Visual indicator chronograph and the use of the same

• US 20060114754A1
• Filed: 11/30/2004
• Published: 06/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Inventors: MacDonald, John Gavin, Arehart, Kelly D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,280,441 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 368/327
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/42 with wetness indicator or alarm
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 1/00 Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals without driving mechanisms, e.g. egg timers
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 1/06 by flowing-away of a prefixed quantity of fine-granular or liquid materials, e.g. sand-glass, water-clock
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/04 using electrochemical means
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/06 using fluidic means

Abstract

A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.

Claims

1. A chronograph comprising an indicator panel having a region with a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having at least a self-contained reservoir for activating a timing element that manifests on said indicator panel for monitoring relative passage of time, and said reservoir being in controlled communication with said indicator panel.

2. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said indicator panel is enclosed in a housing unit having at least a portion that is clear or transparent for observing said indicator panel.

3. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said indicator panel is either a substantially two-dimensional visual display or is part of a three-dimensional shaped surface or article.

4. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein at least part of said indicator panel is composed of a cellulose-based material, a gel, a plastic/polymer film, chromatographic separation materials, inorganic particles or oxides, or combinations of such materials.

5. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said reservoir contains an activating agent.

6. The chronograph according to claim 5, wherein said activating agent is a fluid.

7. The chronograph according to claim 6, wherein said fluid is either a gas, a liquid or, a gel.

8. The chronograph according to claim 7, wherein said liquid is either water, a thixotropic material, an alcohol, a solvent, or other organic species.

9. The chronograph according to claim 8, wherein said organic species is non-flammable.

10. The chronograph according to claim 8, wherein said organic species is a surfactant, a fatty acid, or an aliphatic alcohol.

11. The chronograph according to claim 7, wherein said gas is either air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, a reducing gas, an inert gas, a moist gas, or a mixture thereof.

12. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said visually distinct sections are colored.

13. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said visually distinct sections are arrayed either adjacent to each other or spaced apart.

14. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said colored sections are either monochromatic or include different colors.

15. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said device further includes a frangible seal between said reservoir and said indicator panel.

16. The chronograph according to claim 15, wherein said timing element is activated when said frangible seal is broken, establishing communication between said reservoir and said indicator panel.

17. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said activating agent elutes at a predetermined rate as a mobile phase front either on or within a surface of said indicator panel.

18. The chronograph according to claim 17, wherein said predetermined rate is calibrated as a unit of distance per unit of time, on order of either minutes, hours, or days.

19. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said device further includes an interference agent adapted to disrupt development of said timing element.

20. The chronograph according to claim 19, wherein said interference agent is a mobile phase that effectively elutes or disrupts development of said timing element.

21. The chronograph according to claim 19, wherein said interference agent is either hydrophilic or hydrophobic to arrest said timing element development.

22. The chronograph according to claim 20, wherein said interference agent is either a colorant, dark colored dye, an alternate source of moisture, water, solvent, or urine.

23. The chronograph according to claim 19, wherein said interference agent modifies a visual appearance of said indicator panel indicating a change in conditions.

24. The chronograph according to claim 23, wherein said change in conditions involves the occurrence of an insult.

25. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said indicator panel is adapted to monitor duration of dryness.

26. The chronograph according to claim 1, wherein said chronograph has a display with a size that ranges from an object that is capable to be held within an average person'"'"'s hand to an object as large as a billboard.

27. A self-timing article having a chronograph for monitoring the duration over which said article has been applied or used, the chronograph comprises:

a set of visually distinct zones arrayed spatially relative to each other on a display region of said chronograph, and having a self-contained reservoir for activating a timing element that manifests on said indicator panel progressively over time an activating agent migrates from said reservoir across said display region.

28. The self-timing article according to claim 27, wherein said timing element manifests on said display region until interrupted by an introduction of an alternate source of moisture or wetness.

29. The self-timing article according to claim 28, wherein introduction of said alternate source of moisture generates a marking on said display region that signifies relative time when said introduction occurred.

30. An assembly comprising:

a chronograph having an indicator panel, said indicator panel having a region with a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having at least a self-contained reservoir containing an activating agent for a timing element that manifests on said indicator panel to monitor relative passage of time, and said reservoir being in controlled communication with said indicator panel.

31. The assembly according to claim 30, wherein said assembly includes other component items that may have time-dependent or time-influenced functionality or use.

32. The assembly according to claim 30, wherein said indicator is either a stand alone article in said assembly or can be incorporated as part of a component of said assembly.

33. A training aid for conveying a positive feedback to reinforce maintenance of dryness in an absorbent article, said training aid comprises, an indicator device having a timing element that manifests over a period in which said training aid remains active and dry for a positive feedback signal development until said positive feedback signal is either disrupted or altered when an alternate source of moisture or wetness is detected in said absorbent article.

