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 system for detecting a property associated with an absorbent article, the system comprising:
 a. a disposable absorbent article comprising a garment-facing layer;   b. a reusable sensor comprising a housing, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and replaceable battery; and   c. a reusable auxiliary article removably integrated with the reusable sensor and configured for removable integration with the garment-facing layer of the disposable absorbent article.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the garment-facing layer comprises a porous film and a nonwoven fibrous material. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the garment-facing layer is breathable such that it comprises a water vapor transmission rate of from about 500 to about 8,000 g/m 2 /24 hours according to ASTM E96 test method. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor is disposed within a pocket, recess, or void space of the reusable auxiliary article. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor is joined to the reusable auxiliary article via adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor is joined to the reusable auxiliary article via a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable sensor is joined to the reusable auxiliary article via a mating fastener. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the mating fastener comprises a snap or button. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is capable of sending a wireless signal to a remote receiver after detection of urine and/or feces within the disposable absorbent article. 
     
     
         10 . A system for detecting a property associated with an absorbent article, the system comprising:
 a. a disposable absorbent article comprising a garment-facing layer;   b. a reusable sensor comprising a housing, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a battery; and   c. a reusable auxiliary article for removable integration with garment-facing layer of the disposable absorbent article, the reusable auxiliary article comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface when integrated with the disposable absorbent article;   d. wherein the reusable sensor is associated with an interior surface of the reusable auxiliary article.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the garment-facing layer comprises a porous film and a nonwoven fibrous material. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the garment-facing layer is breathable such that it comprises a water vapor transmission rate of from about 500 to about 8,000 g/m 2 /24 hours according to ASTM E96 test method. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the battery is replaceable. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the reusable sensor is disposed within a pocket, recess, or void space of the reusable auxiliary article. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the reusable sensor is joined to the reusable auxiliary article via adhesive. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the reusable sensor is joined to the reusable auxiliary article via a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the reusable sensor is joined to the reusable auxiliary article via a mating fastener. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the mating fastener comprises a snap or button. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the sensor is capable of sending a wireless signal to a remote receiver after detection of urine and/or feces within the disposable absorbent article.