Indicator for potty training, use thereof, and absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an indicator for potty training which allows understanding of rough staring timing for potty training according to a growth state especially of an infant.SOLUTION: An indicator for potty training for an absorbent article which responds to urine differently depending on a growth state of an infant and shows starting timing for potty training allows understanding of the rough starting timing for potty training. Preferably, a response to the urine is a color reaction, and the response is a reaction to a positive ion in the urine. Preferably, the indicator for potty training includes a substance responding to the positive ion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TOILET TRAINING INDICATORS AND USES THEREOF FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to toilet training indicators and their uses, as well as absorbent articles comprising toilet training indicators. [Background technology]

[0002] _ Conventionally, there are known absorbent articles capable of detecting urinary excretion and changes in the health condition of a wearer. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article that receives and stores excreta, the absorbent article including a sensor that detects the health condition of an infant and a window through which the sensor can be viewed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-543652 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Toilet training is the excretion training given to infants between the age of one and the start of elementary school until they can go from constantly wearing diapers to being able to use a regular toilet of their own volition, and is usually carried out at the discretion of the guardian depending on the infant's walking ability, ability to talk, urination intervals, etc. However, the age at which toilet training should begin varies from infant to infant, and it can be difficult for guardians to grasp the infant's urination intervals when the infant is constantly wearing diapers.

[0005] Here, the sensor provided in the absorbent article of Patent Document 1 does not respond differently to urine depending on the developmental state of a healthy infant, and therefore cannot be used to determine when to start toilet training.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet training indicator that allows an indication of when to start toilet training, in particular, a toilet training indicator that allows an indication of when to start toilet training based on the developmental state of a toddler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above problems, the inventors of the present invention provide a toilet training indicator for an absorbent article, which indicates the time to start toilet training, based on differences in response to urine depending on an infant's developmental state. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet training indicator that allows an indication of when to start toilet training, and in particular, allows an indication of when to start toilet training based on the developmental state of a toddler. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a toilet training indicator material 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The aspects of the present invention will now be described.

[0011] [Aspect 1] (composition) A toilet training indicator for absorbent articles, which indicates the time to start toilet training based on the different responses to urine depending on the developmental stage of an infant.

[0012] (effect) To start toilet training, an infant's mental and physical development, such as brain function and urinary function, must reach a certain level, but this level of mental and physical development varies from person to person, making it difficult to grasp. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a toilet training indicator for absorbent articles responds to urine, and the response of the toilet training indicator to urine differs depending on the infant's developmental state, so that when this toilet training indicator is used in, for example, an absorbent article, it is possible to grasp an estimate of when to start toilet training for the infant.

[0013] [Aspect 2] (composition) The toilet training indicator according to the first aspect, wherein the response to the urine is a color reaction.

[0014] (effect) According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually grasp an indication of when to start toilet training.

[0015] [Aspect 3] The toilet training indicator according to the first or second aspect, which shows different responses depending on the value of urine specific gravity.

[0016] (effect) In the process of the physical and mental development of an infant, the bladder function and kidney function develop, and thus the urine specific gravity changes with the change in urine concentrating function. Therefore, by using the toilet training indicator according to the third aspect of the present invention in, for example, an absorbent article, it is possible to know the approximate time to start toilet training for an infant.

[0017] [Aspect 4] (composition) A toilet training indicator according to a third embodiment, comprising a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant.

[0018] (effect) According to the toilet training indicator of the fourth aspect of the present invention, urine specific gravity can be measured with relatively high sensitivity by a color reaction. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the time to start toilet training can be grasped relatively simply, relatively sensitively, and visually.

[0019] [Aspect 5] (composition) 3. The toilet training indicator according to claim 3, comprising a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator.

[0020] (effect) According to the toilet training indicator of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the urine specific gravity can be measured relatively easily by a color reaction. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the time to start toilet training can be visually grasped.

[0021] [Aspect 6] (composition) A material constituting an absorbent article; A toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, applied to the above material; Toilet training indicator materials, including:

[0022] (effect) According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the toilet training indicator is applied to materials constituting an absorbent article. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the toilet training indicator materials can be easily stored and transported, and the step of applying the toilet training indicator can be omitted in the manufacturing process of the absorbent article, further simplifying the manufacturing process of the absorbent article.

[0023] [Aspect 7] A material constituting an absorbent article; A toilet training indicator material comprising: a carrier containing the toilet training indicator described in any one of the first to fifth aspects applied to the material.

