US20140093850A1

US20140093850A1 - Motivational Bracelet

Info

Publication number: US20140093850A1
Application number: US14/045,737
Authority: US
Inventors: Kamara J. Georgi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-03
Filing date: 2013-10-03
Publication date: 2014-04-03

Abstract

A method for providing ongoing motivation to users who are attempting completion of a goal through the performance of individual steps. In the method, for each completed step towards a determined goal which is completed, the user is awarded a charm engageable to a bracelet. The ongoing positive reinforcement of the charms continues to motivate the user during all steps toward the goal.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/709,308 filed on Oct. 3, 2012, and is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to personal motivational devices, systems, and methods of employment thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for encouragement and motivation employing a wearable bracelet device having a plurality of removably engageable charms and components configured to implement the system. The charm components employ configurations and indicia depicting one or a combination of numerical and pictorial representations of particular user goals as a means for continued motivation toward achievement thereof. Such goals may include one or a combination of personal goals of the user such as those from a group including weight loss, timely performance of household chores, continued sobriety, remembrance of cancer survivors, ongoing reading incentives, sports goals for ranking, health goals such as quitting smoking, and financial goals such as saving money, and so forth. In operation, users may add or subtract the charms from the bracelet to which they engage, as particular goals are achieved, or to mark or designate achievement of steps towards a goal.
2. Prior Art
Ongoing means providing personalized motivation is a key component in the successful accomplishment of one or a plurality of goals, for many individuals setting goals for desired achievements for any aspect of the individual's life. However, many individuals who set personal life goals, such as weight loss to achieve a lower weight, cessation of a bad habit such as smoking, getting their body fit, saving money, learning sports, or other personal goals, can find it difficult to continuously stay motivated over the time span required to achieve such a goal. Such lack of immediate result, and thus a reinforcing reward, dooms many good-intentioned individuals who require ongoing motivation to achieve their final goal.
However, for those individuals who have set a particular short or long term goal, and persisted to achieve that goal, it is well known that continued persistence on the part of the achiever, goes hand in hand with such a goal seeker staying motivated for the entire duration of time required. Goal achievers understand that continued motivation, on a daily or demand basis, can be its own reward and such is extremely important in completing an unachieved goal and/or achieving success over a long period of time.
Often, individuals will start a regimen or routine which is adapted for completing their goals with plenty of motivation. However, as time progresses and immediate results and confirmations of success are not obtained, or the individual's progress toward their goal stalls, their motivation will begin to dwindle and this decrease in motivation only increases with the advance of time. With each day passing without achieving the goal and without some sort of continued reward or encouragement, the actuality of success of the individual accomplishing their goal becomes less possible in their mind. In truth however, the individual performing their regimen may actually be making immense progress, and yet due to lack of encouragement and positive reinforcement, may unfortunately merely have a mind-set of failure, where success was within their grasp.
In search of a remedy to this motivational nightmare, there exists in prior art devices and systems which purport to provide users with continued or ongoing means for motivation, through the provision of a means to indicate the respective progress of the individual users in their actions towards their goal. In attempts toward this objective, there exists many motivational systems in prior art purporting to maintain the user's interest and enthusiasm toward their goal. Some such prior art teaches the use of wrist-worn components toward this objective.
For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,415 to Grant teaches a calorie management system employing a bracelet having a plurality of slidable beads engaged thereon. Rather than provide motivation, these beads are configured to provide the user with a calorie counting means to keep track of daily calorie intake. Rather than being motivational, this calorie counter can actually be the opposite since it is a short term calculator and reminder of what a user has done, or not done in a single day of eating.
US. Pub. No. 2003/0111005 A1 to Lord et. al. teaches a wearable diet counter for counting and tracking food intake. However, much like the device of Grant, this device is limited to providing an abacus or calorie tracking device employable to track a single good or bad day of eating habits. It provides no motivation for long term goals and on a bad eating day, can be motivationally counter productive to remind the user of their slips and overeating on that day, even if overall they have been performing well.
US. Pub. No. 2008/0261187A1 to Peirce teaches another bracelet with quantity counting indicators. The indicators are provided by sliding indicators engaged over a bracelet band which can be translated by the user to mark metric indicia disposed on the band. Again, this device is limited to numerical counting. Other art exists which teaches bracelets but does so in a similar manner as a daily or short term counter rather than a motivator of long term performance and goals.
The prior art noted above, as well as others, fail to provide a motivational device and method, which provides users with the utility of one or a combination of numerical and/or graphical and/or pictorial representations of completion or progress indicative of such within the bounds of a long term goal. Instead, many are limited to numerical counting only and tracking a single day in what may be months of performance.
As such, there is a continuing unmet need for motivational device and method therefor. Such a device should be wrist-mounted for easy viewing and consistent companionship. Further, such a device should employ one or a combination of motivational indicia from a group of motivational indicia including numerical, pictorial, or graphical representations, viewable by a user on the wrist of the user. Such a group of motivational indicia should provide such indicia for indicating the progress or completion of levels or steps or sections of a long term goal by a user which is representative of the aggregate progress relative to the user's long term goal. Such a device should be employable to continually provide a means for motivation for users toward completion of their long term and other goals. Still further, such a device and operative method should be providable to the user as a wearable band or bracelet employing indicia representing numerical counters, or pictorial or graphical depictions of achievements, which may be disposed individually on a plurality of removably engageable components which the user can selectively engage to the bracelet as motivation showing that their achievements have been met. Preferably, such engageable motivational components may be in the form of charms as to additionally enhance the aesthetic appeal of the worn bracelet as they are added on, which will further motivate the user in completing their goal and collecting the charms.
