US20090193847A1

US20090193847A1 - My Options Reminder

Info

Publication number: US20090193847A1
Application number: US12/027,165
Authority: US
Inventors: Lorraine Morgan Scott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-06
Filing date: 2008-02-06
Publication date: 2009-08-06

Abstract

A user wearable reminder device affixed to a bracelet to aid the user in remembering the what, the why, the how, the rewards, and the consequences of reaching their goal. The bracelet with device can be worn on the wrist, the wallet, the pocketbook, or any location the user desires. In the preferred embodiment, the device is affixed to a wrist bracelet, which has a hinged device. Inside the device is a piece of paper completed by the user, and answers personal questions specific to the user. The bottom of the device 1 encases the folded goal-oriented piece of paper 4. The bottom 1 is affixed to the band of the bracelet 2. The device in the preferred embodiment is hinged 3, so the cover 5 stays open while the user examines the goal sheet 4.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None and Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, PROGRAM, b COMPAC DISK, OR APPENDIX

None and Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In psychology, it is a known fact that attitude follows behavior. Many people have used a simple rubber band on their wrist in an effort to curb negative thoughts or actions (such as nail biting, anger, stress, depression, worry, etcetera.) Not only is this method unattractive, the problem with wearing a rubber band is that used over a period of time, the snapping action may cause bruising, redness, or affect circulation. Additionally, you must be cognizant of what you are wearing it for. Furthermore, snapping a rubber band is self-inflicted pain, and self-inflicted injury. These are negative aversion actions modifying a behavior.
Although it is true, whether one is trying to follow a diet plan, curb spending habits, stop smoking, or participate in a preferred, but not desired program, a device to help remind the user of the reasons behind doing such an action, or refraining from an action is beneficial in behavior modification. The goal in behavior modification is to adapt or discourage an undesirable behavior and adopt a positive behavior in its place. The device method to assist in this endeavor should also be positive.
My Options Reminder (M.O.R.) is just such a device. The user completes a form which asks questions. The form is folded away inside the device, which is affixed to a bracelet. When the device is worn on the wrist, each time the user reaches for something the device will be seen.
By visually acknowledging the device, the user can open it to reveal the contents and remind them self of their options and reasons, or, just the act of noticing the bracelet will provide mental and behavioral stimulation.
The questionnaire inside the device may include, but not be limited to questions such as: 1) I want to: 2) My reason for wanting this: 3) What can or will happen if I don't achieve this? 4) My options for reaching this are: 5) What is my reward for achieving this?
Although complete sentences will be provided in the instructions, on the piece of paper the user will see something similar to these condensed questions: 1) I want: 2) Why? 3) Consequences: 4) Options: 5) Reward. The questionnaire is updatable and replaceable as goals are achieved and new goals or desires are determined.
As previously stated, one known behavior device that is used on the wrist is a rubber band which I have shown as a negative method of behavior modification or goal attainment. In researching for this patent application I found another reminder device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,822B, by Valerie Jean Martinson. That device, titled a Jewelry Learning System and Method also requires the user to either figure out the meaning of the device, or write the meaning in a form of short hand. For many people, this may be impractical. Not everyone is familiar with the corporate world's use of short hand, nor conciseness of goals into one or two words, nor have the necessary object to inscribe upon the charm. Further, H. B. Pratt invented a memory ring in 1914, A. E. Smythe invented a memorandum wrist watch in May 1925, and F. J. Roos, in 1951, invented a memo pad device for attachment to wrist watch straps, bracelets, and the like.
Additionally, there are also bracelets to remind the user of time and or events, but these too, are not appropriate methods to remind the user of a goal, why they have the goal, or options they have in reaching their goal. There is a need, therefore, for a reminder device such as My Options Reminder, which is both practical and attractive.

RELATED PATENTS


Be, Be	D415,976	Nov. 2, 1999
Martinson; Valarie Jean	6,807,822B1	Oct. 26, 2004
Lazor; Susan	7,313,929B2	Jan. 1, 2008
Jennings, Victoria H.	6,747,917B2	Jun. 8, 2004
Grant; Katherine	6,561,415B2	May 13, 2003
Vidolin; Michael F.	6,880,364B1	Apr. 19, 2005
Pratt, Henry B.	1,166,629	Jan. 4, 1916
Roos, F. J	2,553,676	May 22, 1951
Ford, Robert M.	3,214,852	Nov. 2, 1965

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device invented to remind the user of a desired behavior modification or goal. Said device opens to contain a typed or written goal, the reason of the goal, and the options the user has to achieve said goal. The device may be made from any material, and shaped in any size. The device may be permanently affixed such as by soldering, or hung as an adornment or charm. Said device in the preferred embodiment is attached to a bracelet. The bracelet can have one reminder device or multiple devices. The bracelet can be worn on the wrist, ankle, wallet, or any place the user chooses, although the preferred embodiment is for the wrist. The bottom of the device 1 encases the folded goal-oriented piece of paper 4. The bottom 1 is affixed to the band of the bracelet 2. The device in the preferred embodiment is hinged 3, so the cover 5 stays open while the user examines the goal sheet 4.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the top perspective of one device affixed to the bracelet in the open position, paper unfolded.

FIG. 2 shows the top perspective of the device in closed position.

FIG. 3 shows the front of the present invention with multiple, smaller devices.

FIG. 4 is prior art, showing the jewelry learning system and method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the top perspective view of the preferred embodiment with device 1 affixed to a band of the bracelet 2. The device 1 is in the open position, with the unfolded sheet of paper 4 laid out. The answers (or goals) can be written or typed on the sheet of paper 4. The cover 5 is in the open position, by the hinge 3.
FIG. 2 shows the top perspective of the preferred embodiment, Claim 1, in the closed position. The cover 5 encloses the sheet of paper 4 within. The device 1 is affixed to the band 2.
FIG. 3 shows the present invention with a multitude of devices 1 hanging from a band 2.
FIG. 4 shows prior art of a jewelry learning system and method.

Claims

1. A device to remind the user of a desired behavior modification or goal comprising of:

a. a method to identify a desired behavior or goal;

b. a method to inscribe said goal or behavior on a surface that can be updated or replaced;

c. a method to display said goal in a prominent location whereby the user will see the device;

d. a device which can be used singularly, or if the user desires, multiple devices can be used at one time on the same method of attachment such as a bracelet;

e. a device that can be constructed of any material;

f. a device that can be shaped in any manner;

g. a device that can be any size;

h. a method of attachment of said device from a group of attachment means, including solder, clasps, or rings;

2. The device of claim 1 can be affixed by any means to any material, and the length of said material can be sufficient to encompass the wrist, ankle, wallet, or another desired location;

3. The method of attachment in claim 1 can be constructed of any material;