[0024] (effect) According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the toilet training indicator is applied to materials constituting an absorbent article in a form in which the indicator is contained in a carrier containing the indicator. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, application of the toilet training indicator to materials can be performed more simply and accurately.

[0025] [Aspect 8] (composition) A toilet training indicator material according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the material constituting the absorbent article is a sheet-like substrate, and the sheet-like substrate has a visible light transmittance of 30% or more and 80% or less in the visible spectral range.

[0026] (effect) According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the material constituting the absorbent article is a sheet-like substrate, and this sheet-like substrate has a visible light transmittance of 30% or more and 80% or less in the visible spectral range. Therefore, it is possible to configure the substrate such that a change in an indicator applied to the sheet-like substrate can be detected through the sheet-like substrate, while feces and urine cannot be visually detected through the sheet-like substrate.

[0027] [Aspect 9] (composition) At least an absorbent body is provided, An absorbent article comprising a toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, or a toilet training indicator material according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects.

[0028] (effect) According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the absorbent article is provided with the toilet training indicator or the toilet training indicator material, so that by using this absorbent article, it is possible to know when it is time to start toilet training.

[0029] [Aspect 10] (composition) The response to the urine is a color reaction, A colour swatch indicating that the wearer is in a state suitable for toilet training, and / or 10. The absorbent article of claim 9, further comprising a color swatch that indicates that the wearer is not in a developmental state suitable for toilet training.

[0030] (effect) According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the absorbent article is provided with a color sample that responds to urine and indicates that the wearer is in a developmental state suitable for toilet training, and / or a color sample that indicates that the wearer is not in a developmental state suitable for toilet training, thereby enabling a caregiver to quickly determine when to start toilet training.

[0031] [Aspect 11] (composition) A plurality of absorbent articles according to the ninth or tenth aspect are stored in the bag, A colour swatch indicating that the wearer is in a state suitable for toilet training, and / or The packaging features a color swatch indicating that the wearer is not at a developmental stage suitable for toilet training.

[0032] (effect) According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of absorbent articles each equipped with a toilet training indicator are provided, thereby enabling a more accurate estimation of when to start toilet training regardless of daily variations, and since the packaging body is equipped with a color sample indicating that the wearer is in a developmental state suitable for toilet training and / or a color sample indicating that the wearer is not in a developmental state suitable for toilet training, the caregiver can quickly determine when to start toilet training.

[0033] [Aspect 12] (composition) Use of the toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, in an absorbent article.

[0034] (effect) According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the above toilet training indicator or the above toilet training indicator material is used in the manufacture of an absorbent article, so that an absorbent article capable of indicating an indication of when to start toilet training can be provided.

[0035] [Aspect 13] (composition) Use of the toilet training indicator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, to determine an indication of when to start toilet training.

[0036] (effect) According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the toilet training indicator or the toilet training indicator material is used to determine an approximate time to start toilet training, so that the absorbent article can be used to determine an approximate time to start toilet training.

[0037] Toilet training indicator The toilet training indicator of the present invention is a toilet training indicator for absorbent articles, which indicates the time to start toilet training based on the different responses to urine depending on the developmental stage of an infant.

[0038] Color reaction In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the toilet training indicator shows different color reactions to urine depending on the developmental state of the infant. In this embodiment, for example, a carrier containing the toilet training indicator is applied to a material constituting an absorbent article, and the indicator contained in the carrier shows different colors depending on the developmental state of the infant. The degree of coloration may be judged with the naked eye, or may be optically measured by reflectance. When judging the degree of coloration with the naked eye, for example, the degree of coloration may be judged with the naked eye by comparing with the color of a standard color table (color sample) or the like created in advance. Alternatively, when measuring the degree of coloration, the degree of coloration of the indicator may be judged by processing an image of the indicator taken by a smartphone or the like with an image processing program installed on the smartphone or the like.

[0039] <Urine specific gravity>

[0040] A toilet training indicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is an indicator that shows different responses depending on the value of urine specific gravity.

[0041] Urine specific gravity may be measured using a reagent (a detection compound or detection composition) that exhibits a different color reaction depending on the value of urine specific gravity (e.g., a test strip method), by measuring the refractive index of urine using a refractometer, or by a method utilizing osmotic pressure.