The forgoing examples of related art and the shortcomings thereof and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Neither are they intended to imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Motivation in completing portions and aggregate sections of actions toward personal goals is a key factor in the actual completion and accomplishment of that goal. Individuals are known to set personal goals for many reasons. For instance, some individuals set a personal goal to better themselves in general or in some specific endeavor or ability. Some individuals set goals for themselves to learn new skills such as cooking or photography and/or to gain knowledge. Other individuals may set goals to enjoy life more, work less, and take affirmative actions just to have fun. In fact, there is an infinite number of reasons for individuals to set achievement goals.
For example, a popular goal for many people may include health related goals such as losing weight and getting physically fit. Personal financial goals can include learning new skills for a new job or saving money. Other goals may include personal organization such as doing chores, or personal athletic goals such as learning sports or advancing skill levels. Educational goals can include better and faster reading, and so forth.
It is conventionally know that each of the goals will involve different sequential or concurrent steps and hurdles which must be completed or overcome in order to complete and accomplish the goal. Completion of each step, each series of steps, or other type of hurdle, will require accommodating customized user motivational needs along the way. Unfortunately, conventional motivational devices and methods provide no means to provide a device and method employed in concert therewith which can be employed for a plurality of varying goals a user may have. Neither does any prior art device or method provide a means for the user to provide and employ specific motivations attractive to an individual user which may be employed to provide ongoing and continuous motivation during a long march forward advancing on a particular goal.
The device herein disclosed and described and method of employment herein, provides a solution to the shortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted goals through the provision of a motivational device and method of employment which includes a user-wearable bracelet or band. The bracelet is configured for the employment of one or a plurality of motivational components in the form of removably engageable charm components and indicia. The band or bracelet can be manufactured of easy to manufacture and maintain material such as plastic, rubber, metal, magnets, leather, or fabric. However, each such bracelet should be formed from a material suitable for the intended purpose.
The band or bracelet is configured for a wrist encircling engagement and preferably includes a removable means for engagement of two ends of the band in the form of a removable buckle, clasp, latch, or other suitable means which also allows the user to expose and access at least one free end of the band for engaging the charms thereon.
Further, in at least one preferred mode, the buckle, clasp, latch, or similar means for removable engagement of the band ends, should also be configured to provide a means for band or bracelet length-adjustability. In doing so, the employment of such a removable means for engagement which is length adjustable will enable each band or bracelet to assume a one-size-fits-all mode of operation. In other modes the band may be a continuous band formed of resilient or stretchable material such that the user can simply stretch the band over their hand and onto their wrist. However, the provision of separable distal ends and an engagement therefor does allow for engagement of components over the end of the band and into the central portion.
Employed for individualized motivation toward an ultimate goal, the charms have indicia of a motivational nature disposed thereon. The imparted indicia may be related to a variety or types of personal goals and accomplishments people seek. Further, the engageable indicia may be sold or provided in individualized kits of engageable components each of which has indicia thereon adapted to provide motivation for a particular goal.
In use, upon starting or completing steps along the aggregate number of steps or action in a pathway to a personal goal, or upon completing the ultimate personal goal in itself, the user is provided, and engages, a corresponding charm component to the bracelet as a reminder and motivator of the accomplishments achieved to date or in total. The charms so adapted with indicia or shape or other configuration adapted toward completion of a particular goal, provide motivation to users in an ongoing and predictable fashion, over the entire course of accomplishing individual goal related tasks. Being positively reinforced, intermittently over the course of a plurality of steps completed in achieving a goal, provides users with ongoing motivational rewards or encouragement for individual and aggregate step completion, and thus provides a means for continuous encouragement to users to continue seeking and completing the tasks and steps required to achieve their goals, through this provision of a reward for each step or series of steps in the aggregate total which are accomplished long the way. In accordance with a first preferred mode, the indicia disposed on the plurality of removably engageable charms which are adapted for engagement to the wrist band, can comprise one or a combination of indicia from a group of indicia including but not limited to; alphanumeric characters, sentences, phrases, numbers, symbols, pictures, drawings, logos, graphics, shapes, and colors. Further, the indicia may be formed or imparted on at least one surface of the charm components by any suitable means for imparting indicia onto a surface including but not limited to printing, painting, etching, engraving, stenciling, casting, embedding, carving, or the like.
It is the intent of the invention that the indicia disposed on the charms provides or has a significant meaning to the individual user depending on their particular goal. For example, for a weight loss goal, the user may be provided with a plurality of numbered charms, wherein the number depicted represents weight lost in pounds (or kilograms, etc.) or a number of weeks maintained on a diet, etc. The indicia may also include photos or pictures of friends or relatives who take pride in the user's accomplishments toward the goal. Over the term of time where the user takes individual steps or actions to complete their goal, the user will be allowed to add or to interchange one or a plurality of indicia-laden charms, each of which bears indicia relating to the goal and providing some corresponding acknowledgment of the user's individual progress in an aggregate number of steps at the time, toward achieving their ultimate goal. The indicia can simply be stand alone numbering related to the steps or aggregate number of steps completed, or may include additional indicia to provide the user and third parties a context to the numerical value of the indicia. For weight loss the indicia may be indicative of pounds or kilograms and/or days or weeks on the goal path, and/or total loss in calories, etc.
