Visual indicator chronograph and the use of the same

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.

1 . A timing-element comprising: a) an indicator display and b) an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase.  
   
   
       2 . The timing-element according to  claim 1 , wherein said indicator display has a number of visually distinct areas arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having at least a reservoir for said activating agent in controlled communication with said indicator display.  
   
   
       3 . The timing-element according to  claim 1 , wherein said timing-element is part of a tool that provides a child with a sense of empowerment or independence and control over the child's own behavior.  
   
   
       4 . The timing-element according to  claim 1 , wherein said timing-element is at least a constituent part of a training aid that employs a positive feedback signal to a user to maintain dryness in an absorbent article.  
   
   
       5 . The timing-element according to  claim 4 , wherein said mobile phase progresses along said indicator display conveys said positive feedback signal until said positive feedback signal is either altered or disrupted by an introduction of an interactive wetness-feedback element to said indicator display.  
   
   
       6 . The timing-element according to  claim 4 , wherein said wetness-feedback element involves an alternate source of moisture.  
   
   
       7 . The timing-element according to  claim 4 , wherein said absorbent article is a personal care product.  
   
   
       8 . The timing-element according to  claim 4 , wherein said indicator display is integrated as part of a garment or personal care product.  
   
   
       9 . The timing-element according to  claim 1 , wherein said indicator display and activating agent are in a housing unit.  
   
   
       10 . The timing-element according to  claim 9 , wherein a number of housing units are assembled together for a plurality of chromatographic indicator displays in parallel.  
   
   
       11 . The timing-element according to  claim 9 , wherein said housing unit are made from either a plastic or glass material.  
   
   
       12 . The timing-element according to  claim 9 , wherein said housing unit has a rigid, a semi-pliable, or a flexible structure.  
   
   
       13 . A method for providing a positive feedback to reinforce and condition in a user for an activity or behavior, the method comprises: a providing an indicator display in controlled communication with a reservoir containing an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase; activating said activating agent to migrate from a starting position to an ending position.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said indicator display has a set of distinct markings arrayed spatially relative to each other.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said markings are arrayed in series, with a predetermined distance between each marking.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said markings are either monochromatic or multi-chromatic.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein each of said markings is visually distinct from an adjacent marking or a background of said indictor display.  
   
   
       18 . A method for providing instruction to a user of an article, the method comprises: relating information to a user about the use of a dryness monitor device, said monitor device having an indicator display with a set of visually distinguishable zones arrayed spatially relative to each other, and having a reservoir containing an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said information further comprises: relating about activating said timing element at a T 0 ; allowing a visual display to develop; and reading said indicator display at a time T x .  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said information further comprises: relating about stopping the development of said visual display by insulting or contacting with an alternate moisture source.  
   
   
       21 . 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 a timing-element, said timing-element having an indicator display and an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase.  
   
   
       22 . The absorbent article according to  claim 21 , wherein said indicator display has a number of visually distinct areas arrayed spatially relative to each other.  
   
   
       23 . The absorbent article according to  claim 21 , wherein said timing-element has a reservoir for containing said activating agent.  
   
   
       24 . A method for monitoring relative passage of time, the method comprises: providing a timing-element having a indicator display with a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to each other, and an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase; and observing development of a mobile front across said indicator display as said mobile front progress from said a proximal end to a distal end of said display panel over a predetermined time period.  
   
   
       25 . The method according to  claim 24 , wherein said method further comprises: rupturing a frangible seal situated between said indicator display and a reservoir containing said activating agent to allow communication between said indicator display and said reservoir.  
   
   
       26 . A system for monitoring relative duration of use of an absorbent article or insult-free wear of a personal care product, the system comprising: a) providing either an absorbent article or a personal care product that incorporates 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 reservoir for containing an activating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of said mobile phase; and b) providing instructions on how to use said chronograph to either a user or a caregiver of a user of either said absorbent article or personal care product, wherein said user or caregiver is can determine relative duration of insult-free wear or use of said absorbent article or personal care product.