[0042] In order to grasp the time to start toilet training using a toilet training indicator that shows different reactions depending on the urine specific gravity value, it is preferable to set a specific urine specific gravity value as a threshold value. For example, the time to start toilet training can be determined when the urine specific gravity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. When the detection range of the urine specific gravity value is, for example, 1.0000 to 1.0400, the time to start toilet training can be determined when the urine specific gravity value is 1.0250 or more, 1.0260 or more, 1.0270 or more, 1.0280 or more, 1.0290 or more, 1.0300 or more, 1.0310 or more, 1.0320 or more, 1.0330 or more, 1.0340 or more, or 1.0350 or more. The urine specific gravity value may vary depending on factors such as the infant's health condition, water intake, dietary restrictions, exercise load, sweating, and season. Therefore, it is preferable to set the threshold value taking into consideration such a change in urine specific gravity, and in particular, it is preferable to set a plurality of threshold values ​​depending on the case, and / or to correct the threshold value according to the change in urine specific gravity. The same is also true for indicators using principles other than urine specific gravity.

[0043] <Detection composition comprising a combination of a buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant> In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the indicator that shows different responses depending on the value of urine specific gravity contains a detection composition consisting of a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant. For the detection composition containing a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant, refer to the description in JP-A-05-196616.

[0044] Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that in indicators containing such detection compositions, the surfactant not only exhibits a solubilizing and wetting effect, but also acts to inhibit the dissociation of the pH indicator, which is normally promoted by the addition of salt, and as a result, the change in absorbance (OD) of the pH indicator increases as the pH of the buffer changes due to the addition of salt.

[0045] A detection composition consisting of a combination of a buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant may be used, for example, by dissolving the buffer, the pH indicator, and the surfactant in a solvent such as distilled water to prepare a solution, and then applying this solution to the material that constitutes the absorbent article.

[0046] (pH buffer) The pH buffer is usually used in the range of pH 3.0 to 10.0, preferably pH 4.0 to 9.0, and may be one whose pH varies with the addition of strong electrolytes such as chlorides, such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride, or sulfates, etc. Examples of pH buffers include phosphate buffers, borate buffers, citrate buffers, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-maleic acid buffers [tris-maleic acid buffers], and bis(2-hydroxyethyl)iminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane buffers [bis-tris buffers].

[0047] In addition, it is preferable to use, as the pH buffer of the present invention, a buffer containing a weak acid such as boric acid or citric acid or a salt thereof in combination with a phosphate or bis-tris buffer, etc., since this prevents the production of salts such as NaCl during pH adjustment.

[0048] As the pH buffer, MES (2-morpholinoethanesulfonic acid), ADA (N-2(acetamido)iminodiacetic acid), PIPES (piperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)), ACES (N-(2-acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), BES (N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), TES (N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), HEPES (2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethanesulfonic acid), cholamine hydrochloride, acetamidoglycine, tricine, glycineamide, or bicine, or a mixture thereof, can also be used. Among these, TES, BES, and ACES are more preferred as the pH buffer.

[0049] (pH indicator) The pH indicator is not particularly limited as long as the color change range is within the pH fluctuation range of the pH buffer used.Specific examples of the pH indicator include gentian violet, malachite green, thymol blue, methyl yellow, bromophenol blue, Congo red, methyl orange, bromocresol green, methyl red, litmus, bromocresol purple, bromothymol blue, phenol red, neutral red, naphtholphthalein, cresol red, cresolphthalein, phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, and alizarin yellow R.

[0050] Preferred pH indicators include bromothymol blue, bromcresol purple, thymol blue, phenol red, chlorophenol red, bromcresol green, etc., and these pH indicators are preferred because dissociation is promoted by increasing the ionic strength. Another preferred pH indicator is methyl red. These indicators may be used alone or in combination. For example, when bromothymol blue is used in combination with another pH indicator, the color tone change can be increased and the color change range can be expanded, which is more practical and more preferred. Other pH indicators that can be used in combination with bromothymol blue include, for example, thymol blue, phenol red, methyl red, etc.

[0051] (Surfactant) The surfactant to be used may be one that has the effect of suppressing the dissociation of the pH indicator, which is promoted by an increase in ionic strength, and examples of such surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.

[0052] Examples of anionic surfactants include higher alcohol sulfates such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), lithium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), sodium 1-dodecanesulfonate, sodium diisooctyl sulfosuccinate (SDOSS), sodium octyl sulfate, etc. These anionic surfactants are preferably used together with a neutral to alkaline (pH 6 to 10) pH buffer.

[0053] Examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts having one or more alkyl groups with 7 or more carbon atoms, specifically myristyltrimethylammonium bromide (MTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and lauryltrimethylammonium chloride. In addition, examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts having a phenyl group, such as benzalkonium chloride, tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, lauryldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and quaternary ammonium salts having a pyridyl group, such as laurylpyridinium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, and stearylamidomethylpyridinium chloride. These quaternary ammonium salts can be used in a relatively wide range of pH ranges.