34. The training aid according to claim 33, wherein said absorbent article is a personal care product.

35. The training aid according to claim 33, wherein said indicator panel is integrated as part of a garment or personal care product.

36. The training aid according to claim 33, wherein said indicator device monitors passage of time.

37. A tool to provide a child with a sense of empowerment or independence, and control over the child'"'"'s own behavior, the tool comprising an indicator panel having a region with a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having at least a self-contained reservoir for activating a timing element that manifests on said indicator panel for monitoring relative passage of time, and said reservoir being in controlled communication with said indicator panel.

38. A method for providing a positive feedback to reinforce and condition an activity, the method comprises:

a providing an timed indicator device, said indicator device having a set of sections each with a distinct marking arrayed spatially relative to each other in a display region having a starting position and an ending position;

activating an agent that migrates from said starting position said display region across each of said colored sections at a predetermined rate toward said ending position; and

conveying a feedback development over a period of time.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein said markings are arrayed in series, each sequentially at a predetermined constant distance between one another, across said display.

40. The method according to claim 38, wherein said markings are either monochromatic or multi-chromatic.

41. The method according to claim 38, wherein each of said markings are visually distinct from either adjacent neighboring markings or a background color of said display region.

42. The method according to claim 38, wherein said feedback development is a gradual process.

43. A method for providing instruction about the use of a dryness indicator, the method comprises:

relating information to a user of an article, which requires said user to monitor dryness, about providing an indicator having a set of colored zones arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having a self-contained reservoir for activating a timing element that manifests on an indicator panel;

activating said timing element at a T₀;

developing said timing element over a predetermined time period; and

reading said indicator at a time T_x.

44. The method according to claim 43, further said information further comprises relating about stopping said timing element development over the course of said predetermined time period by means of interaction with an insult or contact from an alternate moisture source.

45. An absorbent article comprising:

a top sheet;

a back sheet; and

absorbent core disposed at least partially between the top sheet and back sheet; and

at least one timing indicator device comprising a design having a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having at least a self-contained reservoir for activating a timing element that manifests on an indicator panel for monitoring time.

46. The absorbent article according to claim 45, wherein said timing indicator device is a stand alone object, separate from a garment or personal care article.

47. The absorbent article according to claim 45, wherein said timing indicator device is used as a training aid for monitoring passage of time.

48. A personal care article comprising at least one indicator device for monitoring progression of time, the device comprising a display having a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having at least a self-contained reservoir for containing an activation agent, said activating agent when allowed to come into communication with said display will interact with said display and develop a timing element that manifests on said display over a predetermined time period.

49. A method for using a timer, the method includes providing an indicator comprising a design having a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other on a display panel, and having at least a self-contained reservoir containing an activating agent;

rupturing a frangible seal situated between said display panel and said reservoir to allow communication between said display panel and said reservoir;

observing development of a mobile front across said display panel as said mobile front progress from said reservoir to a distal end of said display panel over a predetermined time period.

50. A method for providing a system for monitoring duration of either insult-free wear of a personal care article or use of an absorbent article, the method comprising:

a) providing either a personal care article or an absorbent article incorporating a chronograph with an indicator display area having a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having at least a self-contained reservoir for containing an activation agent, said activation agent, when allowed to come into communication with said display area, interacts with said display area, traversing said display area developing over a predetermined time period at a predetermined rate; and

b) providing instructions on how to use said chronograph to either a user or caregiver of either said personal care or said absorbent article, wherein said user or caregiver is enabled to determine relative duration of insult-free wear or use of said personal care article or said absorbent article.

51. A method of manufacturing a chronographic device, the method comprises:

providing an indicator panel;

placing said indicator panel in an at least partially transparent first enclosure;

providing or forming a second enclosure;

joining said first and second enclosures together as a housing unit with a frangible seal between said first and second enclosures.

52. The method according to claim 51, further comprising sealing around an edge of each of said enclosures to create a hermetically sealed system.

53. The method according to claim 51, wherein said reservoir is joined to said first enclosure at a location proximal or adjacent to said indicator panel.

54. The method according to claim 51, wherein said method is repeated multiple times to fabricate as many of said housing units as one may desire.

55. The method according to claim 51, wherein said individual housing units are bundled or joined together to have a plurality of chromatographic timer indicators in parallel.

56. The method according to claim 51, wherein said first enclosures is made from either a plastic or glass material.

57. The method according to claim 51, wherein said second enclosure serves as a reservoir for an activating agent.

58. The method according to claim 51, wherein said housing unit has either a rigid, a semi-pliable, or a flexible structure.

59. The method according to claim 51, wherein said sealing is by means of an ultrasonic welding or heat sealing technique.