Surgery – Means and methods for collecting body fluids or waste material – Absorbent pad for external or internal application and...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-27
2003-09-30
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3765)
Surgery
Means and methods for collecting body fluids or waste material
Absorbent pad for external or internal application and...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06627788
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to swimpants and swimsuits for pre-toilet trained children. More particularly, the swimwear has a water drain for draining swim water from the garment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Absorbent swim pants and swimsuits for pre-toilet trained children have absorbent cores and moisture barriers to prevent leaks of urine and bowel movements. Because the products are designed for leakage prevention, they retain sizable quantities of swim water, such as pool or lake water, during and after swimming. This retention of water is undesirable because it causes the pants to sag down, is uncomfortable for the wearer, and can soak towels and clothing after swimming.
There is a need or desire for an absorbent swimwear garment that provides uncompromised urine and bowel movement containment before swimming and allows the draining of excess water from the garment during and after swimming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a pant-like absorbent swimwear garment, having a water drain for draining swim water, such as pool or lake water, from the garment. The water drain includes urine insoluble, water soluble material, suitably located in the crotch area of the pant. The drain opening is sealed shut with this material during initial product use, prior to swimming. The drain opening remains shut, even when the wearer releases urine or bowel movements, prior to swimming. After the swimpant is submerged in swim water, the water soluble material dissolves and “opens” the drain, allowing pool water, but not bowel movements or other solids, to drain out the bottom of the swimpant.
The urine insoluble, water soluble material can be a material whose solubility is temperature dependent. For example, the material can be insoluble in aqueous fluids, such as bodily fluids, above a specified temperature, for example 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), but soluble in aqueous fluids, such as swim water, at less than the specified temperature, for example 25 degrees Celsius. Other non-temperature dependent materials that are urine insoluble and water soluble include materials whose solubility is determined by pH of the water, enzyme catalysis, borate ion concentration and salt sensitive binders.
The urine insoluble, water soluble material can be in the form of a film or tape covering the drain opening. The drain opening can be in the form of holes, cuts or seams in the crotch area of the swimpant's moisture barrier material(s) or containment flaps. The tape or film is suitably applied on the inside surface of the swimpant moisture barrier, between an outer cover and an absorbent layer, to reduce chances of being accidentally solubilized by perspiration or other small quantities of liquid. Alternatively, the tape or film can be applied to the outer surface of the outer cover.
Prior to swimming, the film covers the drain opening and the swimpant contains urine and bowel movements like a typical diaper or training pant. When the pant is worn while swimming in typical swimming temperature water below the specified temperature, for instance about 25 degrees Celsius, the swim water cools and dilutes any urine that may be present and solubilizes the film covering the drain openings. After being submerged in swim water for a length of time, the drains are open and excess water and urine not held in the absorbent material flow out the pant through the opened drains. Bowel movement material is kept inside the pant regardless of whether the drains are open or closed because the liner and the absorbent material are constructed as in a normal absorbent garment to keep bowel movements contained.
The resulting product is an absorbent swimwear garment that provides uncompromised urine and bowel movement containment before swimming but allows the draining of excess water from the swimpant after swimming. Bowel movement containment is not substantially altered before or after swimming.
With the foregoing in mind, it is a feature and advantage of the invention to provide an absorbent swimwear garment with water drains.
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Calvert John J.
Grayson Angela
Kimberly--Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Pauley Petersen Kinne & Erickson
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