[0054] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include alkyl betaines such as lauryl dimethyl betaine and stearyl betaine, and 2-lauryl-N-carboxylmethyl-N-hydroxylethyl imidazolinium betaine, and these are preferably used together with a pH buffer in the neutral range (pH 6 to 8).

[0055] Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene (8) octylphenyl ether and polyoxyethylene (10) octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters such as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, and sorbitan monolaurate. These nonionic surfactants are preferably used together with a pH buffer in the neutral range (pH 6 to 8).

[0056] The amount and concentration of each component contained in the detection composition according to the present disclosure are not particularly limited, but can be appropriately set in consideration of the visibility of the color reaction, etc. For the amount and concentration of each component contained in the detection composition, reference can be made to the description in, for example, JP-A-05-196616.

[0057] When the detection composition of the present invention is applied to materials in the form of a solution, the concentration of the pH indicator in the solution may be, for example, 0.01 w / v% to 5.0 w / v%, or 0.01 w / v% to 2.5 w / v%, or 0.05 w / v% to 2.0 w / v%, or 0.1 w / v% to 1.0 w / v%. When the concentration of the pH indicator is within the range, good visibility of the response of the indicator in the absorbent article can be ensured.

[0058] For example, when using bromothymol blue as a pH indicator, the 1 cm 2 The amount of pH indicator applied per unit area can be 5.0 μg or more. By applying a pH indicator in an amount of 5.0 μg or more, the visibility of the response of the toilet training indicator can be further improved in some cases.

[0059] When the detection composition of the present invention is applied to materials or the like in the form of a solution, the concentration of the pH buffer in the solution may be, for example, 1 to 900 mM, and preferably 5 to 300 mM.

[0060] When the detection composition of the present invention is applied to materials, etc. in the form of a solution, the concentration of the surfactant in the solution may be, for example, 0.01 w / v% to 5.0 w / v%, or 0.01 w / v% to 2.5 w / v%, or 0.05 w / v% to 2.0 w / v%, or 0.1 w / v% to 1.0 w / v%.

[0061] <Detection composition composed of a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator> In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an indicator that shows a different color reaction depending on the value of urine specific gravity includes a detection composition including a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that when the detection composition is used as an indicator, cations contained in urine are exchanged for protons by the polyelectrolyte, and the protons cause the pH indicator to change color. Since the concentration of cations contained in urine is believed to be proportional to urine specific gravity, urine specific gravity can be measured by the color reaction obtained by the combination of the polyelectrolyte and the pH indicator.

[0062] (Polymer electrolyte) As the polymer electrolyte, it is preferable to use a water-soluble polymer compound having an acid group, and examples thereof include methoxyethylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polystyrene sulfonic acid, and polyvinyl sulfate.

[0063] (pH indicator) For the pH indicator, see the above description.

[0064] <Cation> In yet another embodiment of the present invention, cations in urine can be detected. In infants, the concentration of cations in urine changes with the development of renal function, so by detecting cations, it is possible to know when to start toilet training. In addition, by using a color reaction as the response of the toilet training indicator to the detection target substance, it is possible to visually know when to start toilet training.

[0065] Here, examples of cations detected by the toilet training indicator of this embodiment include mainly monovalent cations such as sodium ions and potassium ions. The method for measuring the concentration of cations in urine is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a method of measuring the concentration of cations by a color reaction using a reagent composition containing the above-mentioned combination of a polymer electrolyte and a pH indicator.

[0066] In the toilet training indicator of the embodiment of the present invention, the type and application amount of the detection compound or detection composition are preferably adjusted so as to respond to a urinary substance at a predetermined concentration or higher.

[0067] SAP As a method for determining the approximate time to start toilet training, in addition to the above-mentioned detection composition, an indicator utilizing the breakdown of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) used in the absorbent may be used. For example, by utilizing the fact that SAP is easily broken down by ascorbic acid and iron, and that ascorbic acid and iron increase with the age (months) of the infant, the approximate time to start toilet training can be determined by using SAP, which breaks down when the ascorbic acid or iron in the urine is higher than a predetermined value, as an indicator reagent.

[0068] Such indicators include certain SAPs, such as sodium polyacrylate, which destabilize their gel-like structure and become at least partially liquefied when exposed to urine from a developmentally advanced infant. Thus, sodium polyacrylate can be used as a toilet training indicator to gauge when to begin toilet training.

