Absorbent articles comprising sensors

Abstract

A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and a sensor. The absorbent article may comprise a garment-facing layer and an absorbent assembly. The sensor may be disposed in and/or on the absorbent article. The sensor may be separable from the absorbent article. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in condition within the absorbent article.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sensor system comprising:
 a. a reusable sensor comprising a rechargeable power source;   b. a data communication application capable of operating on a handheld device; and   c. instructions on how and where to attach the reusable sensor to an exterior of a disposable absorbent article that does not incorporate a sensor as manufactured;   d. wherein the reusable sensor sends a wireless signal upon detection of a first monitored property comprising urine and/or feces present within a disposable absorbent article to which the reusable sensor is attached, resulting in visual signal and/or auditory signal ascertainable via the handheld device; and   e. wherein the data communication application is capable of receiving a second monitored property that is different form the first monitored property through data entry by a caregiver on the handheld device.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the second monitored property comprises intake of a liquid. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the second monitored property comprises intake of a solid. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the second monitored property comprises intake of a drug. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a length greater than 2.25 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a length greater than 3.0 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a width greater than 1.5 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a capacitive sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a first sensing area and a second sensor area longitudinally or laterally outboard from the first sensing area for sensing two different portions of a disposable absorbent article to which the reusable sensor is attached. 
     
     
         10 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a mechanical fastener comprising hooks for attaching to an exterior surface of a disposable absorbent article. 
     
     
         11 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a curved or angled part to adapt to curvature transition of front to crotch portions of a disposable absorbent article when worn. 
     
     
         12 . The sensor system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor is configured for assessing a sensor area of the disposable absorbent article, the sensor area having a shape that is substantially elongated. 
     
     
         13 . A sensor system comprising:
 a. a reusable sensor comprising a rechargeable power source;   b. a data communication application capable of operating on a handheld device; and   c. instructions on how and where to attach the reusable sensor to an exterior of a disposable absorbent article that does not incorporate a sensor as manufactured;   d. wherein the reusable sensor sends a wireless signal upon detection of a first monitored property comprising urine and/or feces present within a disposable absorbent article to which the reusable sensor is attached, resulting in visual signal and/or auditory signal ascertainable via the handheld device;   e. wherein the data communication application is capable of receiving a multiple additional monitored properties that are different form the first monitored property through data entry by a caregiver on the handheld device; and   f. wherein relationships or patterns are monitorable by the caregiver based on comparisons among the monitored properties.   
     
     
         14 . The sensor system of  claim 13 , wherein the relationships or patterns comprises a prediction of an incontinent event. 
     
     
         15 . The sensor system of  claim 13 , wherein the additional monitored properties comprises intake of a liquid or solid. 
     
     
         16 . The sensor system of  claim 13 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a length greater than 3.0 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The sensor system of  claim 13 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a first sensing area and a second sensor area longitudinally or laterally outboard from the first sensing area for sensing two different portions of a disposable absorbent article to which the reusable sensor is attached. 
     
     
         18 . The sensor system of  claim 13 , wherein the reusable sensor comprises a curved or angled part to adapt to curvature transition of front to crotch portions of a disposable absorbent article when worn. 
     
     
         19 . The sensor system of  claim 13 , wherein the reusable sensor is configured for assessing a sensor area of the disposable absorbent article, the sensor area having a shape that is substantially elongated. 
     
     
         20 . A sensor system comprising:
 a. a reusable sensor comprising a rechargeable power source;   b. a data communication application capable of operating on a handheld device; and   c. instructions on how and where to attach the reusable sensor to an exterior of a disposable absorbent article that does not incorporate a sensor as manufactured;   d. wherein the reusable sensor sends a wireless signal upon detection of a first monitored property comprising an incontinent event, resulting in visual signal and/or auditory signal ascertainable via the handheld device;   e. wherein the data communication application is capable of receiving a second monitored property that is different form the first monitored property through data entry by a caregiver on the handheld device; and   f. wherein the system creates a cause and effect relationship from a change in the second monitored property to the incontinent event.