As another example, the plurality of indicia may include graphic representations of images of household chores, for example, an image of a clean room, a broom, a mop, a lawn mower, a cleaned kitchen, toys put away in a basket, folded laundry, completed homework assignment etc. In this example, the device can be employed by a parent to their child, wherein the child given a charm after the completion of each chore which is also a ‘goal’ in one of an a total aggregate amount of chores or tasks assigned to the child by the parent.
Briefly, it is within the scope and intent of the present invention to provide a motivation system which can be employable by users having any type of goal. As such, the type, form, and content of the indicia, which is disposed upon or depicted on the charm components, can be of virtually any depiction and is not limited to the examples given above. It is therefor additionally noted that upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art may recognize other types or forms of the indicia which may be imparted and depicted on the plurality of charms to provide a motivational means and is anticipated within the overall intent and scope of the invention.
In at least one other preferred mode, the device is providable to the user in a kit which includes at least one group of removably engageable charms, and at least one bracelet. The group of removably engageable charms, is provided from an available plurality of such groups of available charms, with each group in the plurality, bearing indicia on the charms related to a particular goal or task. Thus, the available groups of indicia laden charms to users will be large, with each group having a plurality of charms with indicia related to sequential completion steps toward a goal. The bracelet provided the user may be a single bracelet, or a plurality, however each member of each group of indicia laden charms, is configured to engage with each bracelet individually, and with adjacent charms thereon also.
The user will thus be able to choose from the large plurality of groups of charms relating to respective individual goals, the group relating to their particular goal at hand. The group they are provided will be provided to match a provided or listed series of sequential steps required to accomplish the determined goal, and will include a plurality of removably engageable charms, with each adapted for engagement in a sequence related to individual goal accomplishments in the listed series of sequential steps. The user will then engage the indicia laden charm relating to the individual step or accomplishment from the sequential listing, as the user completes each of the series of sequential steps or accomplishments of the listing, from a first to a last. Upon the completion of each step or accomplishment in the defined series of sequential steps or accomplishments, the user is given reinforcement to continue by being allowed to engage the individual charm relating to the accomplished individual task or accomplishment relating to the charm. As noted, each of the charms in the group employed by the user will have varying indicia depicted thereon related to the group of tasks as a whole, and the individual task just accomplished in the series of sequential steps relating to the charms.
From the plurality of kits of indicia laden charms made available for the plurality of goals or accomplishments relating thereto, each kit may be provided with sequentially engaged charms, bearing step related indicia, to represent different individual steps in the different types of goals made available in groups of charms. For example a weight loss goal kit of charms may be available with different indicia on the sequentially engaged charms such as numbers showing weight lost, or indicia showing a human getting thinner. Alternatively, users may be provided a single kit including individual groups of goal-related charms with each group in the kit provided comprising a plurality of charms in a group relating to the individual delineated steps taken toward the ultimate goal.
In one mode, a starter kit can be purchased and may include the band component for engagement to the wrist, and adapted to engage possibly only a single set or group of charms each relating to accomplishment of a listed step toward the goal which may also be provided as direction for the user. There may then be made available, additional kits comprising a plurality of charms having indicia related to the particular type of goal, and relating to each step accomplished in a listed sequence. Therefor, the user can obtain the wearable bracelet band with their first starter kit of grouped charms, and continue to purchase additional groups of charms relating to other goals, as they begin to set and complete goals.
In yet another preferred mode, the user may purchase the charms and/or bracelet through a paid subscription type service. For example, providing an online service, a computer running a server employing software adapted at the task of providing a user with an interface which is accessible via a webpage, smart phone application, or other system, can be employed. In this mode, the user will choose their goal and sequential listing of steps needed to accomplish that goal. Thereafter they can electronically log in and keep track of their completed steps or accomplishments from the sequence required for their personal goals, and store the information in a database using provided software interfaces. The system can then be programmed to mail a particular corresponding charm, related to each accomplished step in the sequence toward the goal. The individual charms relating to the individual step completions will be sent to a predetermined or user-input mailing address of the user as each goal or each sequential step in the listing is achieved. Upon receiving the charm, the user can engage it to their bracelet which may have been purchased at a retail stored or through the paid service provided. This method is especially preferred since the user may be excited from the anticipation of the delivery of the charm through the mail, or other delivery service, which can provide further motivation.
With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects and embodiments, “comprising” means including, but not limited to, whatever follows the word “comprising”. Thus, use of the term “comprising” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. By “consisting of” is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase “consisting of”. Thus, the phrase “consisting of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present. By “consisting essentially of” is meant including any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase “consisting essentially of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect the activity or action of the listed elements.
Objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a preferred band component of the motivational bracelet device and system herein.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the band component formed into a bracelet wherein the distal ends are secured within a removably engageable clasp.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a preferred example of the removably engageable charm component, having numeric indicia disposed thereon which would relate to an individual step in a sequential number of steps toward a goal.