[0069] Furthermore, because SAP can be used as an absorbent article in infant diapers, the use of SAP as a toilet training indicator is particularly advantageous from the standpoint that no separate dedicated indicator is required.

[0070] Without intending to be limited by theory, the mechanism by which the above-mentioned SAP reacts differently to urine depending on the developmental state of the infant is thought to be related to the change in the amount of ascorbic acid and iron in the urine. That is, in young infants (infants), the iron content in breast milk is low and hemopoiesis is active, so the excretion of iron is suppressed, while in older infants, the iron excretion increases with changes in the quality and quantity of food intake. Similarly, the excretion of ascorbic acid, which is involved in the absorption of non-heme iron, is thought to be low in young infants and high in older infants. Therefore, the structure of the above-mentioned SAP hardly changes when it comes into contact with the urine of young infants, but the gel structure is thought to be destabilized by the ascorbic acid and iron contained in relatively large amounts in the urine of older infants.

[0071] Toilet training indicator containing a detection reactive substance that reacts with other detection target substances The toilet training indicator of the present invention may be a detection reagent (detection compound or detection composition) other than those described above. Examples of such detection reagents include pH indicators (responding to hydrogen ions or proteins in urine), sulfanilamide (responding to nitrite in urine), sodium nitrobrusside hydrate (responding to ketone bodies in urine), a combination of glucose oxidase, peroxidase and a reducing chromogen (responding to glucose in urine), and diazonium salts (responding to bilirubin in urine). Toilet training indicators containing such detection reagents are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0072] <Toilet training indicator materials> The present disclosure also relates to a toilet training indicator material, the toilet training indicator material including a material constituting an absorbent article and a toilet training indicator applied to the material.

[0073] When a toilet training indicator is applied to the materials that make up an absorbent article, the toilet training indicator materials become easier to store and transport, and the process of applying the toilet training indicator can be omitted when manufacturing the absorbent article, further simplifying the manufacturing process of the absorbent article.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a toilet training indicator material 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the toilet training indicator material 1 includes a back sheet 3 and a toilet training indicator 2 applied to the back sheet 3. The toilet training indicator 2 is, for example, coated with a solution of a detection composition, and is preferably maintained in a dried / solidified state. In another embodiment of the present invention, the toilet training indicator material 1 may include a back sheet 3 and a carrier 2' containing a toilet training indicator applied to the back sheet 3.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sheet-like substrate typified by the back sheet 3 preferably has a light transmittance in the visible spectrum of 30% or more and 80% or less. When the sheet-like substrate has the above light transmittance, the color reaction of the toilet training indicator applied to the sheet-like substrate can be easily seen through the sheet-like substrate, and the color of feces or urine can be difficult to see from the opposite side. The light transmittance in the visible spectrum can be measured by a transmittance meter.

[0076] Because it is relatively easy to handle and can be easily applied to materials that constitute, for example, absorbent articles, the toilet training indicator is preferably applied to materials as an indicator-containing carrier obtained by impregnating a nonwoven fabric with the solution-like detection composition of the present disclosure and drying it.

[0077] (Materials) Examples of materials constituting the absorbent article include sheet-like materials (e.g., nonwoven fabrics, films, etc.) constituting the liquid-permeable top sheet, sheet-like materials (e.g., nonwoven fabrics, films, etc.) constituting the liquid-impermeable back sheet, materials constituting the absorbent layer (pulp fibers, highly absorbent polymers, core wrap sheets, etc.), second sheets, carrier sheets, intermediate sheets, and exterior sheets, as well as combinations thereof. The top sheet is a material that is located closer to the skin than the back sheet when the absorbent article is worn. As the back sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet-like substrate having at least a portion of its surface rendered hydrophilic may be used.

[0078] When a nonwoven fabric is used as the top sheet and / or the back sheet, the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric include natural fibers, chemical fibers, etc., and more specifically, cellulose fibers such as pulverized pulp and cotton, regenerated cellulose such as rayon and fibril rayon, semi-synthetic cellulose such as acetate and triacetate, thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers, thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers that have been subjected to hydrophilization treatment, etc. Examples of thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers include monofilaments made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., and fibers made of graft polymers of PE and PP.

[0079] Examples of nonwoven fabrics include air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, point-bond nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, melt-blown nonwoven fabrics, and combinations thereof (eg, SMS, etc.).

[0080] The nonwoven fabric may be subjected to a hydrophilization treatment. The method of this hydrophilization treatment is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a method of coating the surface of the nonwoven fabric with a hydrophilizing agent, a method of coating the surfaces of the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric with a hydrophilizing agent, and a method of incorporating a hydrophilizing agent into a synthetic resin that is a raw material for the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric.

