EP3607402A1

EP3607402A1 - Time indicator and a method for producing a time indicator

Info

Publication number: EP3607402A1
Application number: EP18723411.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea PICKEL; Katharina HAGE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-07
Filing date: 2018-04-09
Publication date: 2020-02-12
Also published as: DE102017115245A1; WO2019007560A1

Abstract

A method for producing a time indicator, preferably for use during determination of the brewing of consumable liquids such as tea and the like, is proposed. This method comprises preparing (S1) a hydrophilic absorbent indicator base material, applying (S2) an indicator marking to same and cutting free (S3) opposite first edges to form a partially finished time indicator blank. The method also comprises applying (S4) a holding means for connecting the first edges of the time indicator blank to the indicator base material lying opposite, cutting free (S5) second edges from the indicator base material to form the finished time indicator blank, which is held on the indicator base material by the holding means, and laminating (S6) the time indicator blank by means of at least one first hydrophobic film web. To form the time indicator, the method also comprises cutting (S7) the time indicator blank lying between the holding means and the at least one hydrophobic film web and exposing (S8) an end of the indicator base material lying in the longitudinal direction of the time indicator blank.

Description

description

Time indicator and a method for producing a time indicator

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a time indicator and to a method for producing a time indicator, preferably for use in determining the time of drawing of consumable liquids, such as tea and the like.

After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. There is no drink that is given more importance globally in its cultural significance, preparation and consumption than tea. In almost every culture there is a certain ceremony of preparation and enjoyment, from the Chinese tea culture, in which mostly green tea is used, to the use of tea to welcome a guest in the Maghrebian tea culture to the tea time, which in the British tea culture finds again.

In addition to these tea cultures, which have grown over generations, there are also developments in new types of tea and types of preparation. In addition to the social significance of tea drinking, the health effects of the ingredients and their development through proper preparation often gain importance here.

So it is not surprising that there is not a tea preparation, but find according to the cultural diversity and use different types of preparation. Crucial here is not only the handling of the tea leaves, such as loose leaves in the preparation vessel, in a tea bag or using a tea-ice, as well as the water temperature, the amount of tea and in particular the brewing time for the achievement of the desired tea beverage are crucial. Due to the diverse cultural significance of the tea and its use, the brewing times to be varied vary greatly. If green tea is often given a brewing time of two to three minutes, green tea varieties with a brewing time of less than one minute are also found. If black tea is believed to stimulate the organism for a minimum of three minutes, it should have a calming effect on the organism with a brewing time of five minutes.

The exact recording of the brewing time is therefore essential for the preparation of the tea.

However, the measurement of this time is usually left to the formulator himself. Thus, it is often attempted to intuitively estimate the proper brewing time or monitor it with the help of an external, separate watch. In gastronomy, it may happen that the guest is provided with an egg or hourglass in addition to the tea bag, but usually also the monitoring of the brewing time is left to the guest and estimated by him. The desired brewing time is rarely achieved.

State of the art

The prior art, for example, in DE 101 51 356 AI discloses a device and a method for time measurement in tea preparation. For this purpose, a tea bag is formed, on which a tea bag made of blotting paper for receiving the tea mixture is attached. At the top of the tea bag a tab is attached, with which the tea bag can be hung on the edge of a teapot or cup.

At the teaspoon flow a timing device is fixed, which consists for example of blotting paper. On the back of the blotting paper color markings are attached at predetermined locations. These are not visible in the dry state of the blotting paper, since the blotter is largely opaque. The Löschpapierstrei fen is approximately L-shaped and has three different ways. Now the tea bag wet by hanging in the tea water, the moisture is sucked in via the joint from the blotter paper. The three paths have different lengths, so that the color marks on the blotter are reached at three different times. The blotting paper becomes transparent due to the moisture, so that in each case a color marking is achieved after a different time and is visible to the user through the now transparent blotter paper.

Similarly, DE 20 2014 009 078 U1 discloses a tea preparation device for portionwise preparation of a tea beverage. The tea preparation device is connected to a tea bag. The preparation device itself consists of a carrier, which is formed from two cardboard layers, an extension piece of the tea bag, a color layer and a nonwoven paper. After dipping the tea bag into the tea beverage, it dries moisture. The

Moisture passes through the extension piece in the tea preparation device. When the moisture, which is sucked along the extension piece, reaches the color layer, it successively dyes the nonwoven paper. In the carton, which is located above the nonwoven paper, openings are provided through which the nonwoven paper can be seen. Since the nonwoven paper is colored continuously, the nonwoven paper visible through the openings becomes colored. Depending on the number of openings through which the colored nonwoven paper can be seen, the past drawing time can now be read off.

In the prior art are thus devices by which the brewing time of a teabag can be read step by step. However, as described above, the types of tea-making and uses are so varied that the different brewing times can not be formulated in stages, such as three, five, and eight minutes, and thus made uniform. In addition, with such display devices, it is necessary for the user to observe the display non-stop to precisely match the moment at which the liquid reaches the color mark. If he misses that moment, he will not be able to judge whether he has missed the coloring by just a few seconds or about a few minutes. In addition, the tea preparation types are so diverse that frequently no tea bags are used for the preparation. Frequently, loose leaves are infused with water, which is strained at the end of the brewing time, or it can be used in cans adjustable sieves, which can be removed after Abl on the brewing time from the pot. In the prior art, however, there are no display devices which are independent of the type of tea preparation and yet directly applicable to this. In particular, there are no display devices which can be used universally and thus not only in the tea preparation, but also in other situations of Zei tüberwachung in connection with liquids.

