device should the wearer fall on the device while wearing it. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic representation, in partial cross-section, of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic representation, top elevation view, partially broken away, of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a diaper, showing the region most likely to experience wetness. 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a diaper, laid flat, showing the region most likely to experience wetness. 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a wetness sensing device of the invention, generally 10, fastened to a pair of waterproof pants 11 covering a diaper 12. As used herein the term &#34;waterproof pants&#34; is intended to mean rubber pants, plastic pants, and any polymeric or water-resistant material covering a diaper, whether a disposable diaper or a cloth diaper, for purposes of retaining wetness within the diaper and away from the wearer&#39;s outer clothing. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, the outer layer 11, which may be waterproof pants, assists in pressing a pair of electrical contacts 14 into contact with the diaper 12. Additionally, the wearer&#39;s outer clothing may assist in pressing the contacts 14 in contact with the diaper 12. When the diaper 12 becomes wet these contacts 14, which are spaced apart, are bridged by the wetness within the diaper and able to complete a circuit which sounds an alarm 15 within the sensing device 10. The sensing device 10 produces an audible signal substantially simultaneously with the sensation of wetness between the contacts 14. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, it is preferred that the sensing device be positioned such that there is never any chance of the electrical contacts 14 touching the wearer&#39;s skin 16 facing the inside of the diaper 12. As an added precaution, the device 10 is powered with a battery having sufficiently low voltage to insure no risk of electrical shock to the wearer. Generally, a three-volt battery is sufficient to sound the audible alarm 15 and at the same time preclude any risk of electric shock. As long as the diaper 12 remains dry, it acts as an electrical insulator, preventing the contacts 14 from being bridged by the wearer&#39;s skin 16. 
     The spaced contacts 14 of the device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 comprise a pair of electrical point contacts, eliminating the need for wires found in the prior art. 
     A preferred circuit diagram of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. 
     The circuit as illustrated in FIG. 2 is based on the TLC555 IC Timer from Texas Instruments. CMOS 555-type oscillators from other manufacturers could also be used. The circuit of FIG. 2 is configured in the astable mode, with frequency determined by the combination of resistors R1 and R2 plus a timing capacitor C1. The values of these components would be chosen for the desired frequency according to the formula ##EQU1## 
     Battery drain can be minimized by changing the ratio of R1 and R2 to set the duty cycle of the output waveform. 
     When the sensing device 10 is dry, resistor R3 pulls the RESET pin low, inhibiting oscillation. R3 is generally between 100K and 10M ohms, the exact value selected low enough to prevent false triggering yet high enough for adequate sensitivity. When wetness bridges the contacts 14 of the sensing device, current flows across the sensor and causes the voltage of the RESET pin to approach that of V+ allowing oscillation. Resistor R4 is used to limit current flow through the device and is generally in the range of 5 to 100 ohms. 
     The circuit in FIG. 3 also uses the TLC555 IC Timer for T1, but is configured in a monostable mode and may also be used with the sensing device of the invention. The duration of the single output pulse is determined by the timing components R5 and C1 according to the formula 
     
         to=1.1 *(R5*C1) 
    
     The TRIGGER pin is tied to the sensing device and V+ through R3, chosen as for the circuit in FIG. 2 to be large enough to prevent accidental triggering, yet low enough for adequate sensitivity. When the sensing device is dry, TRIGGER is held by R3. Upon wetting of the sensing device, that is, bridging of the contacts 14 by wetness, current flow across the sensor pulls TRIGGER low, initiating a timing sequence. 
     The circuits in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 add capacitor C2, for operating stability. The signal device 15 in both FIGS. 2 and 3 can be any of several devices including a piezo transducer, buzzer, LED, miniature radio-transmitter, etc. 
     The circuit in FIG. 4 is a discrete component multivibrator circuit, which may also be used by the sensing device of the invention. In the dry state, transistor Q1 is biased in the off state by the 3.9M resistor and Q2 is biased on causing the collector voltage of Q1 to approach V+. When first wet, the sensing portion 14 of the circuit forces Q1 to turn on, which in turn causes Q2 to be turned off as its base voltage falls. But Q1 and Q2 are tied together in such a way that after a short period of time they will switch states alternately, i.e. they will oscillate, as long as there is current flow through the sensing device. 
     FIG. 5 is a representation of how a sensing device 10 intended for use on plastic pants can be configured. A representative flexible circuit with component outlines is shown in various shades of grey. Superimposed is an outline of a resilient applique 52 that acts as a cushioning layer over the circuit. The device may be held to the plastic pants by four conducting snaps 14. In the representation of FIG. 4, the snaps are arranged at the four corners of the flexible circuit in such a way as to optimize the area monitored for moisture, the snaps 14 doubling as spaced electrical contacts. 