[0081] The absorbent that can be used in the absorbent layer is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb and retain excreted liquid such as urine, and any known absorbent can be used. Examples of the absorbent include an absorbent core made of an absorbent material covered with a core wrap sheet such as a hydrophilic tissue. Examples of the absorbent material that constitutes the absorbent core include hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent polymers, and more specifically, cellulose-based fibers such as ground pulp, cotton, rayon, and acetate, superabsorbent polymers such as sodium acrylate copolymers, and mixtures of these.

[0082] Examples of the liquid-impermeable backsheet include films containing PE, PP, etc., breathable resin films, laminates in which a breathable resin film is bonded to a nonwoven fabric such as spunbond or spunlace, and multilayer nonwoven fabric such as SMS.

[0083] <Carrier containing a toilet training indicator> In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the toilet training indicator is applied to the toilet training material in a form contained in a carrier, i.e., the toilet training indicator material includes a material constituting an absorbent article and a carrier containing the toilet training indicator (indicator-containing carrier) applied to the material.

[0084] When the toilet training indicator is in a form contained in a carrier, application of the toilet training indicator to materials can be performed more easily and accurately.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the toilet training indicator material, the above-mentioned indicator-containing carrier is applied to the back sheet.

[0086] (Carrier containing a toilet training indicator) The carrier containing the toilet training indicator according to the present disclosure may be a coating, film, mixture, dispersion, or laminate obtained by coating, printing, immersing, kneading, injecting, dispersing, sprinkling, or laminating the above-mentioned detection compound or detection composition on a carrier such as an absorbent carrier. The carrier containing the toilet training indicator according to the present disclosure may be prepared by applying a solution, dispersion, adhesive composition, hot melt adhesive, etc. containing the above-mentioned detection compound or detection composition to a carrier such as an absorbent carrier or support film and drying / solidifying it.

[0087] For example, the detection compound or detection composition according to the present invention and a binder may be dissolved in a solvent to prepare a reagent solution, and the reagent solution may be impregnated into an absorbent carrier once or several times, or coated or applied to a support film once or several times, and then dried to prepare a test piece, which may be used as an indicator-containing carrier. Examples of binders include polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, gum arabic, gelatin, and ethyl cellulose. Examples of the above-mentioned solvent include water, organic solvents, and mixed solvents thereof.

[0088] Among the carriers that contain the indicator, examples of absorbent carriers include porous carriers such as cellulose fiber filter paper, cloth, nonwoven fabric, paper, synthetic fiber filter paper, etc. Examples of supporting films include synthetic paper, aluminum laminate film, etc.

[0089] There are no particular limitations on the size, dimensions, etc. of the absorbent carrier and the supporting film.

[0090] (Application of indicator-containing carriers to materials) The method of applying the indicator-containing carrier to the material is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of an indicator-containing carrier in which a detection composition or the like is applied to an absorbent carrier or a support film, the indicator-containing carrier may be attached to the material by an adhesive or an adhesive tape.

[0091] The toilet training indicator may be directly applied to the toilet training indicator material. Such toilet training materials can be manufactured, for example, by applying a solution of the detection composition dissolved in a solvent such as distilled water to the material. Alternatively, the above-mentioned detection compound or detection composition may be applied to the toilet training material by coating, printing, immersion, kneading, injection, dispersion, scattering, or lamination. In this case, the nature of the toilet training indicator may be a solution or dispersion of the detection compound or detection composition, a liquid adhesive composition obtained by mixing the detection compound or detection composition with a liquid adhesive component, or a mixture of the detection compound or detection composition with a thermoplastic resin (such as a hot melt adhesive) that is in a solid state at room temperature (for example, kneaded or dispersed as powder / granules / pellets).

[0092] Absorbent Articles The absorbent article of the present invention comprises at least an absorbent body, and also comprises the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention. Because the absorbent article comprises the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material, by using the absorbent article, it is possible to know an indication of when to start toilet training. In particular, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises at least an absorbent body, and also comprises the toilet training indicator material.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body (absorbent layer) disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and the toilet training indicator of the present invention is applied to the back sheet.

[0094] Such absorbent articles can be manufactured, for example, by applying a toilet training indicator to one side of a continuous backsheet sheet, placing an absorbent layer on that side, and placing a continuous topsheet sheet on the absorbent layer to form a laminate, and combining the laminate using an adhesive means such as a heat seal adhesive, and then cutting the absorbent articles out of the combined continuous laminate.

