Patent Application
20090193847
Not Applicable
None and Not Applicable
None and Not Applicable
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.
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.