Further, in the prior art, no display devices are disclosed which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. In particular, no display devices can be found which can be manufactured by means of a method which, due to its low complexity and its small number of parts, makes it possible for the customer-specific production to be accessible.

Based on the prior art, therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a device for measuring the drawing time, which can display the drawing time continuously and is versatile in its use. Furthermore, a method for producing such a device is to be offered, which is kept as simple, flexible and inexpensive.

Summary of the invention

This object is achieved by a method for producing a time indicator with the features of claim 1 and a time indicator with the features of claim 12.

The method according to the invention for producing a time indicator, preferably for use in determining the time of drawing consumable liquids, such as tea and the like, comprises preparing a hydrophilic absorbent indicator base material, wherein the indicator base material is preferably formed as a rectangular plate, applying an indicator mark in at least a portion of the indicator base, cutting out opposing first edges from the indicator base to form a semi-finished time indicator blank Applying a holding means in at least a portion of the cut-away first edges to join the first edges of the time indicator blank to the opposing indicator stock, free cutting second edges from the indicator stock such that the edges of the second edges intersect the edges of the first edges at a predetermined angle in order to form the finished time indicator blank, which is held by the holding means on the indicator base material, a lamination of the finished held by the holding means at the Indikatorgrundm ateri al time by means of at least one first hydrophobic film web, cutting out the time indicator blank lying between the holding means and the at least one hydrophobic film web, and exposing an end of the indicator base material in the longitudinal direction of the time indicator blank to form the time indicator such that the hydrophilic indicator base material is exposed at a cutting edge ,

The inventive method for producing a time indicator such time indicators are very simple and inexpensive to produce. The indicator base material may be inserted once in its location at the beginning of the process. Starting from this clamping, all process steps on the indicator base material can subsequently be carried out. Due to the small number of necessary handling steps and process steps and the resulting low throughput time to produce a time indicator, the manufacturing time of the individual time indicators can be kept small, whereby the Adaptier ability of the resulting product, more precisely, the adaptability to customer requirements, is high. Thus, the process is not only the industrial manufacturing, but also a demand-oriented, flexible production open, whereby changing customer requirements can be realized quickly. Since the process steps can be carried out one after the other, it is also possible to produce at various production plants or locations. The time between the process steps can also be varied as needed. Thus, in addition to a high degree of flexibility, the method also exhibits a high degree of robustness against sources of error, for example the failure of a machine, since the method can be stopped after each method step and can be continued at a later time.

Since the individual process steps are largely independent in time, the individual production sites can be chosen such that the respective process steps can be carried out most economically. In addition, it is possible to separate the individual process steps from each other in such a time that the process steps, such as the application of the indicator mark takes place at a lead time, while the process individualizing the final product, such as cutting in various forms, can be done at a time, which as close as possible to the delivery date.

Since the complexity of the process steps is kept as low as possible, it is also possible to perform the manufacturing process on existing machines, such as Bogenkaschieranlagen. Thus, not only the H erstel 1 method itself is inexpensive, and the manufacturing process necessary for the production means in the purchase are low, since, for example, no special machines are needed. Another associated advantage of the manufacturing method according to the invention is that the utilization of a machine does not have to be done solely by the time indicator. For example, only a part of the machine utilization can be occupied by the invention Ers tel 1 method, while before or after the H erstel 1 method other products can be processed.

The inventive method 1 therefore corresponds in its properties of high flexibility, error robustness and low complexity to high requirements, whereby a high degree of customizability of the time indicators can be achieved. According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, the holding means may be formed as a second hydrophobic film web and applied to the indicator base material such that in the laminating step the first film web is laminated with the second film web consisting of the holding means such that the film webs in at least a portion of the edges of the indicator base material are joined together and the indicator base material is between the sheets.

In such an embodiment of the method, the steps and the cost of H erstel 1 method can be further reduced. In the inventive method 1 of this aspect, the holding means can perform two different functions. In one function, the holding means ensures that the time indicator blank does not change position after its complete cutting, that is, cutting along the entire circumference, thereby ensuring a defined further processing.

In its second function, the holding means of the manufacturing method of this aspect simultaneously serves as a film web for lamination with a first film web. Thus, in addition to the first film web and the holding means no further film web is necessary to laminate the indicator base material. As a result of this double function of the retaining element, it is thus not only possible to save expensive work steps, but at the same time the material consumption of the production process and thus the costs incurred can be kept low.

According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, in the laminating step, a separate second hydrophobic film web may be supplied in addition to the holding means and the first hydrophobic film web, and the first film web may be laminated with the separate second film web so that the film webs connect to at least a portion of the edges of the Indikatorgrundmateri al s together and the indicator base material and the retaining means between the film webs is added. In this step, a separation of the function of the position determination after the free cutting as well as the Laminicrens by means of a film web. By providing two means, the holding means and a separate film web, to fulfill these functions, a respective function optimization can take place. If, for example, the requirements for the stability of the holding means are rather low in a case in which the entire process takes place in one machine, that is, if the time indicator blank only has to be moved slightly, the requirements for the stability of the holding means may rise if between Step of clearing and laminating a change to another machine takes place. In such a case, for example, the holding means must be able to hold the time indicator blank in a certain position to the indicator base material when the indicator base material including Zeitindikatorrohling is about changed by a gripper in place. In addition, in this development, the holding means can be formed in only a portion of the time indicator blank. Since the holding means is not used as a second film member in the step of laminating, the holding means need not be formed on the entire surface of the time indicator blank, but may be attached in only one edge portion thereof, for example. With only partial formation of the holding means on the time indicator blank can thus achieve a material savings.