[0095] In the present invention, the toilet training indicator is not limited to being applied to the backsheet, and may be applied to, for example, the absorbent body. In this case, when a caregiver removes the absorbent article from the wearer, the caregiver can visually check the color reaction or the like of the toilet training indicator in the absorbent body through the topsheet.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absorbent article further comprises a color swatch indicating that the wearer is in a developmental state suitable for toilet training and / or a color swatch indicating that the wearer is not in a developmental state suitable for toilet training, thereby allowing a caregiver to quickly determine when to start toilet training.

[0097] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when bromothymol blue is used as a pH indicator, for example, a yellow swatch can be used as a color swatch indicating that the developmental condition is suitable for toilet training, and / or a blue or green swatch can be used as a color swatch indicating that the developmental condition is not suitable for toilet training.

[0098] ≪Packaging body》 The present invention also relates to a package containing a plurality of absorbent articles. Since a plurality of absorbent articles each having a toilet training indicator are provided, it is possible to more accurately grasp the approximate time for starting toilet training, regardless of daily fluctuations.

[0099] In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article does not include a color sample indicating that the developmental state is suitable for toilet training and a color sample indicating that the developmental state is not suitable for toilet training, and the package includes a color sample indicating that the developmental state is suitable for toilet training and / or a color sample indicating that the developmental state is not suitable for toilet training. According to such an embodiment, the guardian can quickly determine the timing of starting toilet training. As the color sample, for example, a yellow color sample can be used as a color sample indicating that the developmental state is suitable for toilet training, and / or a blue or green color sample can be used as a color sample indicating that the developmental state is not suitable for toilet training.

[0100] In another embodiment of the present invention, the packaging may indicate the frequency with which the color reaction produces a color that indicates that the baby is in a developmental state suitable for toilet training, as an indication of when the wearer should begin toilet training.

[0101] <How to determine when to start toilet training using a toilet training indicator> The present invention also relates to a method for determining when to start toilet training, using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention.

[0102] The method of determining when to start toilet training according to the present disclosure includes a step of detecting a color reaction in a toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material in an absorbent article that has come into contact with urine, thereby determining an approximate time to start toilet training.

[0103] In the method of determining when to start toilet training according to the present disclosure, in an absorbent article equipped with a toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material, the toilet training indicator shows different responses to urine depending on the developmental state of the infant wearing the absorbent article, allowing a caregiver (mother, family member, etc.) to determine an approximate time to start toilet training.

[0104] In the method for determining when to start toilet training using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention, the toilet training indicator responds preferably within one minute after the wearer excretes urine, and the response of the toilet training indicator to urine preferably continues for one hour or more, more preferably for three hours or more, and even more preferably for twelve hours or more. It is preferable for the caregiver to change the absorbent article worn by the wearer while the toilet training indicator is responding to urine.

[0105] In a method for determining an approximate time to start toilet training using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention, it is preferable that the response of the toilet training indicator to urine varies depending on the developmental state of the wearer, the infant, over the period during which the toilet training indicator continues to respond to urine. Thus, in a method for determining an approximate time to start toilet training using the toilet training indicator or toilet training indicator material of the present invention, it is preferable that the response of the toilet training indicator to urine varies depending on the developmental state of the wearer, the infant, over a period of preferably 1 hour or more, more preferably 3 hours or more, and even more preferably 12 hours or more.

[0106] Next, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the following examples and comparative examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. EXAMPLES

[0107] <<Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5>> Using detection compositions that show different responses to urine specific gravity values ​​as toilet training indicators, the response of the indicators to urine and the success or failure of toilet training were evaluated.

[0108] How to evaluate the success of toilet training The success of toilet training was evaluated as follows: the child was able to go without diapers at least during the day (i.e., was able to graduate from diapers during the day) and the child was able to go without diapers all day, including at night (i.e., was able to graduate from diapers). The state of being able to graduate from diapers means that the child is able to go to the toilet on his / her own volition.

[0109] <Diapers> The diapers used in the examples and comparative examples had an absorbent article, which had a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent layer as an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and the toilet training indicator according to the present disclosure was applied to the back sheet as the toilet training indicator material. Specifically, the toilet training indicator was directly applied to the back sheet and dried, and used as the toilet training indicator material, or the toilet training indicator was held on a carrier and adhered to the back sheet, and this was used as the toilet training indicator material.

