Weight Loss Reminder Printed on Tableware

Abstract

A motivational messaging system designed for use with tableware. The system is designed to constantly remind the user at the time of eating to eat less food, eat healthy foods, Push the Plate, and leave some food on the plate. Over time, the constant reminders become habit forming, thereby helping the user achieve their weight loss goal. The system comprises a food plate and at least one motivational image. The at least one motivational image is imprinted on a top surface of the plate, surrounding the food items. One of the motivational images comprises a first message and a direction symbol. Together, the first message and the direction symbol instruct the user to push the plate away in order to avoid overeating. Thus, the motivational messaging system is designed to remind the user to eat slightly less foods and eat nutritious foods by leaving some food on the plate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to tableware. More specifically, the present invention is a motivational messaging system integrated onto a plate to help the user lose weight.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Weight loss is a daunting process that takes a lot of time and perseverance to achieve. Through motivational support and constant reminders, a person can stay on track with their weight loss goals and not be discouraged when they do not see rapid results.

[0003] The present invention is a motivational messaging system designed for use with tableware. The messaging system is most effective when combined with a weight loss program. Alternatively, the messaging system can be a weight loss program in and of itself, providing the user with the necessary reminders to stay on track and eat healthy to lose weight. An objective of the present invention is to constantly remind the user at the time of eating to eat less food, eat healthy foods, Push the Plate®, and leave some food on your plate. Over time, the constant reminders become habit forming, thereby helping the user achieve their weight loss goal.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a motivational messaging system comprising any tableware item (preferably a plate) and at least one motivational image affixed to the tableware item. For a plate collection system, the motivational images are positioned along the top surface of each plate. In this arrangement, the user is told over and over by various expressions printed on the plates, to eat less foods, eat healthy foods, Push the Plate®, leave some foods on your plate, and you will eventually lose weight, naturally.

[0005] Thus, the messaging system reminds the user how to lose weight by selectively positioning the motivational message in front of the user at the time of eating. Stated differently, the messaging system is a Reminder Plate that your food is served, thereby helping the user lose weight through motivational support. In order to eat, the plate will always be in front of the user at each and every meal. Over time, the constant reminders become habit forming, thereby helping the user achieve their weight loss goal.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the present invention, according to a first embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the present invention, according to a second embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a top plan exploded view of the present invention, showing the plate and each of the motivational images separated for clarity.DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0010] In reference to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention is a motivational messaging system 1 for use on tableware. The motivational messaging system 1 is most effective when combined with a weight loss program. However, in other embodiments, the motivational messaging system 1 can be a weight loss program in and of itself, depending on user preference. An objective of the present invention is to constantly remind the user at the time of eating to eat less food, eat healthy foods, Push the Plate®, and leave some food on your plate. Over time, the motivational messaging system 1 will help the user lose excess weight naturally.

[0011] To achieve this objective, the present invention comprises a food plate 2 and at least one motivational image 3. The at least one motivational image 3 is imprinted on a top surface 21 of the plate, preferably offset from the center of the plate. In other embodiments, the at least one motivational image 3 can be attached to the plate by any other means, such as double-sided adhesive or laser etching. In this arrangement, the at least one motivational image 3 will always be in front of the user at each and every meal, thereby reminding the user to eat slightly less foods and eat nutritious foods by leaving some food on the plate.

[0012] Preferably, the food plate 2 is made from a ceramic material which allows the plate to be cleaned and reused after each use. In this embodiment, the at least one motivational image 3 is permanently affixed to the ceramic plate 2 using a heat treatment process, including but not limited to dye sublimation printing. Alternatively, the plate 2 can be made from less durable but more economical material such as paper. In this embodiment, the at least one motivational image 3 is preferably made from vegetable ink that is applied directly onto the paper plate 2 using any known method.

[0013] It is understood that the material selection for each of the plate 2 and the at least one motivational image 3 is not limited to the aforementioned description. Thus, the plate 2 and the at least one motivational image 3 can be constructed from any suitable material based on design, user, and or manufacturing requirements. Likewise, the process used to affix the motivational image 3 to the plate 2 is also not limited and can be affixed using any known process based on design, user, and or manufacturing requirements.

[0014] Further, the motivational messaging system 1 is not limited for use only on plates 2. In other embodiments, the at least one motivational image 3 can be applied to any other tableware item including but not limited to dinnerware (e.g., bowls, serving dishes), drinkware (e.g., cups, glasses, pitchers), and flatware (e.g., forks, knives, serving spoons).

[0015] The plate 2 can be of any size and shape. In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 1, the plate 2 is circular in shape and substantially flat, extending radially outward from a center axis 23 to the outer rim 22. In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, the plate 2 further comprises a recessed section 24 that extends laterally inward into the top surface 21 to a predefined depth. Further, the recessed section 24 extends radially outward from the center axis 23 to a predefined diameter (i.e., circular in shape), thereby forming an outer lip 25 on the plate.