According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, the exposure of the end of the time indicator blank can take place simultaneously with the cutting out of the time indicator blank from the foil webs.

By means of this development of the method according to the invention, the number of work steps required can be reduced even further. Thus, the cutting out of the holding means can take place such that an end of the indicator base material is also exposed as a result of this cutting. The cutting takes place within the same work step as the exposure. Thus, not only can the number of hours of work be reduced, but at the same time the passage / time of a time indicator can be reduced, since the working time is shortened overall due to the omission of one work step. Overall, the complexity of the method continues to decrease. In a further development of the method for producing a time indicator, the method may further comprise a step in which a target interface is formed on the time indicator on at least one of the holding means, a film web or the time indicator blank and the exposure of the end of the time indicator blank by a separation on the Target interface takes place.

In this development, a reference interface is formed on the time indicator, by means of which the time indicator base material can be exposed to form a cut edge. For this purpose, the design of the desired interface can be achieved by perforating both the indicator base material, the holding means and / or the film webs. Thus, if all the layers of the time indicator are perforated, this takes place on a common plane, so that after the separation at the desired interface, the time indicator has a flat end for index base m ateri al, holding means and / or film webs. Alternatively, the desired interface may also be formed only in the refrigerant and / or the film webs, in which case the desired interface coincides with the end of the indicator blank, so that here after separation at the desired interface, a flat end of the time indicator is formed. According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, the time indicator can be configured such that the indicator dyeing, preferably from a foodstuff, can run along the indicator base material by means of a liquid entering the exposed cut edge to indicate a brewing time at a predefined flow rate ,

As a result of this embodiment of the time indicator, the exposed cut edge is designed such that a defined amount of a liquid per unit time can reach the indicator base material. Thus, in the process step of the exposure, a region defined in this way is uncovered, which permits an inflow rate of the liquid corresponding to a defined flow rate. Such a control of the entry rate is a prerequisite to ensure a defined rate of climb. A targeted variation of the rate of climb can also be used as a simple adjusting agent in order to achieve a desired relationship between distance traveled on the time indicator and elapsed time. The exact definition, or the exact setting of the rate of climb is thus a prerequisite to allow an accurate representation of the brewing time. Thus, it is possible by means of this step of loss, that is, the exposure of a certain, for example previously calculated, range, to achieve the customization options of the time indicator. Hereby, the time indicator can be varied in shape, size, material, etc., since according to the particular embodiment of the area to be exposed on the cutting edge can be adjusted einlach. In order to ensure a variation of the shape of the time indicator, no additional process steps must be implemented or otherwise costly adaptations of the process must be carried out. Simply by adjusting the size of the area to be exposed, which allows a certain rate of entry of the liquid to the time indicator blank, the variability of the time indicators can be taken into account.

According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, the indicator mark may be tindikatorrohl ings, closer to the exposed cutting edge, preferably at a predetermined distance therefrom, from the cutting edge on which the indicator base is exposed, and the longitudinal opposite end of the cutting edge, be educated.

Such a configuration of the method further reduces the complexity of the method and increases the robustness of the method against errors. Since the flow rate of the liquid is largely independent of the indicator mark, that is, the rate of climb does not change upon reaching the mark, the tolerance at which the indicator mark must be formed on the indicator base is relatively high. The decisive factor is therefore not at what point in time the progress of the indicator mark begins, but in particular the correct establishment of a ratio between a flow rate of the liquid and a certain distance traveled by the time indicator, irrespective of whether the liquid has already mixed with the mark , In other words, the time indicator fulfills its function, provided that Indicator marking from a time relevant to the user, such as before reaching a minute, is reached by the ascending liquid. The reject rate of the time indicators due to an inaccurate indicator mark, that is, beyond a tolerance range specified for the indicator mark, can thus be kept low. Lower scrap allows the production cost per time indicator to be kept low.

According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, a scale can be applied to the holding means, by means of which the elapsed drawing time can be represented on the indicator base material by means of a course of the indicator mark.

By applying a scale which establishes a ratio of the distance covered by the liquid on the time indicator with a time since the time indicator has dipped, user comfort can be increased. Since this scale is formed on an already used in the manufacturing process means, such as the holding means, both the material requirements and the complexity of II erst erst 1 method can be kept low. In this case, the scale may already be formed on the holding means before the holding means is applied in at least a portion of the cut-free first edges. Alternatively, the scale can also be formed after the application of the holding means on this.

In a development of the method for producing a time indicator, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic scale, by means of which the elapsed drawing time can be displayed, can be applied to the indicator base material in addition to the indicator mark.

