Wetness Detection Device
OwnerDean Preston Smith, Edward Roger Adamsinventors
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Abstract
The teachings herein are directed to devices for detecting and signaling the presence of urine or another electrically conducive liquid in an undergarment, fabric, or other thin material. Preferred devices include a clip configured to safely and releasably secure a liquid detecting sensor to a fabric or undergarment, wherein said sensor is operably coupled to a detection device that emits a notification signal when liquid is present in the fabric.
Claims21
A device for sensing a conductive liquid in a thin material, comprising:
- (a) a liquid-sensing printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB comprises an electrode assembly having means for detecting a conductive liquid in the thin material based on a change in electrical resistance in the electrode assembly and means for emitting an electronic signal when the liquid is detected;
- (b) a resilient overmold body partially molded over the PCB such that it covers the means for emitting an electronic signal while allowing exposure of the means for detecting a conductive liquid;
- and
- (c) a clip configured for clamping and unclamping the PCB to the thin material and having a proximal area pivotally hinged to the overmold body and a distal area configured to releasably hold the fabric in contact with the electrode assembly.
A device configured for clamping onto a thin material, comprising:
- (a) a rigid base layer, having proximal and distal areas, a topside and a bottom side;
- (b) a resilient overmold body molded over the rigid base layer's proximal area while allowing substantial exposure of the distal area;
- and
- (c) a clip configured to be movable into an open and closed position with respect to the rigid base layer and having a proximal area pivotally hinged to the overmold body and a distal area comprising a gripping surface and a plurality of retruded teeth configured such that the gripping surface presses the thin material into the distal area of the rigid base layer and the teeth engage the thin material.
A device for sensing a conductive liquid in a thin material, comprising:
- (a) a liquid-sensing printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB comprises an electrode assembly having means for detecting a conductive liquid in a thin material based on a change in electrical resistance in the electrode assembly and means for emitting an electronic signal when the liquid is detected;
- (b) a notification component having means for receiving said signal and means for emitting an alarm when said signal is received;
- (c) a resilient overmold body partially molded over the PCB such that it covers the means for emitting a signal while leaving the means for detecting a conductive liquid exposed;
- and
- (d) a clip for clamping and unclamping the PCB to the thin material and having a proximal area pivotally hinged to the overmold body and a distal area configured to releasably hold the fabric in contact with the electrode assembly and the resilient overmold body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.