FIG. 4 shows an end view of the charm component detailing the passage configured for slidable engagement over the band.

FIG. 5 depicts a first side view of the charm component.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of another preferred mode of the charm component having a substantially C-shaped cross section which allows the user to engage the component to the band without having to slide it on from one end.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the charm of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of another preferred example of the charm component having sports graphic indicia disposed thereon, currently shown representing a baseball.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of yet another preferred example of the charm component having a graphic indicia disposed thereon relating to an individual household chore from a finite listing of chores, currently shown representing a broom.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of still another preferred example of the charm component having alphanumeric characters indicia disposed thereon, currently shown representing the character string “You Did It!” which could be awarded upon completion of all steps in a goal oriented sequence.

FIG. 11 shows a particularly preferred as-used mode of the device depicting a plurality of charms engaged to the band showing the sequence of individually accomplished tasks from a listing of tasks for a goal.

FIG. 12 shows another particularly preferred as-used mode of the device depicting a plurality of charms engaged to the band.

FIG. 13 shows a kit which is providable to the user comprising the band with clasp and a group of charms relating to a sequential listing of required tasks or accomplishments toward a defined goal.

FIG. 14 shows another preferred group of charms providable to the user comprising a plurality of charms, the group shown being related to individual steps from a listing to complete a ‘sports theme’ goal.

FIG. 15 depicts a listing of a goal “X” and the various sequential tasks required and identifies the charm awarded for accomplishment of each sequential task.

