US 6,284,942 B1 · Confidence building incontinence pad

Abstract

A pad which permits a quantitative estimate of urinary incontinence includes three zones: a core zone having a defined urine absorption capacity and undergoing a first color change as it becomes wetted with urine; an inner zone having a urine absorption capacity greater than the capacity of the core zone and undergoing a second color change when it becomes wetted with urine; and an outer zone having a urine absorption capacity greater than the capacity of the inner zone and undergoing a third color change when it becomes wetted with urine. Each of the first, second and third color changes is visually distinct. The inner zone is concentrically disposed about the core zone, and the outer zone is concentrically disposed about the inner zone; alternatively, the inner zone is disposed at one end of the core zone, and the outer zone is disposed at the other end of the core zone.

Claims29

Dependent claims

An absorbent pad which permits a quantitative estimate of a single episode of urinary incontinence, said pad being urine absorbent and comprising:

(A) a first zone having a defined urine absorption capacity and undergoing a first color change as it becomes wetted with urine;
(B) a second zone having a urine absorption capacity greater than the capacity of said first zone and undergoing a second color change when it becomes wetted with urine;
and
(C) a third zone having a urine absorption capacity greater than the capacity of said second zone and undergoing a third color change when it becomes wetted with urine;
each of said first, second and third color changes being visible at the respective one of said zones, visually distinct, and a function of the quantity of urine absorption in said one zone.

2 more elements

A confidence pad for a female enabling a quantitative estimate of a simple episode of urinary incontinence, comprising a urine-absorbent pad having at least three urine absorption zones as follows:

(A) a core zone having a urine absorption capacity of 0-20 cc of urine and undergoing a first color change as it becomes progressively wetter with urine, said first color change being both qualitative and quantitative, said core zone including an enzymatic moisture indicator that changes from yellow through light green to deep turquoise;
(B) an inner zone having a urine absorption capacity of 20-100 cc of urine and undergoing a second color change when it becomes saturated with urine, said inner zone including a hydratable salt moisture indicator that changes from a colorless white to blue;
and
(C) an outer zone having a urine absorption capacity of greater than 100 cc of urine and undergoing a third color change when it becomes saturated with urine, said outer zone including a capillary action moisture indicator that changes from white to red;
said core zone being configured and dimensioned to cover a urethral meatus;
each of said first, second and third color changes being visible at the respective one of said zones, visually distinct, and a function of the quantity of urine absorbed in said one zone;
said pad including a first layer of a wicking material, a second layer of an absorbent material disposed over said first layer, and a third layer of moisture-impervious material disposed over said second layer, said core zone, said inner zone, and said outer zone being in said second layer.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Confidence building incontinence pad

Life of this patent

Confidence building incontinence pad

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29