GB2442133A

GB2442133A - Wristband

Info

Publication number: GB2442133A
Application number: GB0718424A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Dudley Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-23
Filing date: 2007-09-21
Publication date: 2008-03-26
Also published as: GB0618842D0; GB0718424D0

Abstract

A wristband 10 comprises a body portion 12 for encircling the wrist of a wearer, a fastening mechanism 14 for fastening the body portion, an aperture 16 for receiving a photograph, and a message portion 20 for displaying a message. The conscience wristband works simply as a device for helping a person with an addiction by ensuring the person with the habit has a constant reminder of his peers' commitment to support. It also allows other people to notice and support the addict's attempt to quit. The fastening mechanism is lockable using a ratcheting type lock, whereby raised components of the mechanism pass through loops, and the aperture 16 is a one-way entry slot which means the photograph cannot be removed.

Description

* 2442133

DESCRIPTION

CONSCIENCE BAND

This invention relates to a wristband.

There are many concepts and inventions which profess to be the cure for habitual addictions, but it must be said, like many quick fix programmes, there is a large dependency on whether the individual concerned reacts to that particular system. What is clear is that no one can profess to have a concept which will have an impact on all habitual dependants. In general, most solutions to problems with addictions such as smoking, gambling and drug use, are either specifically targeted to the addiction (such as nicotine patches for smokers) and therefore do not have application outside the specific perceived problem, or they are general solutions such as hypnotism, which do not have a particularly good effect as a treatment on a wide enough range of different people.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon the known art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wristband comprising a body portion for encircling the wrist of a wearer, a fastening mechanism for fastening the body portion, an aperture for receiving a photograph, and a message portion for displaying a message.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a device that will help an addict to reduce or remove their addiction. The conscience wristband relies on probably the most successful concept of all time, the power of peer persuasion. Psychologiàally our minds have one common facet, we as individuals can be manipulated by basic senses i.e.; the feelings of others. You will often hear the time old saying "love conquers all" or "the power of Love".

The conscience wristband uses that principle, just in a different format.

The conscience wristband is a buckled band which is placed around the wrist. The band has an aperture which allows a passport size photograph to be placed inside. Each band has a "Do Not" sign positioned on either side of the photograph aperture with text written on the wristband. The text relates the photo to the person who is wearing the wristband, with a prefix such as Daddy/Dad, Mummy/Mum, Brother, Sister, Daughter, Son, Friend, Mate, with a title such as Please Don't Smoke/Please Don't Drink/Please Don't do Drugs/Please lose weight/Please don't drink and Drive.

The conscience wrist band is a bracelet form unit which has an interlocking clasp which cannot easily be undone by the wearer. There is unique text on the band which is aimed specifically at the wearer. The aperture which holds the photograph has a one way entry slot on the clasp side of the photograph holder to eliminate removal by the wearer. There is a plastic film or glass (dependant on manufactured media) which protects the photograph from damage. The photograph to use in the wristband is supplied by the purchaser of the wristband. The bands can be produced in: plastic, foam, rubber, resin, and suitable metals. The band length can be cut to size.

The principle and concept of the wristband is the use of habitual deterrents. Using peer pressure to persuade a smoker or a drinker to quit is often used without a great deal of success. Smokers will often submit to pressure at time of persuasion but within minutes once out of sight, as they say "out of sight, out of mind", and the habit kicks back in again. The wristband works on the premise of "in sight, in mind". The conscience wristband works simply by ensuring the person with the habit has a constant reminder of his peers' commitment to support him through his addiction. It also allows other people to notice and support the addict's attempt to quit. The addict is helped to beat their addiction, but without any chemical or other invasive treatment being performed on the user's body.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a wristband, and Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the wristband.

The wristband 10 of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a body portion 12 for encircling the wrist of a wearer, a fastening mechanism 14 for fastening the body portion 12, an aperture 16 for receiving a photograph 18, and a message portion 20 for displaying a message. The fastening mechanism 14 comprises two separate components 14 at either end of the body 12, which when the wristband 10 is fastened to a user's arm will mate. The fastening mechanism

14 is adjustable.

The fastening mechanism 14 can be lockable. This can be achieved via the use of a ratcheting type lock such that once the raised components 14a of io the mechanism pass through the loops 14b (see Figure 2), they cannot be withdrawn. This has the advantage that the addict cannot remove the wristband 10, and therefore cannot escape from the message that it carries.

This gives the wearer a constant reminder of the message from their loved one, and also via the precise text of the message portion 20 a steady message concerning their addiction.

The aperture 16 can comprise a one-way entry slot. This means that once the photograph 18 has been placed in the wristband 10, then it cannot be removed. This means that there is no escape from the image in the photograph 18. This will all help to focus the mind of the addict, as they are constantly reminded of the message and associated image that will help them to kick their addiction. In combination with the feature that the fastening mechanism 14 can be locked to the user's wrist, this creates a powerful and constant communication to the user, which does not vary, and cannot be escaped.

The wristband can be further configured to carry additional messages.

For example, it may further comprise a pair of signs on either side of the aperture 16. Each sign of the pair of signs on either side of the aperture 16 might comprise a "do not" sign.

The aperture 16 serves as a picture entry slot. The wristband 10 is formed as an adjustable bracelet with a size that is adjustable. The aperture 16 is of a suitable size for a small photograph. The wristband 10 is made from silicone rubber, and the colours of the band 10 can be various different colours.

The type of text that can be carried by the wristband 10 is as follows: Daddy please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs) Mummy please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs) Friend please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs) Brother please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs) Sister please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs) Babe please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs) Son please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs) Daughter please (don't smoke) (lose weight) (don't drink) (don't do drugs).

Claims

1. A wristband comprising * a body portion for encircling the wrist of a wearer, * a fastening mechanism for fastening the body portion, * an aperture for receiving a photograph, and * a message portion for displaying a message.

2. A wristband according to claim 1, wherein the fastening io mechanism is adjustable.

3. A wristband according to claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism is lockable.

4. A wristband according to claim 1, 2 or 3, and further comprising a pair of signs on either side of the aperture.

5. A wristband according to claim 4, and wherein each sign of the pair of signs on either side of the aperture comprises a "do not" sign.

6. A wristband substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A wristband according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture comprises a one-way entry slot.