In this embodiment of the method, the Hersteilverfahren can be kept very simple despite an increase in the user comfort by a possible direct reading of the drawing time on the time indicator. In the step of applying an indicator mark, an additional marking in the form of a scale on the indicator base material can take place without much effort. Since in this step already one Mark is applied, the means, or tools, are available for applying a mark so that the additional necessary precautions are small. As a result, by a simple change of the manufacturing process, which hardly changes the complexity and cost of the process, the user comfort can be increased.

According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, after the laminating of the hydrophobic film webs on at least one of the film elements, a scale can be applied, by means of which the elapsed drawing time can be represented on the indicator base material by means of a course of the indicator marking.

Also by this configuration can be increased by the direct display of a scale of user comfort. Due to the numerous possibilities of the design of the scale, in particular the possibilities of which method step and on which material the scale can be applied, the complexity of the method can be changed as needed. Thus, it is possible to form a scale for indicating the brewing time both on the indicator base material, on the holding means or on a film web. Also, a combination is possible in which about the scale is partially formed on the indicator base material and partly on another level, such as a film layer. Next is also a combination of several scales möglieh. Thus, it is possible by a method of this development to form a scale on both sides of the time indicator. According to a development of the method for producing a time indicator, a further layer can be applied above the scale after the scale has been applied.

By applying a further layer above the scale, the flexibility of the manufacturing process can be further increased. Thus, it is possible to make the scale of a variety of color materials, which may be hydrophilic despite the place of use of the time indicator within a liquid. By the additional layer, such as a varnish or a film, the scale can be protected from the liquid and thus a running of the scale.

According to a further development of the method for producing a time indicator, a plurality of, preferably identically designed, time indicator blanks can be formed on the indicator base material which, in the course of the lamination, cut and expose the end of the indicator base material lying in the longitudinal direction of the respective time indicator blanks to form individual time indicators become.

By forming a plurality of time indicator blanks on a contiguous time indicator base material, handling can be kept simple during the manufacturing process of the time indicators, since not every time indicator requires separate handling, but the handling can be bundled by providing a large basic structure for forming a plurality of time indicators. Thus, the required manufacturing time per time indicator can be reduced, since the handling and gripping operations of the method bundle and thereby reduce overall. According to a further aspect of the invention, a time indicator, preferably for use in determining a time to brew consumable liquids such as tea and the like, is formed, the time indicator being multi-layered, preferably at least three-layered, by including a hydrophilic indicator base material between a plurality of film elements consisting of at least one holding means and a first hydrophobic film web, a hydrophilic indicator mark is applied to a portion of the indicator base material, one end side in the longitudinal direction of the time indicator is formed such that the hydrophilic indicator base material is exposed on that side so that when the time indicator is immersed into a liquid, the liquid can pass through the exposed cut edge of the indicator base material at a predefined flow rate, whereby the indicator mark on the indicator base material al and an elapsed time since immersing the time indicator in the liquid can be displayed. With this time indicator according to the invention, it is possible to indicate the past brewing time for various types of tea preparation. Thus, in contrast to the prior art, the use is independent of the use of a teabag. The time indicator can be used on both loose tea leaves in a tea maker, on the use of a tea-ice or similar device, and further in addition to a teabag in a teapot or teacup. Thus, the time indicator according to the variety of tea cultures and preparation methods is universally applicable.

Since the course of the color marking is directly visible in the time indicator, a continuous reading of the drawing time on the basis of this color gradient is possible. The user of the time indicator is not limited to the predetermined time ranges of about three, five and eight minutes as in the prior art but can individually tune the brewing time to the desired effect or the predetermined brewing time.

Furthermore, a continuous reading of the drawing time in the time indicator according to the invention prevents the user from having to keep an eye on the time indicator without interruption, that is to say, to observe it continuously. Rather, he can adjust his cycle of attention directed to the time indicator to the course of the indicator mark and must thus direct his attention to the time indicator only near the desired brewing time in order to further process the tea precisely on reaching the desired brewing time.

According to a further development of the time indicator, the indicator mark may be formed by the cutting edge on which the indicator base material is exposed and by the longitudinal edge of the time indicator opposite the cut edge, closer to the exposed cut edge, preferably at a predetermined distance therefrom, such that the indicator mark can extend on the indicator base material in a direction away from the cutting edge by means of the liquid entering via the cutting edge. By such a configuration, as described above, since the indicator mark is set in a range that is before the user-relevant time, the reject rate of the time-indicator production can be reduced. In addition, can be kept large by such an embodiment of the area which is available for the course of the marker. As a result, the ratio between the time elapsed to the distance covered on the time indicator can be set such that as much distance as possible is traveled per unit of time. This makes it easier for a user of the time indicator to read the brew time more accurately.

According to a further development of the time indicator, the plurality of film elements can comprise a second hydrophobic film web in addition to the holding means and the first hydrophobic film web, and a hydrophilic or hydrophobic scale can be formed on the indicator base material or at least one of the film elements by means of which, starting from the course the indicator mark the elapsed since the time indicator dipped into the liquid time can be displayed.

Due to this high number of possibilities to visualize the drawing time to the user, the variety of users is taken into account. For example, several scales can be applied simultaneously in different fonts.

According to a further development of the time indicator, the scale formed on the time indicator can be covered by a further layer, so that the scale is accommodated between two layers.

As described above, the range of usable M arki erun gsformen can be extended with respect to the ingredients of the markers, since the layer may be formed so food safe and therefore waterproof. Thus, the mark itself may for example consist of water-soluble colors.

