Visual indicator chronograph and the use of the same
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsJohn Gavin MacDonald, Kelly D. Arehart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims32
A chronograph comprising:
- an indicator panel having a region with a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, said visually distinct sections each having at least one colorant different from an adjacent section, and having at least a reservoir containing an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase that interacts with said indicator panel, and which transports said colorant along said indicator panel at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase for monitoring relative passage of time, and said reservoir being in controlled communication with said indicator panel.
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 containing an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase that interacts with said indicator panel, and which transports a colorant along said indicator panel at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase that manifests on said indicator panel progressively over time as said activating agent migrates from said reservoir across said display region.
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 reservoir containing an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase that interacts with said indicator panel, and which transports a visually distinct species along said indicator panel at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase 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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.