     A highly preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, plastic pants 50 include the sensing device 51 contained within an externally mounted cushioning means, 52, which may be formed into a decorative shape. The cushioning means may utilize various foam rubbers or foam polymers, or other cushioning materials to insure that the sensing device 51 causes no wearing discomfort. The cushioning means 52 is sufficiently sized so as not to be capable of being swallowed by small children or others wearing the device. In this embodiment, the audible portion of the device is not significantly muffled by the cushioning means, which may be covered with a fabric or other sound-permeable material. 
     As seen in FIG. 7, which is a top plan elevation of the FIG. 6 embodiment, the spaced electrical contacts may preferably be a part of the means for attaching the sensing device to the waterproof pants 50. As shown, a pair of snaps, 53, are punched through the wall of the waterproof pants 50 without compromising the waterproof integrity of the pants 50. This type of snap is known in the art of plastic pants, which traditionally have used such snaps for fastening the sides of waterproof pants together with side snaps 54 illustrated in FIG. 6. Because the snaps 53 are conductive, they can sense wetness on the internal side of the plastic pants, 56. These snaps 53 receive a complementary snap 58, as illustrated. While snaps 53 as illustrated comprise female connectors and snaps 58 are male connectors, the relative positions of the male and female connectors can readily be reversed as will now be appreciated. 
     The snaps 58 are electrically connected via leads 59 to the sensing circuit housed in the sensing device 51. Thus, when the snaps 53 and 58 are engaged, the internal surface 60 of the snaps 53 become spaced electrical contacts of the invention, capable of sensing wetness when bridged by a wet diaper. 
     Because the snaps 53 maintain an essentially watertight seal with respect to the plastic pants 50, there is no requirement that the cushioning means 52 be waterproof, although it is, of course, preferred that the cushioning means 52 is waterproof. The entire device 51 contained by the cushioning means 52 can be conveniently unsnapped to allow washing of the plastic pants 50. 
     Virtually any location of the diaper is likely to experience wetness from urine being passed by the wearer of the diaper. Of course, the greater the quantity of urine passed, the greater the area of the diaper experiencing wetness. We have generally found that the area of the diaper most likely to experience wetness immediately after urination corresponds to the area A shown in dotted lines and shaded in FIGS. 8 and 9. This area corresponds to a region of the diaper covering a band extending from roughly the naval to the pubic bone, the genitalia, the anus and the coccyx, or tail bone of the wearer. 
     While the most preferred location on the diaper for sensing wetness is the region immediately adjacent the urethra, this location also corresponds with a sensitive area of the wearer. Accordingly, we have found it preferable, from the standpoint of wearer comfort, to place the sensing device above the urethra, anterior on the wearer, in a location roughly corresponding to the pubic bone, seen as region B on FIG. 8. We have found that this location is least likely to interfere with the wearer&#39;s comfort, whether standing, walking or sitting. In crawling infants, it may be desirable to position the device posteriorly, roughly near the coccyx. By placing the device on the exterior surface of the diaper, the diaper itself cushions the wearer from the device, contributing to added wearer comfort. 
     Tests have shown, surprisingly, that the diaper need not be wringing wet to initiate the signalling device. When spaced contacts are used for the sensing device, even a slightly damp condition is sufficient to bridge the contacts and signal wetness. Of course, the contacts are more likely to be bridged by a wetter diaper, which coincides with a more serious condition requiring more immediate attention from the caretaker. 
     We have also found that the location of the device in this position, on the diaper&#39;s exterior and near the pubic region, permits the sensing device to signal wetness very shortly following urination, generally less than a minute. This is especially true in cloth/cotton diapers, which tend to absorb fluids quickly. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensing device, which may comprise a disk, is fitted with a collar which snaps into place at a predetermined location on the waterproof pants, and may be removed for washing. In yet another embodiment, the device is positioned within a pocket in the waterproof pants which may be sealed and opened for removal of the device for washing. In still another embodiment of the invention, the device is permanently sealed in the waterproof pants. In yet another embodiment, as previously discussed, a pair of conductive snaps double as the spaced contacts and as the fastening means for removably securing the device to the waterproof pants. 
     The audible alarm 15 in FIGS. 1-5, may comprise a buzzer, beeper, bell, or any audible signal, such as a song, which will alert the caretaker to the wet diaper situation. A recognizable tune would be especially useful in situations where multiple diaper wearers are being cared for, and each wearer could be given a diaper having a different tune to better indicate which diaper has just become wet. 