[0110] Methods for assessing urinary response As the toilet training indicator, an indicator capable of measuring urine specific gravity was used. Specifically, a reagent composition containing bromothymol blue and methyl red as pH indicators, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) ("Tween" is a registered trademark) as a surfactant, and TES as a pH buffer was used. The degree of coloration of the toilet training indicator in the absorbent article of the diaper that had absorbed urine was measured by referring to a color sample. The specific gravity of urine was quantified in the range of 1.0000 to 1.0350, and the average value of the urine specific gravity measured during the evaluation period was taken as the average urine specific gravity value.

[0111] Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 The urine specific gravity of infants aged 2 years 2 months (26 months) to 3 years 4 months (40 months) wearing the above-mentioned diapers was measured over an evaluation period of 2 to 4 days. At the same time, toilet training was carried out and the success or failure of toilet training was evaluated.

[0112] The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 shows the infant's age in months, the average urine specific gravity during the toilet training period, and the toilet training results. The results of training are shown as "O" if the training was successful (if the infant was able to graduate from diapers) and "X" if the training was unsuccessful (if the infant could not graduate from diapers).

[0113] [Table 1]

[0114] As seen in Table 1, in the cases of Examples 1 to 6 in which the average urine specific gravity was 1.0292 to 1.0333, the children were able to graduate from diapers by toilet training. On the other hand, in the cases of Comparative Examples 1 to 5 in which the average urine specific gravity was 1.0258 to 1.0283, the children were unable to graduate from diapers even after toilet training.

[0115] In particular, Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 show results for the same infant. When the average urine specific gravity was 1.0261 (Comparative Example 1), the infant was unable to graduate from diapers even after toilet training, but when the average urine specific gravity was 1.0306 (Example 1), the infant was able to graduate from diapers through toilet training. Note that Comparative Example 3 and Example 2 also show results for the same infant, and the same can be said.

[0116] In addition, since the urine specific gravity value increases with the development of renal function, it is considered that there is a certain degree of correlation between age (months) and urine specific gravity. However, the correlation between age and urine specific gravity is weak, and in fact, as seen in Table 1 above, there are cases where the urine specific gravity value is relatively high even though the age is relatively young (Example 6, etc.), while there are cases where the urine specific gravity value is relatively low even though the age is relatively old (Comparative Examples 2, 3, etc.). Therefore, it is clear from the above results that even if there is a certain degree of correlation between age and urine specific gravity value, it is not possible to determine the start time of toilet training using age alone as an indicator instead of urine specific gravity value. Rather, urine specific gravity value provides an indicator that cannot be read from age when determining whether a child is at a developmental stage suitable for toilet training.

[0117] From the above examples and comparative examples, it has been found that by using a toilet training indicator for absorbent articles whose response to urine varies depending on the developmental stage of the infant, it is possible to accurately determine the time to start toilet training. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Toilet training indicator materials 2 Potty Training Indicators 2' A carrier containing a toilet training indicator 3 Back seat

Claims

1. A toilet training indicator for absorbent articles, which indicates the time to start toilet training based on the different responses to urine depending on the developmental stage of an infant.

2. 2. The toilet training indicator of claim 1, wherein said response to said urine is a color reaction.

3. 3. The toilet training indicator according to claim 1, which shows different responses depending on the value of urine specific gravity.

4. 4. The toilet training indicator of claim 3, comprising a combination of a pH buffer, a pH indicator, and a surfactant.

5. 4. The toilet training indicator of claim 3, comprising a combination of a polyelectrolyte and a pH indicator.

6. A toilet training indicator material comprising: a material constituting an absorbent article; and the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 applied to said material.

7. A toilet training indicator material comprising: a material constituting an absorbent article; and a carrier containing the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, applied to the material.

8. 8. The toilet training indicator material according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the material constituting the absorbent article is a sheet-like substrate, and the sheet-like substrate has a visible light transmittance of 30% or more and 80% or less in the visible spectral range.

9. At least an absorbent body is provided, An absorbent article comprising the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. the response to the urine is a color reaction; A colour swatch indicating that the wearer is in a state suitable for toilet training; and / or 10. The absorbent article of claim 9, further comprising a color swatch that indicates that the wearer is not ready for toilet training.

11. A plurality of absorbent articles according to claim 9 or 10 are stored in the storage container, A colour swatch indicating that the wearer is in a state suitable for toilet training; and / or The packaging features a color swatch indicating that the wearer is not in a developmental state suitable for potty training.

12. Use of the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of claims 6 to 8 in an absorbent article.

13. Use of the toilet training indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the toilet training indicator material according to any one of claims 6 to 8 to determine an indication of when to start toilet training.

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