Short description of the drawing The features and advantages as well as the technical and economic significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic representation of an embodiment of a time indicator according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the time indicator with scale applied;

3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the time indicator;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the time indicator; and

Fig. 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the flow of the manufacturing process of the time indicator.

Detailed description of the embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows an embodiment of a time indicator 1. The time indicator

1 has a time indicator blank 2 on which an indicator mark 3 is applied. The time indicator blank 2 is made of a hydrophilic material, in other words, an absorbent material. In particular, the time indicator blank may be

2 may be formed from a paper, a cardboard, a solid or corrugated board, a hydrophilic non-woven or a combination of these or the like. In particular, it is advantageous if the time indicator blank consists of a material which has a directed course of a liquid on or guaranteed in this. This can be done for example by a targeted influencing a fiber structure of the material. In addition, it is advantageous if the material of the time indicator blank has a high flexural rigidity and thus is largely dimensionally stable.

The time indicator 1 can be used to determine a draw time. In particular, by means of the time indicator 1, the brewing time of tea can be determined. The brewing time of tea indicates how long the tea, such as the tea leaves or the tea bag, should remain in the water until the tea is poured ready for consumption. For this purpose, the time indicator 1 is placed in a vessel such that at least a lower portion of the time indicator 1 comes into contact with the liquid. In a lower region of the time indicator 1, an exposed cutting edge 7 is formed. Via this exposed cutting edge 7, the liquid, for example water, can now reach the time indicator blank 2. If the liquid enters after immersing the time indicator 1 over the exposed cut edge 7, it subsequently rises along the time indicator blank 2, away from the exposed cut edge 7, by means of the capillary effect, which forms between the time indicator blank 2 and the liquid.

Thus, the liquid continuously increases from the time of immersion of the time indicator 1 into the liquid. The ratio of the distance traveled per unit of time on the time indicator blank 2 will be referred to below as the rate of climb (approximately in [mm / sec]). This depends on a variety of factors. From these factors, in particular the material property, such as the density of the time indicator blank 2, the geometry, such as the strength of the time indicator blank, and the size of the exposed cut surface 7, call. These factors are precisely defined in advance and from this the expected rate of climb of the liquid on the time indicator blank 2 is determined.

In this case, in particular the size of the exposed cut edge 7 can be varied in order to obtain the desired rate of climb. On the time indicator blank 2, an indicator mark 3 is applied. This indicator mark 3 consists of a food-grade dye, such as El 22 (azorubin), El 10 (yellow orange S) or El 2 (Indigotin). The indicator mark 3 can consist of any approved food coloring or a mixture. The indicator mark 3 is formed on a portion of the indicator base material 8, such as a bar or a dot.

In this case, the indicator mark 3 is formed in a region so that it lies away from the end, which is opposite to the cutting edge 7. For example, the indicator mark 3 is formed on a region defined by projecting the cut edge 7 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the time indicator blank 2 thereon. In this case, the indicator mark 3 is preferably in a region which is spaced apart both from the cutting edge 7 and the end opposite the cutting edge 7. Thus, the indicator mark 3 may be formed in a central region of the time indicator blank 2. In particular, it may be advantageous for the indicator mark 3 to be formed in a region which is formed closer to the cutting edge 7 than to the end of the cutting edge 7 against overlap.

Compliance with such a distance between the indicator mark 3 and the end of the time indicator blank 2 opposite the cutting edge 7 is necessary, so that the user of the time indicator blank 2 can perceive a profile of the indicia 3. If the time indicator 1 is then immersed in a vessel 9 filled with a liquid, the liquid rises with increasing duration of the immersion in accordance with the rate of rise. When the liquid reaches the indicator mark 3 after a certain period of time, the indicator mark 3 and liquid mix with each other. As a result, the liquid partially assumes the color of the indicator mark 3, as a result of which the following course of the liquid on the indicator indicator blank 2 becomes visible. By means of the climb rate, the past immersion time of the time indicator 1 in the vessel 9, or more precisely in the liquid, can now be determined. The hydrophilic time indicator blank 2 is apart from the exposed one

Cutting edge 7 completely surrounded by one or more waterproof film elements 11, so that a targeted rising of the liquid on the time indicator blank. 2 is ensured. In this case, the Folicnelement 1 1 on at least one side of the time indicator 1 is transparent, that is, designed to be transparent to a user, so that through the film element 1 1, the course of the indicator mark 3 can be observed. The film element 1 1 is also made Lebensrnittelecht and heat resistant and is based for example on a plastic such as polyethylene (PE), Polyproplylen (PP) or Pol yethyl enterepthal at (PET). In order to make it easier for the user of the time indicator 1 to determine the past immersion time, for example the drawing time, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the time indicator 1 according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a time indicator 1 with a scale 10. The scale 10 may contain numerical information, symbols, characters or characters. In addition, teas may be mentioned on the scale 10 to give an indication of the recommended draw with a particular type of tea. Also a combination of different information is possible. It is conceivable that the information transmission takes place solely via a color coding. For example, a green mark may be applied to the optimum green tea take time, a black mark to the optimum black tea draw time, or the like on the scale 10. It is crucial that the scale 10 allows a conclusion on the elapsed time since immersing the time indicator 1 in the liquid time.