     The device of the invention may either be disposable or reusable and may preferably be packaged in a water-resistant or watertight/waterproof housing. 
     Ordinarily, the spaced contacts will be in direct contact with the diaper, as previously discussed. This direct contact may be augmented with an adhesive, such as VELCRO, glue, snaps, conductive tape, or other fastening devices to further insure that the spaced contacts remain in direct contact with the diaper at all times during which the diaper is worn. 
     In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing of the device is fabricated a semi-rigid material that is flexible around the edges, but more rigid toward the spaced contacts. Suitable materials include a wide array of polymers, silicones, foams, paddings, etc. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the housing of the device is galaxy-shaped, the outer edges tapering from the thicker hub position, as shown in FIG. 10. 
     Depending on the polymer used, the housing of the sensing device may be watertight, capable of being washed in a conventional washing machine. In this embodiment, all of the electronics are preferably potted within the device, except for the sensing portion of the device, which must be exposed to the diaper and wet conditions. While the signal of the device may also be sealed within the housing, a preferred embodiment uses an audible signalling device having an exposed surface that is resistant to corrosion by body fluids, and is sealed in watertight fashion in the device. 
     When the device is used in an institutional setting or other environment in which a relatively large number of diaper wearers are cared for by a relatively smaller number of caretakers, it may be desirable, from a privacy standpoint, that an audible alarm not be used. Rather, it may be advantageous for the signal to include a transmitter which transmits a signal of wet conditions in the diaper to a remote location, for example, to a monitor, which is capable of identifying the wearer whose diaper has generated the signal. 
     The battery of the device can be easily checked by simply bridging the contacts with the caretaker&#39;s finger prior to placement on the wearer. 
     The device can also sense wet conditions other than urination, for example, sensing when the wearer has had a wet stool, such as diarrhea, which bridges the contacts and sounds the alarm, or such as when the wearer has spilled a non-body fluid, such as a drink on the diaper. 
     It is important that the device of the invention sense wetness, and not produce a false signal when the diaper is dry. Such a false signal could be produced should the electrical, spaced contacts of the device come into direct contact with the wearer&#39;s skin such that the spaced contacts are closed and the electrical circuit is completed, producing the false signal. Accordingly, it is preferred that the electrical spaced contacts of the invention be positioned relative to the diaper in a way that keeps the contacts electrically insulated from the wearer so long as the diaper remains dry. We have found that the diaper itself acts as an insulator when dry and only completes the electrical connection when wet. The necessary electrical insulation is readily achieved by positioning the spaced contacts on the external surface of the diaper relative to the wearer. Of course, it would also be possible to partially embed the spaced contacts within the diaper, such as in a disposable diaper, provided there is sufficient diaper or other insulating material between the spaced contacts and the wearer to preclude any false signals caused by the wearer completing the circuit. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery used to power the signal means comprises a pair of different metal electrodes (such as zinc/copper) capable of generating a potential when contacted by urine. Because urine is an electrolytic solution, it can be used as a component of the battery. When such a battery is used, it is possible to eliminate the spaced contacts, as the battery is only able to generate current for the signal upon being wetted by the urine. It may, however, be desirable to keep a pair of spaced contacts in the circuit, which would permit the device to be re-used on a dry diaper even if the battery remained powered from the previous wetting incident. 
     It will now be readily appreciated that the present invention may be used to advantageously sense wet conditions on items other than diapers, including, without limitation, surgical dressings, bed coverings, clothing, skin, etc. Also, it should now be understood that bodily fluids of all types can be sensed, initiating the signal produced by the invention, including, without limitation, urine, blood, saliva, sweat, vomitus, mucus, semen, tears, milk and feces, and water, all of which are electrolytic in varying degrees. 
     It is also contemplated to be within the scope of our invention that the sensing device can be built into diaper pins used to pin a cloth diaper to the wearer. While such a use has the advantage of requiring no modification to existing diapers or waterproof pants, a disadvantage is that the location of pins, on the sides of the wearer, does not generally correspond to an area of the diaper most likely to experience wetness, except in cases of the wearer passing large volumes of urine, or where multiple urination episodes are experienced by the same diaper. 
     The invention may be used for a variety of applications. In addition to quickly alerting a caretaker that an individual within their care has discharged a bodily fluid, the device may be used in conjunction with urine receptacles positioned within the diapers for catching urine for analysis. It is frequently desirable to perform bacterial analysis, such as a bacteria count, on such collected samples, and the results may be skewed if the urine sits for long periods and bacteria multiply. The invention enables the immediate retrieval of collected samples before such bacterial growth proliferates.