FIG. 16 depicts another of the goals made available from a group of listed goals with designated sequential tasks, and the charm awarded for each accomplished task.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.
Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-16, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 views of the wrist engageable band component 12 as part of the bracelet device 10 and method herein for providing ongoing motivation using the system herein. The various components of the device 10 disclosed herein can be formed of conventional materials such as metal, plastic, leather, rubber, or fabric, however can be formed of any material suitable for the purposes set forth in this disclosure.
In accordance with a first preferred mode, the band 12 employed by users to award themselves a charm upon completion of a task or item toward a goal, includes a first distal end 14 and a second distal end 16. In use the band 12 is configured to form a loop, or bracelet, such that the ends 14, 16 are brought together and engaged in clasp 20, or the like.
It is noted other suitable means known to one skilled in the art for securing the distal ends 14, 16 to form a loop may be employed and are anticipated. For example the clasp 20 may instead be a buckle, latch, tie, magnetic closure, or other suitable closure. As such the band 12 may or may not include indents 18 or cavities which are employed for a registered engagement with the buckle, clasp, etc. Further the clasp 20 may be configured to provide a certain length adjustability such that the device 10 is essentially a one-size-fits-all type article.
In use, one or both distal ends 14, 16 of the band 12 can be removed from the clasp 20 such that the user can slidably and removably engage one or a plurality of charms 22 thereon to provide a motivator and/or reminder of accomplishments towards a personal goal. Personalized motivation is provided through various related indicia disposed on the plurality of charms 22 which the user engages to the band 12 sequentially as they progress or complete their individual related tasks toward a goal.
FIGS. 3-5 show views of a first particularly preferred mode of the charm components 22 configured for removable engagement with the band 12. At least one surface 24 of the charm 22 includes indicia representing a completion of a sequential step or task towards a goal, or the goal itself disposed either on or below the surface 24. In the current figure, numeric indicia 26 is provided. This may be employed as means to count weight lost, weeks on a diet, money saved, books read, etc.
It is noted that the indicia disposed on the charms 22 in the groups of charms such as in FIG. 14, can be essentially any image, depiction, or representation as deemed suitable for the intended purpose of motivation. Upon reading this disclosure and the examples shown in the preferred modes, one skilled in the art will readily discern various modifications, changes, or substitutions to the size, shape, or form of the charms 22, as well as the type and form of the indicia disposed thereon which will provide a means to motivate the user, and as such are anticipated in this disclosure.
Again, in use, one or both distal ends 14, 16 of the band 12 can be removed from the clasp 20 such that the user can slidably and removably engage one or a plurality of charms 22 thereon as they complete their tasks toward a goal. As such the charms 22 include at least one passage 28 communicating through at least one surface of the charm which are configured for a slidable engagement over the exterior circumference of the band 12.
However, it is noted that in other preferred modes of the invention, the band 12 may be configured as a continuous band without accessible distal ends. Removable engagement of the charm 22 to the band 12 may be provided instead by forming the charm 22 with a substantially C-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. In other words, at least one surface of the charm 22 may have a gap 30 which communicates with the passage 28 such that the user can engage the charm 22 by sliding the band 12 through the gap 30.
FIGS. 8-10 shows views of additional preferred mode depicting possible examples of indicia disposed on the groups of charms 22 made available from a large number of such groups of charms 22 which relate to a particular goal. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 shows graphic depictions 32 showing a baseball and a broom respectively. These may be employed to motivate a user to complete sequential steps or tasks in a sports related goal or perform a sequential cleaning chore in a group thereof, for example in a housekeeping related goal system.
FIG. 10 shows an alphanumeric character string 34 which reads “You Did It!”. Of course, the character string 34 can be any sentence, phrase, or letter, suitable for motivation purposes. For example “You Can Do It!”, “Almost There”, “Don't Give Up!”, etc.
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 shows examples of as-used modes of the device 10 depicting a plurality of charms 22 engaged to the band 12. FIG. 11 shows a preferred mode of the device 10 employed for an athlete who is learning or advancing their skills in the sport. A coach, parent, or teacher may provide the bands 12 to their athletes and give out specific charms 22 as they complete goals or accomplish certain tasks. In the example the device 10 is employed to sequentially represent the wearer's number of home runs, as discerned from the charms 22 employing a combination of alphanumeric characters 34, numbers 26, and images 32. As shown the user has complete two home runs.
FIG. 12 shows an as-used mode of the device 10 depicting, for example, charms 22 representing various sequential chores a child has completed from a group of chores in a goal of accomplishing all of the group of chores. In this mode, the parent will have provided the child with the band 12 and has given the child individual charms 22 from a group of charms for cleaning their room and finishing homework, as shown by the representations of a broom graphic 32 and an ‘A+’ symbol 36 disposed on the plurality of charms 22. This type of goal like others may not necessarily be sequential, but will have a defined listing of steps to accomplish from a finite group. The charms are awarded once a step related thereto in the goal listing of steps or tasks is completed. Additionally, a charm 22 having a congratulatory alphanumeric character string 34 reading “you did it” is also shown engaged to the band 12 which could be awarded once the user completes all the tasks or steps listed for a goal.