In particular, the scale 10 thus represents a ratio of a course of the I nd i catormark i erun g 3 on the Zcitindikatorrohling 2 with an elapsed since the immersion time. This ratio reflects the rate of climb. The rate of climb over the length of the time indicator blank 2 does not have to be constant. The scale 10 may be applied as a hydrophobic marking directly on the time indicator blank 2, but does not mix with the incoming liquid, in contrast to the indicator mark 3. Also, a hydrophilic configuration of a part or the entire scale 10 is possible. Thus, the time indicator 1 may just have the length which is covered by the indicator mark 3, more precisely the ascending liquid together with the indicator mark 3 in such a time, which corresponds exactly to the recommended brewing time of a particular type of tea. Also, a plurality of hydrophilic, spaced-apart markings may be applied to the indicator base material 8 so that bleeding of a particular color or mixing of particular colors indicates a strike time achieved. In addition, or instead, the scale 10 may be formed on a film element. If the scale 10 is formed on a film element, it may be formed over the time indicator blank 2 such that the course takes place directly under the scale 10. That is, the indicator mark 3, together with the scale 10 is a common representation. Alternatively, the scale 10 may be formed in an edge region of the film element such that the scale 10 is visible from both sides of the time indicator 1.

FIG. 3 shows a time indicator 1 with a scale 10 visible from both sides of the time indicator 1, since the scale 10 is formed in the edge region formed by the transparent film elements. In addition, different embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 shows the time indicator 1 in a rectangular shape. The time indicator 1 is set here in a tea cup 9. Due to the mass of the time indicator 1 it rests on the bottom of the tea cup 9. Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which the time indicator 1 is used in a teapot 9. Since the vessels 9, in which the time indicator 1 can be used, may have different geometries, in particular different depths, it may be advantageous to design the time indicator 1 as being suspendable at the edge of a vessel.

Thus, the time indicator 1 may have any conceivable shape, and in particular have a shape which acts as a hook, handle or the like. For example, the time indicator 1 in FIG. 4 shows approximately an anchor shape. By such a configuration, the time indicator 1 need not be turned off at the bottom of the vessel 9, but rather can float in the liquid, spaced from the ground, so that only a lower portion of the time indicator 1, more precisely, the area around the exposed cutting edge. 7 located below the liquid level. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the fields of application of the time indicator 1 may vary widely. Will the Time indicator 1 used in Fig. 3 in combination with a tea bag, it comes in Fig. 4 in a teapot used, in which loose tea leaves are poured.

In a modification of the time indicator 1 may contain this means to measure in addition to the brewing time also other factors can. By way of example, the material of the time indicator blank 2 may be designed such that it can display a content of substances present in the liquid. In this case, one or more further material layer (s) may be provided in addition to the time indicator blank 2, so that on one side of the time indicator 1 an elapsed drawing time and on the other side a summary of existing in the liquid substances can be displayed. Alternatively, the display of the brewing time and liquid content indication may be displayed on the same side of the time indicator 1.

Thus, at the same time the pollutant content can be monitored during the monitoring of the brewing time of the tea. For example, green tea often contains pollutants, such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, or black tea contains pollutants, such as anthraquinone, which are classified as carcinogenic and may be wholly or partially converted into the infusion. These can be monitored during the modification of the time indicator 1. Again, the use of a scale is possible, which, for example, indicates the content of the pollutant numerically or classifies it in stages from harmless to hazardous to health.

Next, the time indicator 1 can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the use of tea in other drinks or liquids. Thus, in a modification, the time indicator may have a scale on which the oxalic acid, for example red wine, may be displayed. In a further modification, a scale is plotted on the time indicator 1, by means of which a check of the alcohol content is possible. In a further modification of the time indicator 1, a sinking aid is provided on this. The sinking aid prevents the time indicator 1 from floating on the liquid during its use. This can be especially with liquids increased carbonation be beneficial. The sinking aid can be designed in the form of an additional material which is attached directly to the time indicator blank 2 at a region near the cutting edge 7. The sinking aid can also be mounted on a film layer, such as the holding means or a film web. The sinking aid has a higher density than the liquid and a corresponding geometry, so that a drop of the time indicator 1 is easily possible.

In a further modification, the cutting edge 7 of the time indicator 1 is first exposed by the user before the time indicator 1 is used. For this purpose, a mark is formed on the time indicator 1, for instance on the time indicator blank 2 or a foil element, at which the time indicator 1 is to be cut off by the user. Only by cutting off the time indicator 1 is this ready for use, as cut through the cutting the film elements and a cutting edge is formed through which the liquid can enter. Thus, the requirements for the packaging of the time indicator I may decrease, since the time indicator 1 is formed largely watertight before cutting the cutting edge 7.

5 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention for producing the time indicator 1. In this case, the indicator base material 8, for example in the form of a printed sheet, is prepared in step S1. As described above, the indicator base material 8 may be made of various hydrophilic materials such as cardboard. The indicator base material 8 may undergo various pre-treatment steps before processing to the time indicator 1. Thus, in one step, the material properties of the indicator base material 8 can be adapted such that a certain rate of climb can be achieved in the end product. Likewise, processing steps, such as coloring of the entire indicator base material 8, can take place.