[0016] In reference to FIG. 3, the at least one motivational image 3 comprises a first motivational image 4. The first motivational image 4 is preferably positioned offset from the center axis 23, positioned near the bottom of the plate 2 and towards the user. Here, the first motivational image 4 comprises a first message 41 that instructs the user to push the plate away. In addition, the first motivational image 4 further comprises a direction symbol 42. Here, the direction symbol 42 is positioned adjacent to the first message 41 and pointing towards the first message 41. Preferably, the direction symbol 42 is in the form of an arrow superimposed over a circle, wherein the circle represents the plate 2. In this arrangement, the combination of the first message 41 and the direction symbol 42 makes clear to the user that in order to lose weight, the user should push the plate away so that it's not tempting to eat the entire meal.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first motivational image 4 further comprises a second message 43. As seen in FIG. 1, the second message 43 is positioned below the first message 41, perimetrically positioned within the outer rim 22 of the plate. In other embodiments, as seen in FIG. 2 where the plate contains a recessed section 24, the second message 43 can be perimetrically positioned within the recessed section 24 and arc-shaped to match the curvature of the circular recessed section 24. Stated another way, the arc-shaped second message 43 is concentric with the circular recessed section 24. Here, the second message 43 is in the form of a reminder to read the first message 41 in order to lose weight.

[0018] Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the first motivational image 4 further comprises a third message 44. The third message 44 is in the form of a motivational phrase positioned above the first message 41. Preferably, the third message 44 can be customized to convey any one of a variety of motivational phrases, including but not limited to “A True Way to Diet.”

[0019] Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the at least one motivational image 3 further comprises a second motivational image 5. The second motivational image 5 is preferably positioned near the top of the plate 2. Here, the second motivational image 5 comprises a fourth message 51 in the form of a motivational phrase that instructs the user to eat less to survive. As seen in FIG. 1, the fourth message 51 extends perimetrically within the outer rim 22 of the plate, oppositely aligned with the second message 43. In other embodiments, as seen in FIG. 2 where the plate contains a recessed section 24, the fourth message 51 can be perimetrically positioned within the recessed section 24, oppositely aligned with the second message 43. Further, as seen in FIG. 2, the fourth message 51 is arc-shaped to match the curvature of the circular recessed section 24. Stated another way, the arc-shaped fourth message 51 is concentric with the circular recessed section 24. In this arrangement, all four messages 41, 43, 44, and 51 are vertically aligned from top to bottom, making it easy for the user to read and follow along.

[0020] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A motivational messaging system for use on tableware, the system comprising:a plate;at least one motivational image;the at least one motivational image being attached to a top surface of the plate;a recessed section extending laterally inward into the top surface;the at least one motivational image comprising a first motivational image and a second motivational image;the first motivational image being offset from a center axis of the plate, positioned towards the user;the first motivational image comprising a first message, a direction symbol, a second message, and a third message;the direction symbol being positioned adjacent to the first message, pointing towards the first message;the second message being positioned below the first message;the third message being positioned above the first message;the first message instructing the user to push the plate away;the second message reminding the user to read the first message;the third message being in a form of a motivational phrase;the second motivational image comprising a fourth message;the second message and the fourth message each extending perimetrically within the recessed section;the recessed section being circular in shape;the second message and the fourth message each being arc-shaped;the arc-shaped second message and the arc-shaped fourth message each being concentric with the circular recessed section;the fourth message being oppositely aligned with the second message; andthe fourth message instructing the user to eat less to survive.

2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. (canceled)7. (canceled)8. (canceled)9. The motivational messaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate is made from a ceramic material.

10. The motivational messaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate is made from paper material.

11. (canceled)12. (canceled)13. (canceled)14. (canceled)15. (canceled)16. A motivational messaging system for use on tableware, the system comprising:a plate;at least one motivational image;the at least one motivational image being attached to a top surface of the plate;the plate being made from paper material;a recessed section extending laterally inward into the top surface;the at least one motivational image comprising a first motivational image and a second motivational image;the first motivational image being offset from a center axis of the plate, positioned towards the user;the first motivational image comprising a first message, a direction symbol, a second message, and a third message;the direction symbol being positioned adjacent to the first message, pointing towards the first message;the second message being positioned below the first message;the third message being positioned above the first message;the first message instructing the user to push the plate away;the second message reminding the user to read the first message;the third message being in a form of a motivational phrase;the second motivational image comprising a fourth message;the second message and the fourth message each extending perimetrically within the recessed section;the recessed section being circular in shape;the second message and the fourth message each being arc-shaped;the arc-shaped second message and the arc-shaped fourth message each being concentric with the circular recessed section;the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message being vertically aligned; andthe fourth message instructing the user to eat less to survive.

17. (canceled)18. (canceled)

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