초록 ▼

An absorbent article which includes a thermal cell actuator capable of adding or removing heat to or from at least a portion of the absorbent article to perform a useful function on the article. The thermal cell actuator may be activated by an action of the wearer or caregiver or by environmental co

An absorbent article which includes a thermal cell actuator capable of adding or removing heat to or from at least a portion of the absorbent article to perform a useful function on the article. The thermal cell actuator may be activated by an action of the wearer or caregiver or by environmental conditions between the article and wearer.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An absorbent article comprising:(1) a backsheet;(2) a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet;(3) an absorbent core disposed intermediate to the topsheet and the backsheet;(4) a thermal cell actuator which adds or removes heat from at least a portion of the absorbent article upon actuati

1. An absorbent article comprising:(1) a backsheet;(2) a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet;(3) an absorbent core disposed intermediate to the topsheet and the backsheet;(4) a thermal cell actuator which adds or removes heat from at least a portion of the absorbent article upon actuation so as to result in a useful function selected from the group consisting of:a) maintaining the article at a predefined temperature,b) maintaining relative humidity in a volume between a wearer and the article when the article is wornc) melting a material disposed on the article,d) changing a mechanical property of a different component of the article,e) changing the breathability of a component of the article, andf) changing the vapor pressure of a material disposed on the article; and(5) a triggering mechanism connected with the thermal cell actuator whereby a non-urine based-signal within the article causes the thermal cell actuator to add or remove heat from at least a portion of the absorbent article. 2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the thermal cell actuator performs the function at a location between the backsheet of the article and the skin of the wearer in response to a change in relative humidity, moisture, or temperature. 3. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the thermal cell actuator performs the function in response to the application of a tensile force by a caregiver to extend a portion of the article, or in response to the application of a normal force to compress a portion of the article by a caregiver. 4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the action of the caregiver is an application of a tensile force to peel a tab exposing an opening in the thermal cell actuator which allows for the activation of said actuator. 5. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the thermal cell actuator controls humidity or temperature in the article. 6. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the thermal cell actuator includes a Peltier cell. 7. The absorbent article of claim 1 comprising a thermal cell actuator that provides a constant temperature in a region of the article during use of the article of about 15° to about 25° Celsius. 8. The absorbent article of claim 7 wherein the thermal cell actuator is not in contact with the wearer's skin when the article is worn. 9. The absorbent article of claim 7 wherein the thermal cell actuator is in vapor communication with the wearer's skin such that vapor can condense inside the article. 10. The absorbent article of claim 7 wherein the thermal cell actuator is triggered by a user during application of the article. 11. The absorbent article of claim 7 wherein the constant temperature in the region is maintained for at least 1 hour. 12. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the thermal cell actuator changes a mechanical property of a different component of the article. 13. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein the component of the article is a waist opening or a cuff opening. 14. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein activation of the thermal cell actuator results in a change in the vapor pressure of a material disposed on the article. 15. The absorbent article of claim 14 wherein the thermal cell actuator provides at least a portion of the article with a temperature of less than about 25° Celsius.