After these first preparatory steps, the indicator base material 8 is fed approximately in the form of a sheet of a printing press to a sheet feeder, manually or automatically. In the printing machine, the following step S2. In this step, a partial area of the indicator base material 8 becomes a Indicator mark 3 applied. The indicator mark 3 is, as described above, formed as a food-safe, hydrophilic color. More specifically, in this step, a paint roller of a printing press, such as an integrated press, may apply a color mark. The printing machine can be designed, for example, as a separate machine in the form of a sheet-fed printing machine or as an inline machine as part of a stamping or laminating machine.

In a further embodiment, an additional color application, for example in the form of further hydrophilic or hydrophobic colors, can take place in this step of marking. This additional mark may later serve as a scale 10 to indicate an elapsed time to the user of the time indicator 1. After this marking step, a first clearing step S3 follows. For this first free cutting, the indicator base material 8 can be fed to a downstream cutting machine via a sheet conveying path. For free cutting, various methods such as laser cutting, punching or manual cutting can be used. Alternatively, the further processing of the indicator base material 8 can take place within the same machine. For this purpose, after the pressure roller, a rotary die is applied to the indicator base material 8. In addition to these rotating tools, planar tools such as flat counterplates for printing and cutting or punching can alternatively be used. In the step of first free cutting S3, two opposite edges are cut free and thus defined. The Kontor the edges is dependent on the later form of the time indicator 1 and can be done by two parallel edges, two mutually angled edges or otherwise extending contours, such as wavy or jagged. In addition, the two contours of the edges do not have to correspond. For example, one edge may be straight and the other segmental. After this step of the first free cutting, the time indicator blank 2, which is later to be completely freed, is still held by the indicator base material 8, or is not yet completely separated from it. In the subsequent step S4, a holding means is applied to the indicator base material 8 and the time indicator blank 2. In other words, a connecting element is applied, which again connects the material edges that have just been separated by the first free cutting. For this purpose, the holding means may for example consist of an adhesive film. Alternatively, the holding means may be a plastic film which is applied to the indicator base material 8 in the form of a film lamination. The lamination can be done by wet or thermal lamination and Trockenkaschieren. In addition, the lamination can be performed by a further roller, wherein the roller moves over the indicator base material 8.

Alternatively, the indicator base material 8 can be fed to a separate laminating machine and move relative to the Kaschierkai other. In the subsequent step S5, a second cut-free of second edges of the Zei ti ndi katorroh 1 i n gs 2. takes place by the free cutting of these second edges of the time indicator blank 2 is now completely defined in its shape. The contour of these second edges is also defined by the shape of the time indicator blank 2. Depending on the desired shape, therefore, the contour of these edges can be defined. For example, the second edges may be two parallel edges corresponding to the first edges, or edges that are at a different angle to each other. Again, the edges do not have to correspond in their contour, that is, for example, can run mirror-inverted.

This second free cutting may be similar to the first free cutting by supplying the indicator base material 8 to an external punching machine or by free cutting by means of a punching roll which is rolled over the indicator base material 8. The subsequent laminating step S6 can also take place within the same machine. Alternatively, however, the indicator base material 8 can be supplied to an external laminating machine together with the time indicator blank 2 held above the holding means on the indexer base ateri 8. Here, the lamination is done for example by two rollers. Thereby the resulting temperature during lamination as well as the pressure acting on the time indicator blank 2 is regulated in such a way that it has the least possible influence on the properties of the time indicator blank 2, more precisely the material of the time indicator blank 2, or influences such that the later desired rate of climb in the time indicator 1 is achieved.

Similar to the free cutting steps, a punching roller can be used again in the subsequent cutting step S7. Here, the holding means and the applied film web are now cut, which connect the time indicator blank 2 with the indicator base material 8. As a result, the time indicator blank 2 is now completely separated from the indicator base material 8, whereby the time indicator 1 is formed. In this case, the step of exposing S8 can take place at the same time as the step of cutting out S7 using the same tool. More specifically, the cut edges of a punching roller can cut out the time indicator 1 so that the indicator base material 8 is exposed at an edge of the time indicator 1. Likewise, this step S8 of the exposure may be performed before the step S7 of the complete cut-out. The complete cutting, in other words the detachment of the time indicator blank 2 from the indicator base material 8, finally results in the time indicator 1. The time indicator 1 can finally undergo a surface refinement, such as a coating or other coating, or other further processing.

A method is proposed for producing a time indicator, preferably for use in determining the time to brew consumable liquids such as tea and the like. This method comprises preparing a hydrophilic absorbent indicator base material, applying an indicator mark thereon, and free cutting opposite opposite first edges to form a semi-finished time indicator blank. Furthermore, the method comprises applying a holding means for connecting the first edges of the time indicator blank to the opposite indicator base material, cutting free second edges from the indicator base material to form the finished time indicator blank held by the holding means on the base material and laminating the same Time indicator blanks by means of at least a first hydrophobic film web. to Forming the time indicator, the method further comprises cutting out the time indicator blank lying between the holding means and the at least one hydrophobic foil web and exposing an end of the indicator base material lying in the longitudinal direction of the time indicator blank.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for producing a time indicator (1), preferably for use in determining the time of consumption of consumable liquids such as tea and the like, comprising:

Preparing a hydrophilic absorbent indicator base material (8), wherein the indicator base material (8) is preferably formed as a rectangular plate,

Applying an indicator mark (3) in at least one subsection of the indicator base material (8),

