초록 ▼

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 includ

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.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. 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 conta

We claim: 1. 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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.