The device 10 may be providable to the user through the purchase of kits 38, 42, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. A first kit 38 of FIG. 13 depicts a band 12 with clasp 20, and a group of charms 22 in a container or package 40. This kit 38 may be considered a type of starter kit, wherein the user is initially provided with the band 12 and clasp 20, and a related group of charms 22 simply depicting numerical indicia. Additional kits 42 with related groups of charms 22 in a container or package 44 may be purchased separately by the user representing certain goal types or ‘theme’ they wish to employ. As an example the kit 42 of FIG. 14 may be considered a ‘sports theme charm kit’ since all the charms 22 include indicia of sports related images. The system operator would provide groups of charms, goals with step listings from a group of goals, and the band 12 and allow users to self configure a kit of a group of charms and a goal with listed sequential tasks which are related to individual charms in the group and award for such.
It is noted that the indicia may be disposed on the charm 22 by any suitable means for imparting indicia onto or below a surface including but not limited to printing, painting, etching, engraving, embedding, stenciling, casting, carving, or the like.
In yet another preferred mode, the user may purchase the charms 22 and/or bracelet band 12 through a paid subscription type service. For example, providing an online service, a computer running a server employing software adapted at the task, provides a user with an interface which is accessible to via a webpage, smart phone application, or other system, where they can electronically keep track of their steps or accomplishments of their personal goals and store the information in a database provided. The system can then be programmed to mail a particular corresponding charm, which is related to the goal or accomplished step in a group of steps towards accomplishing the goal, to a predetermined mailing address of the user as the goal or step is achieved. Upon receiving the charm 22 or charms 22, the user can engage it to the band 12 which the user may have already purchased at a retail stored or through the paid service provided. This method is especially preferred since the user may be excited from the anticipation of the delivery of the charm through the mail or other delivery service, which can provide further motivation.
FIG. 15 depicts a listing 50 of a goal “X” and the various sequential tasks required to accomplish “X” and identifies the individual charm awarded for accomplishment of each sequential task in the listing. FIG. 16 shows another goal “Y” which depicts just two of the many different goals and listings of tasks for each which a user can take toward the goal. In addition to the plurality of goals with task listings which may be chosen from the large plurality of such offered, the user can also choose one group of charms from a plurality of groups of charms, such as in FIG. 14. The individual group of charms chosen would be the group which the user wishes to use as sequential award charms, for the steps completed toward the chosen goal.
As noted FIG. 16 depicts an exemplar of a provided goal 52 from the group of goals made available from plurality of listed goals with designated sequential tasks, and the charm groups awarded sequentially for each accomplished task. As noted the system can provide users with listing of tasks to accomplish many different goals from the large plurality of goals and listings available, such as two from the group which might be made available shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In the provided goal listing 50 and 52 with task or step listings, each task listed adjacent to the text (shown as dots) describing the required accomplishment, also relates a particular charm from a group of charms, chosen from a plurality of groups of charms, which are adapted with indicia relating to the goal, and provided in a sequential award listing with each individual charm related to one of the tasks or required accomplishments for the goal “x” or goal “y” of FIG. 16.
In addition to the provision of a group of goals and related tasks to those goals, as well as a group of charms relating to the goal which are awarded, the system can allow users to self-define their own goal, and provide their own sequential listing of tasks or accomplishments required, as well as to choose their own group of charms from the plurality of groups of charms made available, and make their own sequential award listing for each charm to be awarded and attached to a bracelet subsequent to the performance of a related task. In this fashion the system can provide users the choice of any goal from the plurality of goals provides, along with charms relating to various sequential steps in the goal, or, allow users to self define a goal, the steps, and associate charms the user chooses in a group of charms from the plurality of groups of charms made available for choosing.
Whether using the provided goal and step listing and chosen associated charms, or using a user defined goal and steps toward that goal, and a user chosen group of charms from the plurality available for sequential awarding, the system herein provides users with ongoing positive reinforcement for all or a plurality of sequentially performed tasks or steps, by the provision of a charm related thereto and attachable to the bracelet worn by the user.
This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled in the art could discover these. The explication of the features of this invention does not limit the claims of this application; other applications developed by those skilled in the art will be included in this invention.
It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner.
While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for motivating a user to complete a goal comprising the steps of:

defining a group of associated individual steps requiring completion to accomplish a goal;

providing a user a removably engageable bracelet and group of charms;

providing an association of each individual charm from said group of charms with a respective said individual step from said group of associated steps;

allowing said user to complete each said individual step from said group of associated individual steps; and

subsequent to a completion of each individual step from said group of associated steps, allowing said user to engage a said individual charm related to said individual step completed, to said bracelet, whereby said user is provided with ongoing motivation to complete all of said individual steps and accomplish said goal by said engagement of said charms to said bracelet.

2. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising:

placing indicia on each of said group of charms; and

relating said indicia placed on each said charm, to a said individual step associated with a respective said individual charm.

3. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising:

providing a plurality of goals each with an associated listing of said associated individual steps requiring completion to accomplish said goal;

providing a plurality of groups of charms;

allowing said user to choose a said goal with a said associated listing of associated individual steps requiring completion to accomplish said goal, from said plurality of goals;

allowing said user to choose one group of charms from said plurality of groups of charms; and

associating each of said group of charms with one of said individual steps required for completion of said goal chosen by said user.

4. The method of claim 3, additionally comprising:

providing a server with software configured to communicate a webpage over a network;

allowing a user to choose said goal with said associated listing of individual steps over said network;

allowing said user to communicate they have completed a said individual step required for completion of said goal; and

for each communication of a completed said individual step, employing software adapted to initiate a mailing of a said charm from said group of charms to said user, which is associated with said individual step communicated by said user as complete.

5. The method of claim 3, additionally comprising:

providing said steps required for completion of said goal in a sequential order; and

requiring said user to complete said steps in said sequential order.