Free cutting of opposite first edges from the indicator base material (8) to form a partially finished time indicator blank

(2)

Applying a holding means (5) in at least a portion of the cut-free first edges, for connecting the first edges of the time indicator blank (2) to the opposite indicator base material (8),

Free cutting second edges from the indicator base material (8) such that the edges of the second edges intersect the edges of the first edges at a predetermined angle to form the finished time indicator blank (2) formed by the retaining means (5) on the indicator base material ( 8) is held,

Laminating the finished time indicator blank (2) held by the holding means (5) on the indicator base material (8) by means of at least one first hydrophobic foil web,

Cutting out the time indicator blank (2) lying between the holding means (5) and the at least one hydrophobic foil web, and Exposing an end of the indicator base material (8) lying in the longitudinal direction of the time indicator blank (2) to form the time indicator (1) such that the hydrophilic indicator base material (8) is exposed at a cutting edge (7).

A method of manufacturing a time indicator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the holding means (5) is formed as a second hydrophobic film web and applied to the indicator base material (8) such that in the laminating step the first film web is in line with the holding means (5) laminating the existing second film web, the film webs are bonded together in at least a portion of the edges of the indicator base material (8) and the indicator base material (8) is between the films.

A method of manufacturing a time indicator (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the step of laminating, in addition to the holding means (5) and the first hydrophobic film web, a separate second hydrophobic film web is fed and the first film web is laminated with the separate second film web, so in that the film webs connect to one another on at least a portion of the edges of the indicator base material (8) and the indicator base material (8) and the holding means (5) are received between the film webs.

Method for producing a time indicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the exposure of the end of the time indicator blank (2) can take place simultaneously with the cutting out of the time indicator blank (2) from the foil webs. A method of manufacturing a time indicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method further comprises a step of forming a target interface on the time indicator (1) and exposing the end of the time indicator blank (2) by disconnecting the target interface takes place.

Method for producing a time indicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 to

5, wherein the time indicator (1) is designed such that, preferably consisting of a food coloring, indicator mark (3) by means of a on the exposed cut edge (7) entering liquid along the indicator base material (8) to indicate a drawing time with a predefined flow rate can run.

Method for producing a time indicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 to

6, wherein the indicator mark (3) of the cut edge (7) on which the indicator base material (8) is exposed, as well as that of the cutting edge (7) in the longitudinal direction opposite end of the Zeitindikatorrohlings (2), closer to the exposed cutting edge (7 ), preferably i a predetermined distance to this is formed.

Method for producing a time indicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 to

7, where on the holding means (5) a scale (10) is applied, by means of which on the basis of a course of the indicator mark (3) on the indicator base material (8) the elapsed drawing time can be displayed.

Method for producing a time indicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a hydrophilic or hydrophobic scale (10), by means of which the elapsed drawing time can be displayed, is applied to the indicator base material (8) in addition to the indicator mark (3).

Method for producing a time indicator (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein after lamination of the hydrophobic film webs on at least one of the film elements, a scale (10) is applied, by means of which a progression of the indicator mark (3) on the indicator base material ( 8) the elapsed drawing time can be displayed.

A method for producing a time indicator (1) according to claim 8 or 10, wherein after the application of the scale (10), a further layer is applied over the scale (10).

Method for producing a time indicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the 1 ndi katorgrundmateri al (8) a plurality of, preferably identically designed, time indicator blanks (2) is formed, which in the lamination on the cutting out and exposing lying in the longitudinal direction of the respective time indicator blanks (2) end of the Indikatorgrundm ateri al (8) to form individual time indicators (1).

Time indicator (1), preferably for use in determining a time to eat consumable liquids such as tea and the like, wherein the time indicator (1) is multi-layered, preferably at least three-layered, by including a hydrophilic indicator base material (8) between a plurality of foil elements, which comprises at least one holding means (5) and a first hydrophobic film web, a hydrophilic indicator mark (3) is applied to a portion of the indicator base material (8), one end side in the longitudinal direction of the time indicator (1) is designed such that the hydrophilic indicator base material ( 8) is exposed on that side, so that when the time indicator (1) is immersed in a liquid, the liquid over the exposed cut edge (7) can pass the indicator base material (8) at a predefined flow rate, whereby the indicator mark (3) on the Indicator base material (8) can run and a time elapsed since immersion of the time indicator (1) into the liquid can be displayed.

Time indicator (1) according to claim 13, wherein the indicator mark (3) from the cut edge (7) at which the indicator base material (8) is exposed and the end edge of the time indicator (1) opposite this cutting edge (7), closer to the exposed cut edge (7), preferably in one predetermined distance to this, is formed, so that the indicator mark (3) by means of over the cutting edge (7) entering liquid on the indicator base material (8) in a direction from the cutting edge (7) can run away.

The time indicator (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the plurality of film elements comprise a second hydrophobic film web in addition to the holding means (5) and the first hydrophobic film web, and a hydrophilic film or material on the indicator base material (8) or at least one of the film elements formed hydrophobic scale (10), by means of which, starting from the course of the indicator mark (3), the elapsed since the immersion of the time indicator (1) in the liquid time can be displayed.

16. Time indicator (1) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the scale (10) formed on the time indicator (1) is covered by a further layer, so that the scale (10) is accommodated between two layers.